bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arabinoxylans from rice bran and wheat immunomodulatory potentials: a review article
Authors: Fadel Abdulmannan , Plunkett Andrew , Li Weili , Ranneh Yazan , Tessu Gyamfi Vivian Elewosi , Salmon Yasser , Nyaranga Rosemarie Roma , Ashworth Jason 
Published: January 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to discuss recent research on arabinoxylans from rice bran and wheat byproducts and their immunomodulatory potentials. Also, a potential receptor for arabinoxylans is proposed in relation to arabinoxylans structure.

Design/methodology/approach
This review summarises recent publications on arabinoxylans from rice bran and wheat, classification of arabinoxylans, a brief background on their method of extraction and their immunomodulatory potentials as they induce pro-inflammatory response in vitro, in vivo and in humans. The mechanism of action in which arabinoxylans modulate the immune activity is yet to be discovered, However, the authors have proposed a potential receptor for arabinoxylans in relation to arabinoxylans structure and molecular weight.

Findings
The effects of arabinoxylans from rice bran and wheat on the immune response was found to cause a pro-inflammatory response in vitro, in vivo and in humans. Also, the immune response depends on arabinoxylans structure, the degree of branching and origin.

Originality/value
This review paper focuses on the effects of arabinoxylans from rice bran and wheat on immunomodulatory potentials in vitro, in vivo and in humans. A new mechanism of action has been proposed based on the literature and via linking between arabinoxylans and lipopolysaccharide structure, molecular weight and suggested proposed receptor, which might be activated via both of them.
Application of e-booking system in enhancing Malaysian property developers’ competitive advantage
Authors: Yap Jeffrey Boon Hui , Chua Khai Ling 
Published: January 2018

Purpose
Property websites have been widely used to simplify the complicated conventional booking system nowadays. However, the services provided by the property websites are limited to information searching and registration. The uptake of the e-booking system in the property industry is still sluggish. The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential of the e-booking system as the blue ocean in enhancing property developers’ competitive advantage, and also investigates the benefits and key features of the e-booking system in the Malaysian property industry.

Design/methodology/approach
A mixed method of questionnaire and interviews is used to investigate the acuities of potential purchasers on the concept and potential of the e-booking system in the Malaysian property industry.

Findings
The findings of the study revealed that the perception towards the application of the e-booking system is positive. The benefits and prominent features are identified. There are no significant differences in perceptions among the three generation cohorts comprising of Generation Y, Generation X, and Baby Boomers.

Research limitations/implications
The sampling of this study is limited to the Klang Valley area only with the respondents mainly from Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. The small sample size may restrict the generalisation of the findings to represent the whole population of Malaysia.

Practical implications
These findings provide insights and guidelines for property developers in developing a strategic plan to introduce the e-booking system which can lead to a more efficient way of property purchasing process and praiseworthy users’ experience.

Originality/value
To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that seeks to explore the potential of the online property transactions as a blue ocean strategy that will enhance property developers’ competitive advantage. As such, the key features identified in this study will be used in designing the e-booking system in the real estate market.
The portrayal of Australian women in property publications
Authors: Antoniades Hera , Warren Clive M.J. 
Published: January 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to undertake an analysis of the visual portrayal of women published in a professional journal within the built environment and to establish whether or not there is gender stereotyping through these published images.Design/methodology/approachA prominent property professional industry journal was selected for the research analysis. This journal was selected because of the national coverage within Australia and high prominence within the property industry. The analysis focused on a total of 166 pictures in the 2015 issues. The coding identified the publication year, issue number and page number of each photograph analysed and total number of pictures on each page. After this information was tabulated, each photograph was analysed using a thematic analysis approach.FindingsThe research identified that given the opportunity to be photographed ad hoc, women tend to take the dominant stance and yet when the pictures were posed, the women showed a tendency to adopt a submissive stance. Male images were 13.39 per cent in the dominance category indicating a higher score in comparison to females at 3.45 per cent.Practical implicationsWhilst it is generally accepted that there are more males in the built environment, the reality leans towards the notion that with less woman on property boards and management roles, it will be difficult to portray women in positions of authority and to balance the gender portrayal. In summary, the marginalisation of women is evident, and marketing media can be highly influential and unintentionally promote gender inequity with image portrayal.Originality/valueThis research provides a valuable insight on how women are portrayed in the property profession. The property industry and the professional bodies can provide an influential role to promote gender equality.
Natural products to control biofilm on painted surfaces
Authors: Bogdan Sofia , Deya Cecilia , Micheloni Oscar , Bellotti Natalia , Romagnoli Roberto 
Published: January 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to study five vegetables extracts as possible additives to control bacterial growth on indoor waterborne paints. The extracts were obtained from the weeds Raphanus sativus, Rapistrum rugosum, Sinapis arvensis, Nicotiana longiflora and Dipsacus fullonum, used in traditional medicine as antimicrobial compounds.

