bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current status of parasitic ciliates Chilodonella spp. (Phyllopharyngea: Chilodonellidae) in freshwater fish aquaculture
Authors: Bastos Gomes G , Jerry D R , Miller T L , Hutson K S 
Published: April 2017

AbstractFreshwater fish farming contributes to more than two‐thirds of global aquaculture production. Parasitic ciliates are one of the largest causes of production loss in freshwater farmed fishes, with species from the genus Chilodonella being particularly problematic. While Chilodonella spp. include ‘free‐living’ fauna, some species are involved in mortality events of fish, particularly in high‐density aquaculture. Indeed, chilodonellosis causes major productivity losses in over 16 species of farmed freshwater fishes in more than 14 countries. Traditionally, Chilodonella species are identified based on morphological features; however, the genus comprises yet uncharacterized cryptic species, which indicates the necessity for molecular diagnostic methods. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the biology, ecology and geographic distribution of harmful Chilodonella spp. and examines pathological signs, diagnostic methods and treatments. Recent advances in molecular diagnostics and the ability to culture Chilodonella spp. in vitro will enable the development of preventative management practices and sustained freshwater fish aquaculture production.
Design, development, and evaluation of aloe vera leaf gel expulsion machine
Authors: Gajbhiye Ankit , Gupta Satish Kumar , Alam Shafiq , Sharma S. R. , Mittal T. C. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe aloe vera gel expulsion machine consists of auto adjustable grip rollers, mouth piece or front edge cutter, scrapping blades, and a driving unit. The grip rollers were provided with inclined trapezoidal teeth to increase the friction between aloe vera leaf and rollers. The design parameters of the machine were the speed along with the dimensions of grip rollers, spring tension for mouth piece, and clearance of scrapping blades. The jagged edges were cut as the leaf passed through mouth piece and grip roller pushed it against scrapping blades which removed the upper and lower rind. The machine was tested for its performance at different roller speed and leaf thickness. It was inferred that for getting maximum crude gel recovery, minimum residual gel percentage, and highest expulsion efficiency, the leaves should be fed at 75 rpm roller speed for leaf thickness more than 20 mm.Practical applicationsAloe vera gel has been utilized for therapeutic properties including wound healing, constipation, thermal injury healing, ulcers, diabetes, anti‐inflammation, and immunomodulation. Nowadays it is used for commercial applications such as sun creams, soaps, shampoos, face wash, and lotions. It is also used for preparation of juices, yoghurt, flavored milk, health drinks, and beverages. In crushing method of gel expulsion the ingression of other chemical compounds deteriorates the gel quality. The machine was designed to avoid crushing and reduce manual contact for obtaining good quality gel from aloe vera leaves.
Ethnic food consumption: Habits and risk perception in Italy
Authors: Mascarello Giulia , Pinto Anna , Marcolin Silvia , Crovato Stefania , Ravarotto Licia 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis study aims to provide an overview of the consumption of ethnic food in Italy and to analyze the perception of risk associated with this kind of food. A sample of 1,317 Italian consumers was surveyed. The consumption of ethnic food products is growing. Such food items are consumed at restaurants and as take‐out food and are purchased and cooked at home. Ethnic food consumers are mainly women, younger than non‐consumers, have higher educational qualifications, are employed and have children. The ethnic food consumers live mainly in the south part of Italy or in the Islands, are inhabitants of larger cities and meet their financial responsibilities more easily than non‐consumers. The motivations connected with ethnic food consumption were analyzed. The perception of risk associated with ethnic food appears to be higher than that related to Italian food. The perceptions regarding the riskiest foods and the associated rationale were explored.Practical applicationsEthnic food consumption is a growing phenomenon that deserves attention not only to analyze changes in Italian food consumption habits but also because these foods bring about specific food safety issues. Associated risk factors are related to preparation practices in retail and food service establishments as well as the use of particular ingredients that pose specific biological chemical and nutritional issues that need to be considered. The definition of the characteristics of ethnic food consumers and the study of their practices and perceptions of risk can help in the understanding of aspects that may limit or encourage the acceptance of these products thus fostering the comprehension of the potential impact of these foods on consumer health. Moreover, these data can be useful for institutions that address the protection of public health to analyze the food safety issues related to the introduction of ethnic products into Italian consumption habits.
Integrative Intensive Retreats for Veteran Couples and Families: A Pilot Study Assessing Change in Relationship Adjustment, Posttraumatic Growth, and Trauma Symptoms
Authors: Monk J. Kale , Oseland Lauren M. , Nelson Goff Briana S. , Ogolsky Brian G. , Summers Kali 
Published: April 2017

