bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the influence of novel drying methods on sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.): Kinetics, energy consumption, color, and microstructure
Authors: Onwude Daniel I. , Hashim Norhashila , Abdan Khalina , Janius Rimfiel , Chen Guangnan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis study investigated the drying kinetics, specific energy consumption (SEC), color, and microstructural changes of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) based on experimental set‐up of convective hot‐air drying (CHAD), infrared drying (IRD), and combined infrared and convective‐hot‐air drying (IR‐CHAD). The experiments were carried out at three air temperatures (50, 60 and 70 °C) and two IR intensities (1,100 and 1,400 W/m2) for sweet potato slices of 4 and 6 mm, respectively. The experimental results showed that the drying kinetics and mass transfer characteristic were significantly affected by drying air temperature, IR intensity, and thickness of the product. Combined IR‐CHAD provided a higher drying rate with the shortest drying time when compared with CHAD and IRD. The IRD resulted in the lowest SEC values. The combined IR‐CHAD resulted in 69.34–85.59% reduction in the SEC of CHAD. For combined IR‐CHAD, an increase in the IR intensity at each temperature and slice thickness caused a decrease in the total SEC value. Dried sweet potato slices using CHAD and IR1‐CHAD at intensity of 1,100 W/m2 showed the best color attributes. Combined IR‐CHAD proved to be a very efficient drying method for the drying sweet potato and can be used for both industrial and commercial purposes.Practical applicationsThe rising concern regarding a more efficient drying method has rapidly increased the demand for novel drying techniques that can be used to produce premium dried sweet potato. However, most of these novel drying methods have not been thoroughly investigated and technical comparison with the common conventional methods have not been widely reported. In this respect, this study has shown that the novel combined IR‐CHAD is a very promising drying method for the industrial drying of sweet potato. This drying method could reduce the over drying time by 63–74% and SEC by 85% when compared with drying using conventional CHAD method. The combined IR‐CHAD at a lower IR intensity of 1,100 W/m2 could also provide dried sweet potato of better quality. The will amount to a reduction of the overall production cost which adversely could affect the prices of the final quality products.
Role of Food Safety Management Systems in safe food production: A review
Authors: Panghal Anil , Chhikara Navnidhi , Sindhu Neelesh , Jaglan Sundeep 
Published: March 2018

AbstractFood safety and quality has received attention in the agri‐food sector and is basis of all initiatives taken on different activity levels starting from farm to enterprises as a whole on regional, national, and international levels. A hybrid of the ISO 9001, Quality Management System and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), ISO 22000 has been developed as an international solution for improving the food safety. Instead of applying good manufacturing practices, HACCP and ISO 9001:2000 separately, ISO 22000:2005 is implemented to observe the synergetic effect and to ensure food safety in food supply chain. ISO 22000 also known as Food Safety Management System (FSMS) is an international auditable standard. Standard ensures safe food supply throughout the chain and provide a framework of internationally harmonized system for the global approach. ISO 22000 incorporates critical control point and hazard analysis systems in more improved form to produce much effective auditable FSMS. This standard endorses conformity of services and products for international trading by assuring about reliability, food quality, and food safety.Practical applicationsThe role exploration of Food Safety Management System (FSMS) in implementing food safety throughout the food production and supply chain is reviewed in this paper. The goal “once certified, accepted worldwide” of Globe Food Safety Initiative theme discussed to help industries and researchers. ISO 22000 along with its sister standards are auditable, reliable, and reasonable to ensure safe production, distribution, and consumption of food. During review of literature it is revealed that all technical aspects and requirements to implement the FSMS are not discussed on one place and thus leading to confusion. The aim of this review is to discuss different requirements, documentations, and systems in place for the certification of standards and the article will be helpful for the industries, technocrats, academicians, researchers, and policy framers.