Design/methodology/approach
Weeds extracts were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and UV–Vis spectrophotometry. Their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was also determined. Afterward, selected extracts were incorporated in waterborne paint formulations. The paints’ antimicrobial activity was assessed against S. aureus, monitoring biofilm formation by environmental scanning electron microscopy.

Findings
As a general rule, results showed that tested paints were efficient in inhibiting biofilm formation, especially that formulated with Nicotiana longiflora.

Practical implications
The tested paints can be used to protect walls from microbial colonization, which shortened coatings’ useful life by discoloration and/or degradation. Concomitantly, indoor microbial colonization by aerosols could be also diminished. This is especially important in places that should have high standards of environmental hygiene, as in the food industry, health-care and sanitary centers.

Originality/value
The main value of this research was to study the antimicrobial activity of weeds extracts and to incorporate them in waterborne paints to diminish bacterial biofilm formation. This biofilm discolors and degrades the paint, and causes health problems. The use of natural compounds in coatings is increasing because of the convenience of using renewable sources, such as natural antimicrobials, in paint formulations.
Evaluation of the anticorrosive performance of epoxy coatings containing new core/shell pigments
Authors: Ahmed Nivin M. , Abd El-Gawad Walaa M. , Souaya Eglal M.R. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose
Core-shell is structured particles having several chemical compositions. The advantage of these particles arise from their specific design, to be used in decreasing costs by using inexpensive material (natural ore or waste material) as carrier for thin shell of active material. This study aims to prepare ferrites/silica core-shell pigments and compare their inhibition efficiency to original ferrites. These pigments have shells of different ferrites that comprise 10-15 per cent of the prepared pigments on silica fume. Silica fume which is the core is a byproduct in the ferro–silicon industry; this core comprises 85-90 per cent of the prepared pigments.

Design/methodology/approach
The prepared core-shell pigments were characterized using transmission electron microscopy analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and sequential wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence. These pigments were integrated in epoxy-based paint formulations, and the physical, mechanical and corrosion properties of dry films were examined. The corrosion properties were studied by using immersion test in 3.5 per cent NaCl for 28 days.

Findings
This study showed that these new eco-friendly and inexpensive pigments are similar to ferrites in their inhibition performance, i.e. they exhibited high corrosion prevention.

Research limitations/implications
Domestic waste materials were reused in paints and only simple modification was used, and then, their effectiveness showed similar performance to that of the original pigments.

Originality/value
Ferrite and ferrite/silica pigments are environmentally friendly pigments that can replace other hazardous pigments (e.g. chromates) with almost the same quality in their performance; also, they can be used in industries other than paints (e.g. paper, rubber and plastics composites).
An investigation into waterborne intumescent coating with different fillers for steel application
Authors: Md Nasir K. , Ramli Sulong N.H. , Johan M.R. , Afifi A.M. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose
This study aims to discuss the modification and/or improvement of intumescent coating system by incorporating waterborne resin with an appropriate combination of flame-retardant additives and four different fillers, namely, TiO2, Al(OH)3, Mg(OH)2 and CaCO3.

Design/methodology/approach
Coating mixtures are characterized using the Bunsen burner, thermogravimetric analysis, limiting oxygen index, scanning electron microscope, static immersion bath, Fourier transform infrared and adhesion tester.

Findings
Results show that the combination of coating with CaCO3 filler significantly improved fire protection performance because of its thick char layer and the equilibrium temperature being 264°C. Char layer showed a uniform dense foam structure on micrograph and this formulation had adhesion strength of 2.13 MPa, which indicates effectiveness of the interface adhesion on substrate. Conversely, the combination of coating with Al(OH)3 exhibited highest oxygen index of 35 per cent, which resulted in excellent flammability resistance.

Research limitations/implications
This paper discusses only the effect of mineral fillers on properties of intumescent coatings.

Practical implications
In the modern design of building infrastructure, fire safety is significant for the protection of human life and assets. The application of intumescent coating in buildings is currently practiced because of its effect on material flammability during a fire.