We assessed a brief, systemic retreat‐style intervention that was developed to address concerns about the utilization of services for veterans coping with traumatic stress. A total of 76 dyads (N = 152) were assessed before and after a 4‐day retreat, which included psychoeducation, group and conjoint therapeutic sessions, and recreational relaxation components. Overall, participants reported a reduction in trauma symptoms, but only support persons experienced a significant increase in posttraumatic growth from pretest to posttest. Both veterans and their romantic partners reported an increase in relationship adjustment after the retreat. Opportunities to address the needs of this population by removing barriers to treatment and reducing feelings of isolation, as well as implications for similar treatments are discussed.
Patients with high c‐MYC‐expressing squamous cell carcinomas of the tongue show better survival than those with low‐ and medium‐expressing tumours
Authors: Strindlund Klas , Troiano Giuseppe , Sgaramella Nicola , Coates Philip J. , Gu Xiaolian , Boldrup Linda , Califano Luigi , Fahraeus Robin , Muzio Lorenzo Lo , Ardito Fatima , Colella Giuseppe , Tartaro Gianpaolo , Franco Renato , Norberg‐Spaak Lena , Saadat Mohammad , Nylander Karin 
Published: April 2017

Backgroundc‐MYC is a potent oncoprotein with roles in a wide range of cellular processes such as differentiation, apoptosis and growth control. Deregulation of the MYC gene is commonly seen in human tumours resulting in overexpression of the protein. Here we studied expression of c‐MYC in correlation to clinical outcome in patients with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the mobile tongue.MethodsImmunohistochemistry was used to identify c‐MYC in a group of 104 tongue squamous cell carcinomas with an antibody directed against the N‐terminal part of the protein. Staining was evaluated by multiplying the percentage of c‐MYC‐expressing cells with staining intensity, giving a quick score for each tumour.ResultsAll 104 tumours expressed c‐MYC at varying levels. Quantitation according to per cent of positive cells and staining intensity revealed that most (15/21; 71%) high‐expressing tumours were seen in males. Within the group of high c‐MYC‐expressing tumours, the majority were alive 2 and 5 years after treatment.ConclusionsThe present findings show that expression of c‐MYC has prognostic value in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, and could be useful in choice of therapy.
Mortality Dependence and Longevity Bond Pricing: A Dynamic Factor Copula Mortality Model With the GAS Structure
Authors: Chen Hua , MacMinn Richard D. , Sun Tao 
Published: April 2017

AbstractModeling mortality dependence for multiple populations has significant implications for mortality/longevity risk management. A natural way to assess multivariate dependence is to use copula models. The application of copula models in the multipopulation mortality analysis, however, is still in its infancy. In this article, we present a dynamic multipopulation mortality model based on a two‐factor copula and capture the time‐varying dependence using the generalized autoregressive score (GAS) framework. Our model is simple and flexible in terms of model specification and is widely applicable to high dimension data. Using the Swiss Re Kortis longevity trend bond as an example, we use our model to estimate the probability distribution of principal reduction and some risk measures such as probability of first loss, conditional expected loss, and expected loss. Due to the similarity in the structure and design of CAT bonds and mortality/longevity bonds, we borrow CAT bond pricing techniques for mortality/longevity bond pricing. We find that our pricing model generates par spreads that are close to the actual spreads of previously issued mortality/longevity bonds.
What's in a scent? Meaning, shape, and sensorial concepts elicited by scents
Authors: Adams Carmen , Doucé Lieve 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWhen selecting an ambient scent to be diffused in a store, one can focus on pleasantness of the scent, congruency of the scent with product category, or a variety of concepts that can be the basis for congruency between scent and other atmospheric elements. However, more information is needed concerning the concepts from which congruency could be sought. This paper studies the strength and direction of 19 bipolar concepts related to meaning, perceived shape and sensory attributes elicited by 32 scents. Factor analysis indicates that the concepts can be grouped into four factors: an angelic, an energetic, a shape, and a depth factor. Cluster analysis indicates that the 32 scents can be grouped based on differences in strength as well as direction of the elicitations. The results indicate that certain concepts do co‐occur and that a classification of scents based on their similar elicitations of concepts might be of value.Practical applicationsThe results illustrate that the current classification of scents in terms of notes (e.g., floral, fresh, woody, herbal) does not imply that scents present in the same category of notes elicit the same concepts. A new classification based on the elicited concepts is thus advised since this classification will better answer the needs of retailers when choosing a correct ambient scent. In particular, a retailer will then be able to choose the scent that will elicit the concepts he or she wishes to communicate. The results of this study provide a first insight into which concepts and factors need to be measured and which clusters of scents can be expected to arise.
Dietary behaviours and the mental well‐being of New Zealand adolescents
Authors: Puloka ‘Ilaisaane , Utter Jennifer , Denny Simon , Fleming Terry 
Published: April 2017