Semantic and Phonemic Verbal Fluency Discrepancy in Mild Cognitive Impairment: Potential Predictor of Progression to Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Vaughan Roisin M. , Coen Robert F. , Kenny RoseAnne , Lawlor Brian A. 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesTo assess the utility of verbal fluency discrepancy scores in predicting progression to Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a cohort of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).DesignCase control.SettingCases identified from new referrals to a memory clinic and controls identified from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing.ParticipantsOf 308 individuals with MCI at baseline identified from consecutive referrals to a memory clinic and compared at with age‐, sex‐, and education‐matched controls (n=302), 161 completed 2 years of follow‐up or progressed to AD during the study period.MeasurementsVerbal fluency discrepancy (semantic–phonemic fluency) scores at baseline were calculated for each participant. Each case was followed with repeated neuropsychological measurements, and multidisciplinary consensus diagnosis was recorded.ResultsMean discrepancy score for those who progressed to AD (2.7) was significantly lower than for those who retained a MCI diagnosis (4.8) and normal controls (7.7) (p<.001). Logistic regression revealed that, for each unit decrease in discrepancy score at baseline, the odds of progressing to AD were 9% greater. (Exp(B) = 1.09, p=.02)ConclusionIndividuals with MCI have less of a semantic advantage than those without MCI. Those with MCI presenting with a phonemic advantage at initial assessment warrant close follow‐up and a high index of suspicion for progression to AD.
Mortality and Functional Outcomes After Minor Urological Surgery in Nursing Home Residents: A National Study
Authors: Suskind Anne M. , Zhao Shoujun , Walter Louise C. , Boscardin W. John , Finlayson Emily 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesTo determine outcomes of minor urological surgery in frail older adults.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingU.S. nursing homes (NHs).ParticipantsNH residents aged 65 and older undergoing minor inpatient urological surgery (cystoscopy, bladder biopsy, transurethral resection of bladder tumor, prostate biopsy, transurethral resection of prostate, removal of ureteral obstruction, suprapubic tube placement) in the United States between 2004 and 2012 (N=34,605).MeasurementsOne‐year mortality and changes in functional status before and after surgery using the Minimum Data Set Activity of Daily Living (MDS‐ADL) summary scale.ResultsOverall 1‐year mortality was 50%, and on average, residents had a 1.9‐point worsening in their MDS‐ADL score at 1 year, whereas the most highly functional residents (baseline quartile of MDS‐ADL scores (0–12)) had a 4.7‐point worsening in their MDS‐ADL scores at 1 year. Functional decline in residents 1 year after surgery was associated with decline in function in the 6 months before surgery (adjusted hazard ratio (aH)=2.39, 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.29–2.49), emergency procedures (aHR=1.37, 95% CI=1.31–1.43), older age (≥85 vs 65–74, aHR=1.17, 95% CI=1.11–1.23), and baseline cognitive impairment (aHR=1.15, 95% CI=1.11–1.20).ConclusionDespite the low complexity of minor urological procedures, NH residents experience high mortality and many demonstrate sustained functional decline up to 1‐year postoperatively.
Plant G proteins interact with endoplasmic reticulum luminal protein receptors to regulate endoplasmic reticulum retrieval
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Xie Ke , Xu Guoyong , Zhou Huarui , Guo Qiang , Wu Jingyi , Liao Zengwei , Liu Na , Wang Yan , Liu Yule 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMaintaining endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis is essential for the production of biomolecules. ER retrieval, i.e., the retrograde transport of compounds from the Golgi to the ER, is one of the pathways that ensures ER homeostasis. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of ER retrieval in plants remain largely unknown. Plant ERD2‐like proteins (ERD2s) were recently suggested to function as ER luminal protein receptors that mediate ER retrieval. Here, we demonstrate that heterotrimeric G protein signaling is involved in ERD2‐mediated ER retrieval. We show that ERD2s interact with the heterotrimeric G protein Gα and Gγ subunits at the Golgi. Silencing of Gα, Gβ, or Gγ increased the retention of ER luminal proteins. Furthermore, overexpression of Gα, Gβ, or Gγ caused ER luminal proteins to escape from the ER, as did the co‐silencing of ERD2a and ERD2b. These results suggest that G proteins interact with ER luminal protein receptors to regulate ER retrieval.