Originality/value
The analysis method to evaluate the performance of water-borne resin with different fillers is formulated, and it could be applied in all kinds of coatings and mixtures to be used as an effective fire protection system for steel constructions.
Neisseria cinerea with High Ceftriaxone MIC Is a Source of Ceftriaxone and Cefixime Resistance-Mediating
penA
Sequences in Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Igawa Gene , Yamagishi Yuka , Lee Ken-Ichi , Dorin Misato , Shimuta Ken , Suematsu Hiroyuki , Nakayama Shu-Ichi , Mikamo Hiroshige , Unemo Magnus , Ohnishi Makoto 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT

Mosaic
penA
alleles have caused most of the cephalosporin resistance in
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
, but their evolution is mostly unknown. The
penA
gene from
Neisseria cinerea
strain AM1601 (ceftriaxone MIC, 1.0 μg/ml) caused ceftriaxone resistance (MIC, 1 μg/ml) in a ceftriaxone-susceptible gonococcal strain. The 3′-terminal half of AM1601
penA
was almost identical to that of the ceftriaxone-resistant gonococcal GU140106 and FC428 strains.
N. cinerea
can serve as a reservoir of ceftriaxone resistance-mediating
penA
sequences that can be transferred to gonococci.
Production of 4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid by an Aerobic Growth-Arrested Bioprocess Using Metabolically Engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Kitade Yukihiro , Hashimoto Ryoma , Suda Masako , Hiraga Kazumi , Inui Masayuki 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT

Corynebacterium glutamicum
was metabolically engineered to produce 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA), a valuable aromatic compound used as a raw material for the production of liquid crystal polymers and paraben.
C. glutamicum
was found to have a higher tolerance to 4-HBA toxicity than previously reported hosts used for the production of genetically engineered 4-HBA. To obtain higher titers of 4-HBA, we employed a stepwise overexpression of all seven target genes in the shikimate pathway in
C. glutamicum
. Specifically, multiple chromosomal integrations of a mutated
aroG
gene from
Escherichia coli
, encoding a 3-deoxy-
d
-arabinoheptulosonic acid 7-phosphate (DAHP) synthase, and wild-type
aroCKB
from
C. glutamicum
, encoding chorismate synthase, shikimate kinase, and 3-dehydroquinate synthase, were effective in increasing product titers. The last step of the 4-HBA biosynthesis pathway was recreated in
C. glutamicum
by expressing a highly 4-HBA-resistant chorismate pyruvate-lyase (UbiC) from the intestinal bacterium
Providencia rustigianii
. To enhance the yield of 4-HBA, we reduced the formation of by-products, such as 1,3-dihydroxyacetone and pyruvate, by deleting
hdpA
, a gene coding for a haloacid dehalogenase superfamily phosphatase, and
pyk
, a gene coding for a pyruvate kinase, from the bacterial chromosome. The maximum concentration of 4-HBA produced by the resultant strain was 36.6 g/liter, with a yield of 41% (mol/mol) glucose after incubation for 24 h in minimal medium in an aerobic growth-arrested bioprocess using a jar fermentor. To our knowledge, this is the highest concentration of 4-HBA produced by a metabolically engineered microorganism ever reported.

IMPORTANCE
Since aromatic compound 4-HBA has been chemically produced from petroleum-derived phenol for a long time, eco-friendly bioproduction of 4-HBA from biomass resources is desired in order to address environmental issues. In microbial chemical production, product toxicity often causes problems, but we confirmed that wild-type
C. glutamicum
has high tolerance to the target 4-HBA. A growth-arrested bioprocess using this microorganism has been successfully used for the production of various compounds, such as biofuels, organic acids, and amino acids. However, no production method has been applied for aromatic compounds to date. In this study, we screened for a novel final reaction enzyme possessing characteristics superior to those in previously employed microbial 4-HBA production. We demonstrated that the use of the highly 4-HBA-resistant UbiC from the intestinal bacterium
P. rustigianii
is very effective in increasing 4-HBA production.
Characterization and Protective Efficacy of Type III Secretion Proteins as a Broadly Protective Subunit Vaccine against Salmonella enterica Serotypes
Authors: Martinez-Becerra Francisco J. , Kumar Prashant , Vishwakarma Vikalp , Kim Jae Hyun , Arizmendi Olivia , Middaugh C. Russell , Picking William D. , Picking Wendy L. 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT

Nontyphoidal
Salmonella enterica
serotypes (NTS) are the leading cause of hospitalization and death due to foodborne illnesses. NTS are the costliest of the foodborne pathogens and cause ∼$4 billion annually in health care costs. In Africa, new invasive NTS are the leading cause of bacteremia, especially in HIV-positive children and adults. Current vaccines against
S. enterica
are not broadly protective and most are directed at the typhoid-causing serotypes, not the NTS. All
S. enterica
strains require two type III secretion systems (T3SS) for virulence. The T3SS needle tip protein and the first translocator are localized to the T3SS needle tip and are required for pathogenesis of
S. enterica
. Collectively they are 95 to 98% conserved at the amino acid sequence level among all
S. enterica
strains. The
Salmonella
pathogenicity island 1 or 2 tip and first translocator proteins were genetically fused to produce the S1 and S2 fusion proteins, respectively, as potential vaccine candidates. S1 and S2 were then characterized using spectroscopic techniques to understand their structural and biophysical properties. Formulated at the proper pH, S1, S2, or S1 plus S2 (S1S2), admixed with adjuvant, was used to immunize mice followed by a lethal challenge with
S. enterica
serotype Typhimurium or
S. enterica
serotype Enteritidis. The S1S2 formulation provided the highest protective efficacy, thus demonstrating that an S1S2 subunit vaccine can provide broad, serotype-independent protection, possibly against all
S. enterica
serotypes. Such a finding would be transformative in improving human health.
Staphylococcus aureus Colonization Induces Strain-Specific Suppression of Interleukin-17
Authors: Reiss-Mandel Aylana , Rubin Carmit , Zayoud Morad , Rahav Galia , Regev-Yochay Gili 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
is a pathogen that causes significant morbidity and mortality. Nasal carriage is a major source of transmission and of endogenous infection. Persistent carriage is detected in ∼30% of healthy individuals. While Th17 cells have been shown to play a role in
S. aureus
infection and clearance, the immune response to carriage is not well understood. Here, we evaluate the Th17 response and its potential inhibitors during
S. aureus
carriage. We recruited 25 volunteers, of whom 11 were persistent carriers. Volunteers' peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with either their endogenous strain (a strain isolated from that carrier) or exogenous ones (strains not carried by that volunteer). Changes in Th17 cell frequency and numbers, interleukin-17 (IL-17) mRNA expression, and IL-17 protein abundance were measured by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, real-time PCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Similarly, responses of IL-17 suppressors (regulatory T cells [FOXP3], IL-10, IL-27, and IL-19) were measured. Th17 and IL-17 levels in response to stimulation with endogenous strains were significantly lower than those in response to stimulation with exogenous ones. Of the suppressive cytokines tested, only IL-19 exhibited a stronger response to endogenous than to exogenous strains. Addition of recombinant IL-19 to exogenous-strain-stimulated PBMCs caused decreased IL-17 expression, whereas addition of IL-19 antibodies to endogenous-strain-stimulated cells resulted in an increased IL-17 response. Together, our results suggest that
S. aureus
carriage induced a tolerogenic response to a carried strain that could be reproduced through the addition of recombinant IL-19 or prevented by the addition of IL-19 antibodies. This differential immune response may play a role in the determination of
S. aureus
carriage patterns.
Comparison of the Alere i Strep A Test and the BD Veritor System in the Detection of Group A Streptococcus and the Hypothetical Impact of Results on Antibiotic Utilization
Authors: Berry Gregory J. , Miller Catherine R. , Prats Mariana Moreno , Marquez Christopher , Oladipo Olajumoke O. , Loeffelholz Michael J. , Petersen John R. 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT

Rapid detection of group A
Streptococcus
(GAS) is an integral component of treatment decisions in the clinic, especially in the pediatric population. We prospectively collected 216 specimens from symptomatic, predominantly pediatric patients and evaluated the performance of the Alere i Strep A test (Alere i; Alere Inc., Scarborough, ME) and the BD Veritor system (BD Veritor; Becton, Dickinson and Company, Sparks, MD), with culture results being used as a comparator. Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was performed as an arbiter in discordant cases. Comprehensive chart review was also done to determine the hypothetical impact of the results on antibiotic use. Alere i had a sensitivity and a specificity of 100% and 91.3%, respectively, and BD Veritor had a sensitivity and a specificity of 76.2% and 93.6%, respectively, when the results were compared to those of GAS culture. Further analysis of discordant results using RT-PCR revealed that while BD Veritor missed 13 confirmed positive cases, Alere i detected 100% (
n
= 13) of the same cases. Analysis of assay agreement showed that Alere i and BD Veritor had only moderate agreement (agreement = 0.888 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.838 to 0.927]; kappa index = 0.689 [95% CI, 0.91 to 0.974]). We also found both the underutilization and the overutilization of antibiotics based on the results of molecular testing. Overall, Alere i showed superior performance over BD Veritor in the detection of GAS pharyngitis and could potentially assist in better antibiotic utilization.
Graduate Biomedical Science Education Needs a New Philosophy
Authors: Bosch Gundula , Casadevall Arturo 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT
There is a growing realization that graduate education in the biomedical sciences is successful at teaching students how to conduct research but falls short in preparing them for a diverse job market, communicating with the public, and remaining versatile scientists throughout their careers. Major problems with graduate level education today include overspecialization in a narrow area of science without a proper grounding in essential critical thinking skills. Shortcomings in education may also contribute to some of the problems of the biomedical sciences, such as poor reproducibility, shoddy literature, and the rise in retracted publications. The challenge is to modify graduate programs such that they continue to generate individuals capable of conducting deep research while at the same time producing more broadly trained scientists without lengthening the time to a degree. Here we describe our first experiences at Johns Hopkins and propose a manifesto for reforming graduate science education.