AimTo examine the associations between diet and mental health indicators in adolescents.MethodsData were drawn from the Youth 2012 survey, a national survey of the health and well‐being of adolescents in New Zealand (n = 8500). Multiple regression models were used to determine the associations between healthy and unhealthy eating and mental health indicators while adjusting for sex, age, ethnicity, small area deprivation and household poverty as covariates.ResultsApproximately 30% of young people in the lowest quartile for healthy eating reported significant depressive symptoms. Greater healthy eating was significantly associated with fewer depressive symptoms, better well‐being and fewer emotional difficulties (all P < 0.001 after adjusting for covariates). Greater unhealthy eating was significantly associated with greater depressive symptoms, poorer well‐being and greater emotional difficulties (all P < 0.001 after adjusting for covariates).ConclusionsFindings from this study contribute to a growing body of literature that indicate that eating behaviours are associated with mental health indicators among adolescents. Findings from the current study suggest that efforts to enhance healthy eating may also have a positive impact on mental health.
Development of a molecular‐based index for assessing iron status in bloom‐forming pennate diatoms
Authors: Marchetti Adrian , Moreno Carly M. , Cohen Natalie R. , Oleinikov Irina , deLong Kimberly , Twining Benjamin S. , Armbrust E. Virginia , Lampe Robert H. 
Published: April 2017

Iron availability limits primary productivity in large areas of the world's oceans. Ascertaining the iron status of phytoplankton is essential for understanding the factors regulating their growth and ecology. We developed an incubation‐independent, molecular‐based approach to assess the iron nutritional status of specific members of the diatom community, initially focusing on the ecologically important pennate diatom Pseudo‐nitzschia. Through a comparative transcriptomic approach, we identified two genes that track the iron status of Pseudo‐nitzschia with high fidelity. The first gene, ferritin (FTN), encodes for the highly specialized iron storage protein induced under iron‐replete conditions. The second gene, ISIP2a, encodes an iron‐concentrating protein induced under iron‐limiting conditions. In the oceanic diatom Pseudo‐nitzschia granii (Hasle) Hasle, transcript abundance of these genes directly relates to changes in iron availability, with increased FTN transcript abundance under iron‐replete conditions and increased ISIP2a transcript abundance under iron‐limiting conditions. The resulting ISIP2a:FTN transcript ratio reflects the iron status of cells, where a high ratio indicates iron limitation. Field samples collected from iron grow‐out microcosm experiments conducted in low iron waters of the Gulf of Alaska and variable iron waters in the California upwelling zone verify the validity of our proposed Pseudo‐nitzschia Iron Limitation Index, which can be used to ascertain in situ iron status and further developed for other ecologically important diatoms.
Phylogenetic position of the coral symbiont Ostreobium (Ulvophyceae) inferred from chloroplast genome data
Authors: Verbruggen Heroen , Marcelino Vanessa R. , Guiry Michael D. , Cremen Ma. Chiela M. , Jackson Christopher J. 
Published: April 2017