New constraints on granulite facies metamorphism and melt production in the Lewisian Complex, northwest Scotland
Authors: Feisel Yves , White Richard W. , Palin Richard M. , Johnson Tim E. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn this study, we investigate the metamorphic history of the Assynt and Gruinard blocks of the Archean Lewisian Complex, northwest Scotland, which are considered by some to represent discrete crustal terranes. For samples of mafic and intermediate rocks, phase diagrams were constructed in the Na2O–CaO–K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O–TiO2–O2 (NCKFMASHTO) system using whole‐rock compositions. Our results indicate that all samples equilibrated at similar peak metamorphic conditions of ~8–10 kbar and ~900–1,000°C, consistent with field evidence for in situ partial melting and the classic interpretation of the central region of the Lewisian Complex as representing a single crustal block. Melt‐reintegration modelling was employed in order to estimate probable protolith compositions. Phase equilibria calculated for these modelled undepleted precursors match well with those determined for a subsolidus amphibolite from Gairloch in the southern region of the Lewisian Complex. Both subsolidus lithologies exhibit similar phase relations and potential melt fertility, with both expected to produce orthopyroxene‐bearing hornblende granulites, with or without garnet, at the conditions inferred for the Badcallian metamorphic peak. For fully hydrated protoliths, prograde melting is predicted to first occur at ~620°C and ~9.5 kbar, with up to 45% partial melt predicted to form at peak conditions in a closed‐system environment. Partial melts calculated for both compositions between 610 and 1,050°C are mostly trondhjemitic. Although the melt‐reintegrated granulite is predicted to produce more potassic (granitic) melts at ~700–900°C, the modelled melts are consistent with the measured compositions of felsic sheets from the central region Lewisian Complex.
Molecular characterization and polymorphisms of butyrylcholinesterase in cynomolgus macaques
Authors: Uno Yasuhiro , Uehara Shotaro , Mahadhi Hassan M.D. , Ohura Kayoko , Hosokawa Masakiyo , Imai Teruko 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundButyrylcholinesterase (BChE), an enzyme essential for drug metabolism, has been investigated as antidotes against organophosphorus nerve agents, and the efficacy and safety have been studied in cynomolgus macaques. BChE polymorphisms partly account for variable BChE activities among individuals in humans, but have not been investigated in cynomolgus macaques.MethodsMolecular characterization was carried out by analyzing primary sequence, gene, tissue expression, and genetic variants.ResultsIn cynomolgus and human BChE, phylogenetically closely related, amino acid residues important for enzyme function were conserved, and gene and genomic structure were similar. Cynomolgus BChE mRNA was most abundantly expressed in liver among the 10 tissue types analyzed. Re‐sequencing found 26 non‐synonymous genetic variants in 121 cynomolgus and 23 rhesus macaques, indicating that macaque BChE is polymorphic, although none of these variants corresponded to the null or defective alleles of human BChE.ConclusionsThese results suggest molecular similarities of cynomolgus and human BChE.
Individualized immunoglobulin therapy in chronic immune‐mediated peripheral neuropathies*
Authors: Allen Jeffrey A. , Berger Melvin , Querol Luis , Kuitwaard Krista , Hadden Robert D. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractDespite the well‐recognized importance of immunoglobulin therapy individualization during the treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), the pathway to best achieve optimization is unknown. There are many pharmacokinetic and immunobiologic variables that can potentially influence the appropriateness of any individual therapy. Although identification of specific autoantibodies and their targets has only been accomplished in a minority of patients with CIDP, already the diagnostic and treatment implications of specific autoantibody detection are being realized. Individual variability in IgG pharmacokinetic properties including IgG catabolic rates and distribution, as well as the IgG level necessary for disease control also require consideration during the optimization process. For optimization to be successful there must be a measure of treatment response that has a clinically meaningful interpretation. There are currently available well‐defined and validated clinical assessment tools and outcome measures that are well suited for this purpose. While there remains much to learn on how best to manipulate immunopathology and immunoglobulin pharmacokinetics in the most favorable way, there currently exists an understanding of these principles to a degree sufficient to begin to develop rational and evidence‐based treatment optimization strategies.
