bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epigeal spider assemblage responses to vegetation structure under contrasting grazing management in upland calcareous grasslands
Authors: Lyons Ashley , Ashton Paul A. , Powell Ian , Oxbrough Anne 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCalcareous grassland is one of the most species rich and diverse habitats within Europe, but has faced decline due to agricultural intensification and abandonment. In recent years, conservation organisations have altered grazing practices in an attempt to maintain floristic components. However, there has been little consideration of the effects of changes in grazing practices on invertebrates. This study determines the impacts of commonly used grazing practices in upland calcareous grasslands on spiders in relation to vegetation structural complexity.Typical grazing management regimes were examined in three regions of upland calcareous grassland in Britain. Spiders were sampled from April to August 2014 and vegetation structural complexity was recorded in 2 × 2 m quadrats paired with pitfall traps sequentially throughout the sample period.There were three distinct spider assemblages among the grazing regimes; ungrazed, heavy sheep grazed and one shared between cattle and light sheep (which had a comparable grazing intensity). The distinct spider assemblages among grazing regimes can be attributed to the interaction of grazing and habitat structure.Increased vegetation structural complexity in ungrazed regimes resulted in an assemblage dominated by ‘sheet web weavers’ (dominated by Linyphiidae). In contrast, reduced vegetation structural complexity and homogeneity in heavy sheep grazing resulted in an assemblage dominated by ‘other hunters’ (includingOedothoraxandErigonegenera).Grazing regime alters vegetation structural complexity and is important in supporting distinct spider assemblages. This research indicates that low intensity conservation grazing regimes, in addition to no grazing, should be promoted across upland calcareous grassland landscapes to maintain heterogeneity.
Simultaneous surface and bulk crystallization of Bi1.5ZnNb1.5O7‐type pyrochlores and related crystals in glasses
Authors: Shimamura Keisuke , Honma Tsuyoshi , Shinozaki Kenji , Komatsu Takayuki 
Published: January 2018

AbstractNew glasses based on the systems of Bi2O3‐ZnO‐Nb2O5‐B2O3 and ‐GeO2 were synthesized using a conventional melt‐quenching method, and the formation behavior of pyrochlore‐type Bi1.5ZnNb1.5O7 crystals was examined to develop new dielectric glass‐ceramics. It was demonstrated that pyrochlore‐type Bi1.5ZnNb1.5O7 crystals are formed in 15Bi2O3‐20ZnO‐15Nb2O5‐50B2O3 glass, ie, pseudo‐binary Bi1.5ZnNb1.5O7‐B2O3 glass. The formation of a new crystalline phase consisting of mainly Bi2O3 and Nb2O5 was detected in 15Bi2O3‐20ZnO‐15Nb2O5‐50GeO2 glass, in which a simultaneous crystallization of new crystals with different morphologies was found at the surface and in the inside of the glass. The crystallized sample of 21Bi2O3‐28ZnO‐21Nb2O5‐30GeO2 glass exhibited the dielectric constant of εr=91 at f = 100 kHz, suggesting a potential for optoelectronic device applications.
Incorporation of gluten and hydrolysed gluten proteins has different effects on dough rheology and cookie characteristics
Authors: Bravo‐Nuñez Ángela , Sahagún Marta , Martínez Paula , Gómez Manuel 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThis study aims to establish how the substitution of wheat flour by high levels (15%, 30% and 45%) of gluten or hydrolysed gluten proteins affects sugar‐snap cookies properties. An increase in water‐binding capacity was observed when proteins were present. An increase in the dough elastic modulus was observed for gluten protein, but it decreased when hydrolysed gluten protein was used. Regarding the physical characteristics of the cookies, for the same protein percentage, the presence of gluten protein decreased spread ratio and increased hardness, while hydrolysed gluten protein increased spread ratio and yielded darker cookies without modifying the hardness. As for sensory characteristics, taste was negatively influenced by hydrolysed protein and visual acceptability was enhanced when gluten protein was present. Overall acceptability was decreased for the highest levels of hydrolysed gluten protein. Nevertheless, the highest levels of gluten protein did not modify the acceptability.