The green algal genus Ostreobium is an important symbiont of corals, playing roles in reef decalcification and providing photosynthates to the coral during bleaching events. A chloroplast genome of a cultured strain of Ostreobium was available, but low taxon sampling and Ostreobium's early‐branching nature left doubt about its phylogenetic position. Here, we generate and describe chloroplast genomes from four Ostreobium strains as well as Avrainvillea mazei and Neomeris sp., strategically sampled early‐branching lineages in the Bryopsidales and Dasycladales respectively. At 80,584 bp, the chloroplast genome of Ostreobium sp. HV05042 is the most compact yet found in the Ulvophyceae. The Avrainvillea chloroplast genome is ~94 kbp and contains introns in infA and cysT that have nearly complete sequence identity except for an open reading frame (ORF) in infA that is not present in cysT. In line with other bryopsidalean species, it also contains regions with possibly bacteria‐derived ORFs. The Neomeris data did not assemble into a canonical circular chloroplast genome but a large number of contigs containing fragments of chloroplast genes and showing evidence of long introns and intergenic regions, and the Neomeris chloroplast genome size was estimated to exceed 1.87 Mb. Chloroplast phylogenomics and 18S nrDNA data showed strong support for the Ostreobium lineage being sister to the remaining Bryopsidales. There were differences in branch support when outgroups were varied, but the overall support for the placement of Ostreobium was strong. These results permitted us to validate two suborders and introduce a third, the Ostreobineae.
Phylogenetic positioning of the Antarctic alga Prasiola crispa (Trebouxiophyceae) using organellar genomes and their structural analysis
Authors: Carvalho Evelise Leis , Wallau Gabriel Luz , Rangel Darlene Lopes , Machado Laís Ceschini , Pereira Antonio Batista , Victoria Filipe De Carvalho , Boldo Juliano Tomazzoni , Pinto Paulo Marcos 
Published: April 2017

Antarctica is one of the most difficult habitats for sustaining life on earth; organisms that live there have developed different strategies for survival. Among these organisms is the green alga Prasiola crispa, belonging to the class Trebouxiophyceae. The literature on P. crispa taxonomy is scarce, and many gaps in the evolutionary relationship with its closest relatives remain. The goal of this study was to analyze the evolutionary relationships between P. crispa and other green algae using plastid and mitochondrial genomes. In addition, we analyzed the synteny conservation of these genomes of P. crispa with those of closely related species. Based on the plastid genome, P. crispa grouped with Prasiolopsis sp. SAG 84.81, another Trebouxiophyceaen species from the Prasiola clade. Based on the mitochondrial genome analysis, P. crispa grouped with other Trebouxiophyceaen species but had a basal position. The structure of the P. crispa chloroplast genome had low synteny with Prasiolopsis sp. SAG 84.81, despite some conserved gene blocks. The same was observed in the mitochondrial genome compared with Coccomyxa subellipsoidea C‐169. We were able to establish the phylogenetic position of P. crispa with other species of Trebouxiophyceae using its genomes. In addition, we described the plasticity of these genomes using a structural analysis. The plastid and mitochondrial genomes of P. crispa will be useful for further genetic studies, phylogenetic analysis and resource protection of P. crispa as well as for further phylogenetic analysis of Trebouxiophyceaen green algae.
Orthodontic tensile strain induces angiogenesis via type IV collagen degradation by matrix metalloproteinase‐12
Authors: Narimiya T. , Wada S. , Kanzaki H. , Ishikawa M. , Tsuge A. , Yamaguchi Y. , Nakamura Y. 
Published: April 2017