Strengths promoting the recovery process in older adults with depression
Authors: Tanaka Koji 
Published: March 2018

Aims and objectivesTo clarify strengths for promoting the recovery process among older adults with depression in Japan.BackgroundWith the ageing of the global population, care and treatment of older adults with depression has been attracting increased attention around the world. It has become clear that the inner strength is inversely related to depression in older adults and that the use of inner strength is becoming a key concept in the context of caring for older adults with depression.DesignQualitative descriptive design.MethodsParticipant observation and narrative interviews were conducted individually with 12 older adults with depression in care‐based and daily life settings. The data obtained were subjected to thematic analysis using the narrative method to extract themes and subthemes.ResultsA total of three themes and 12 subthemes were elucidated. Strengths found to promote the recovery process in older adults with depression were (i) a sense of emotional connection, (ii) dialogue with life and (iii) discovery.ConclusionsStrengths promoting the recovery process from a whole‐person perspective were clarified by conceptualising the experiences of older adults with depression with a strength orientation. A sense of emotional connection constituted a basis for promoting the recovery process. Dialogue with life and discovery were thought to represent the wisdom and spirituality found in the experience of old age and depression.Relevance to clinical practiceWhile regarding the results of this study as basic knowledge, focusing on subjects’ individual narratives of illness and recovery will open the possibility of a strength‐oriented nursing practice for older adults with depression and lead to the provision of care that promotes recovery.
Association of plasma neopterin with risk of an inpatient hospital diagnosis of atrial fibrillation: results from two prospective cohort studies
Authors: Zuo H. , Nygård O. , Ueland P. M. , Vollset S. E. , Svingen G. F. T. , Pedersen E. R. , Midttun Ø. , Meyer K. , Nordrehaug J. E. , Nilsen D. W. T. , Tell G. S. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundLink between inflammation and atrial fibrillation (AF) has been increasingly recognized. Neopterin, a biomarker of cellular immune activation, may be associated with incident AF.ObjectiveTo investigate the association between plasma neopterin levels and risk of an inpatient hospital diagnosis of AF, and to evaluate a joint association of neopterin and a nonspecific inflammatory marker C‐reactive protein (CRP) in two prospective cohorts.MethodsWe performed a prospective analysis from a community‐based cohort (the Hordaland Health Study (HUSK), n = 6891), and validated the findings in a cohort of patients with suspected stable angina pectoris (the Western Norway Coronary Angiography Cohort (WECAC), n = 2022).ResultsIn both cohorts, higher plasma levels of neopterin were associated with an increased risk of incident AF after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, current smoking, diabetes, hypertension and renal function. The multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) per one SD increment of log‐transformed neopterin was 1.20 (1.10–1.32) in HUSK and 1.26 (1.09–1.44) in WECAC. Additional adjustment for CRP did not materially affect the risk association for neopterin. The highest risk of AF was found among individuals with both neopterin and CRP levels above the median (HR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.16–2.05 in HUSK and HR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.11–2.52 in WECAC).ConclusionsOur findings indicate an association of plasma neopterin with risk of an inpatient hospital diagnosis of AF, which remains after adjustment for traditional risk factors as well as for CRP. This study highlights a role of cellular immune activation, in addition to inflammation, in AF pathogenesis.
Congruency of resources and demands and their effects on staff turnover within the English health care sector
Authors: Fletcher Luke , Carter Matthew , Lyubovnikova Joanne 
Published: March 2018

This study examines, at the organizational level, the congruency between job demands and resources and their effects on staff turnover within the English health care sector. Polynomial regression analyses conducted on 164 acute hospitals trusts found support for the predictions that organizations with congruent levels of resources and demands would have relatively low staff turnover whereas those with incongruent levels would have relatively high staff turnover. Overall, the study indicates that individual job design should be considered within a broader organizational design perspective.Practitioner points

We examined the organizational‐level relationships between job demands, job resources, and staff turnover within the English health care sector.

Organizations comprised of many highly demanding jobs should offer higher levels of resources to help retain staff.

However, some organizations may still see relatively high levels of staff turnover even after offering higher levels of resources. Conversely, some may see low levels of staff turnover, yet poor motivation and performance. Therefore, influencing levels of demands rather than simply offering more resources is important in these contexts.
Visualizing the effects of metformin on tumor growth, vascularity, and metabolism in head and neck cancer
Authors: Verma Aparajita , Rich Laurie J. , Vincent‐Chong Vui King , Seshadri Mukund 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundThe antidiabetic drug metformin (Met) is believed to inhibit tumor proliferation by altering the metabolism of cancer cells. In this study, we examined the effects of Met on tumor oxygenation, metabolism, and growth in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) using non‐invasive multimodal imaging.Materials and MethodsSevere combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice bearing orthotopic FaDu HNSCC xenografts were treated with Met (200 mg/kg, ip) once daily for 5 days. Tumor oxygen saturation (%sO2) and hemoglobin concentration (HbT) were measured using photoacoustic imaging (PAI). Fluorescence imaging was employed to measure intratumoral uptake of 2‐deoxyglucosone (2‐DG) following Met treatment while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was utilized to measure tumor volume. Correlative immunostaining of tumor sections for markers of proliferation (Ki67) and vascularity (CD31) was also performed.ResultsAt 5 days post‐Met treatment, PAI revealed a significant increase (P < .05) in %sO2 and HbT levels in treated tumors compared to untreated controls. Fluorescence imaging at this time point revealed a 46% decrease in mean 2‐DG uptake compared to controls. No changes in hemodynamic parameters were observed in mouse salivary gland tissue. A significant decrease in Ki‐67 staining (P < .001) and MR‐based tumor volume was also observed in Met‐treated tumors compared to controls with no change in CD31 + vessel count following Met therapy.ConclusionOur results provide, for the first time, direct in vivo evidence of Met‐induced changes in tumor microenvironmental parameters in HNSCC xenografts. Our findings highlight the utility of multimodal functional imaging for non‐invasive mapping of the effects of Met in HNSCC.
Is grit relevant to well‐being and strengths? Evidence across the globe for separating perseverance of effort and consistency of interests
Authors: Disabato David J. , Goodman Fallon R. , Kashdan Todd B. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectiveResearchers conceptualize grit as the combination of two facets: perseverance of effort and consistency of interests toward long‐term goals. We tested the reliability of grit facet scores across the globe and examined how differently each grit facet related to well‐being and personality strengths.MethodAn international sample of 7,617 participants from six of the seven continents (excluding Antarctica) completed an online survey.ResultsConfirmatory factor analyses and omega reliability coefficients indicated that the 12 items from the original Grit Scale were multidimensional and reliably measured perseverance of effort and consistency of interests. Concurrent validity analyses showed that perseverance of effort was moderately to strongly related to subjective well‐being, beliefs about well‐being, and personality strengths, whereas consistency of interests had weak or negative correlations with these outcomes. The stronger relations with perseverance of effort were replicated across seven regions of the world. The presence of overall grit was supported in individualistic countries, but not collectivistic countries (i.e., those in Latin America and Asia).ConclusionsWe discuss the multidimensionality of grit, including a conceptual understanding of overall grit and how it may differ across cultures. We suggest well‐being and strengths researchers study grit facets separately due to their differential validity.