Background and ObjectiveDuring orthodontic tooth movement (OTM), periodontal ligament (PDL) is remodeled dynamically, which requires sufficient blood supply for the regeneration of PDL. However, little is known about the remodeling of blood vessels during OTM. In this study, we hypothesized that the orthodontic tensile strain upregulates matrix metalloproteinase‐12 (MMP‐12) expression in the tension zone and induces angiogenesis via degradation of type IV collagen (Col‐IV) in vascular endothelial basement membrane during the early stage of OTM.Material and MethodsTemporal and spatial MMP‐12 expression in the tension zone of PDL, during the early stage of OTM, were examined by immunohistochemistry in rats. Continuous tensile strain was applied to cultured human immortalized PDL cell lines (HPL cells) and MMP‐12 expression was examined in vitro. Colocalization of MMP‐12 and Col‐IV in vivo were examined by immunohistochemistry. To investigate whether MMP‐12 produced by HPL cells could degrade Col‐IV, recombinant Col‐IV was incubated in the culture supernatants of HPL cells. Intact Col‐IV in vitro was also examined by western blot analysis. Finally, the changes in blood vessels in the PDL were examined by micro‐computed tomography analysis with perfused contrast agents and by conventional histological analysis.ResultsOrthodontic tensile strain induced MMP‐12 expression in PDL cells in vivo and in vitro. Immunohistochemistry revealed that MMP‐12‐positive cells were observed adjacent to the Col‐IV‐positive tubular area in the tension zone of PDL. MMP‐12 in culture supernatant of HPL cells degraded recombinant Col‐IV, and specific MMP‐12 inhibitor blocked the Col‐IV degradation. Micro‐computed tomography analysis and conventional histological analysis demonstrated that the areas of blood vessels were increased in the tension zone of the PDL after OTM.ConclusionWe discovered that the orthodontic tensile strain upregulates MMP‐12 expression in the tension zone of PDL and induces angiogenesis via degradation of Col‐IV in the vascular endothelial basement membrane.
Increased levels of the T‐helper 22‐associated cytokine (interleukin‐22) and transcription factor (aryl hydrocarbon receptor) in patients with periodontitis are associated with osteoclast resorptive activity and severity of the disease
Authors: Díaz‐Zúñiga J. , Melgar‐Rodríguez S. , Rojas L. , Alvarez C. , Monasterio G. , Carvajal P. , Vernal R. 
Published: April 2017

Background and ObjectiveTwo new T‐helper (Th) phenotypes have been recently described and named Th9 and Th22 lymphocytes; however, their role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis remains unclear. This study was aimed to assess whether Th9 and Th22 lymphocytes, through interleukin (IL)‐9 and IL‐22 production, respectively, are associated with the severity of periodontitis and bone resorption.Material and MethodsGingival crevicular fluid samples and biopsies were obtained from patients with moderate‐to‐advanced chronic periodontitis and gingivitis, and healthy controls. The levels for the Th9 and Th22‐associated cytokines and master‐switch transcription factors Spi‐B and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, real‐time reverse‐transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry. In addition, the osteoclast activity in response to tissue homogenates from periodontitis and healthy samples was analyzed quantifying the number of TRAP‐positive cells and areas of bone resorption pits produced, in the presence or absence of recombinant human IL‐22 and anti‐IL‐22 neutralization antibody.ResultsHigher levels of IL‐22 and AhR were detected in patients with periodontitis compared with gingivitis and healthy individuals. In addition, higher levels of IL‐9 and Spi‐B were detected in gingivitis patients compared with periodontitis and healthy individuals. In patients with periodontitis, a significant positive correlation was detected between secreted levels of IL‐22 and clinical attachment level of the sampled periodontal pockets. When osteoclasts were exposed to tissue homogenates obtained from patients with periodontitis, higher levels of resorptive activity were observed as compared with the same cells exposed to tissue homogenates obtained from healthy individuals, and this increment was dependent on the presence and neutralization of IL‐22.ConclusionIncreased levels of IL‐22 produced by Th22 lymphocytes are associated with the pathogenesis of periodontitis, in particular, with osteoclast resorptive activity and severity of disease.
Economic Freedom in the Early 21st Century: Government Ideology Still Matters
Authors: Jäger Kai 
Published: April 2017

SummaryEmpirical studies show that government ideology has hardly influenced welfare expenditures since the 1990s, casting doubt on the general ability of national governments to design economic policies according to their programmatic appeals. This study takes a comprehensive view on policy‐making by using a modified version of the Fraser Institute's Economic Freedom of the World Index. I focus on the aspects of economic freedom that provoke party polarization and that national governments are capable of influencing. The results suggest that government ideology still matters in the early 21st century: The empirical analysis of 36 OECD or new European Union member states from 2000 to 2012 shows that left‐wing governments are associated with significantly lower economic freedom. Economic freedom continues to be the guiding principle that divides left and right in economic policy‐making because the left still promotes relatively higher levels of government spending and regulation.