Analysis and mathematical modelling of the behaviour of Escherichia coli in the mascarpone cheese during cold storage
Authors: Kowalik Jaroslaw , Lobacz Adriana , Zulewska Justyna , Dec Bogdan 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe aim of this work was to study the behaviour of E. coli in mascarpone cheese during storage at the temperatures ranging from 3 to 15 °C, as well as application of predictive microbiology to describe the experimental data. The Baranyi, Gompertz and logistic models were fitted at the stage of primary modelling. Although all applied primary models described the growth of micro‐organisms accurately, the most accurate goodness of fit was obtained for the Gompertz model and the growth rates generated by this model were used for secondary modelling. The polynomial model predicted accurately the influence of temperature on the growth rate of E. coli, reaching the adjusted coefficient of linear regression 0.99. Generated predictive model that describes the growth of E. coli in mascarpone cheese constitutes a valuable tool in assessing the microbiological stability of the food product with similar physicochemical properties.
Low maternal vitamin D status in pregnancy increases the risk of childhood obesity
Authors: Daraki V. , Roumeliotaki T. , Chalkiadaki G. , Katrinaki M. , Karachaliou M. , Leventakou V. , Vafeiadi M. , Sarri K. , Vassilaki M. , Papavasiliou S. , Kogevinas M. , Chatzi L. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryBackgroundVitamin D may modulate adipogenesis. However, limited studies have investigated the effect of maternal vitamin D during pregnancy on offspring adiposity or cardiometabolic parameters with inconclusive results.ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to examine the association of maternal 25(OH)‐vitamin D [25(OH)D] status with offspring obesity and cardiometabolic characteristics in 532 mother–child pairs from the prospective pregnancy cohort Rhea in Crete, Greece.MethodsMaternal 25(OH)D concentrations were measured at the first prenatal visit (mean: 14 weeks, SD: 4). Child outcomes included body mass index standard deviation score, waist circumference, skin‐fold thickness, blood pressure and serum lipids at ages 4 and 6 years. Body fat percentage was also measured at 6 years. Body mass index growth trajectories from birth to 6 years were estimated by mixed effects models with fractional polynomials of age. Adjusted associations were obtained via multivariable linear regression analyses.ResultsAbout two‐thirds of participating mothers had 25(OH)D concentrations <50 nmol L−1. Offspring of women in the low 25(OH)D tertile (<37.7 nmol L−1) had higher body mass index standard deviation score (β 0.20, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.37), and waist circumference (β 0.87 95% CI: 0.12, 1.63) at preschool age, compared with the offspring of women with higher 25(OH)D measurements (≥37.7 nmol L−1), on covariate‐adjusted analyses. The observed relationships persisted at age 6 years. We found no association between maternal 25(OH)D concentrations and offspring blood pressure or serum lipids at both time points.ConclusionsExposure to very low 25(OH)D concentrations in utero may increase childhood adiposity indices. Given that vitamin D is a modifiable risk factor, our findings may have important public health implications.
Variable neighborhood search algorithms for the vehicle routing problem with two‐dimensional loading constraints and mixed linehauls and backhauls
Authors: Pinto Telmo , Alves Cláudio , Valério de Carvalho José 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we explore a vehicle routing problem with two‐dimensional loading constraints and mixed linehauls and backhauls. The addressed problem belongs to a subclass of general pickup and delivery problems. Two‐dimensional loading constraints are also considered. These constraints arise in many real‐world situations and can improve efficiency since backhaul customers do not need to be delayed in a route when it is possible to load their items earlier and without rearrangements of the items. To tackle this problem, we report extensive computational experiments to assess the performance of different variants of the variable neighborhood search approaches. The initial solution relies on an insertion heuristic. Both shaking and local search phases resort to 10 neighborhood structures. Some of those structures were specially developed for this problem. The feasibility of routes is heuristically obtained with a classical bottom‐left based method to tackle the explicit consideration of loading constraints. All the strategies were implemented and exhaustively tested on instances adapted from the literature. The results of this computational study are discussed at the end of this paper.
Eu3+‐doped glass as a color rendering index enhancer in phosphor‐in‐glass
Authors: Orozco Hinostroza Ignacio E. , Desirena Haggeo , Hernandez Jose , Molina Jorge , Moreno Ivan , De la Rosa Elder 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA new method for improving color rendering index (CRI) and low correlated color temperature (CCT) in high‐power white‐light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs) is proposed. We used a configuration of phosphor‐in‐glass (PIG) and studied light output changes with the increment in concentration of yellow‐emitting Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ (YAG:Ce3+) phosphor. The PIG was coupled on the top of blue‐light‐emitting diodes (LED) chip (465 nm). To compensate the lack of red emission in the phosphor, Eu3+‐doped tellurium glass with different europium content was employed as a red emitter. The suitable contents of YAG:Ce3+ and Eu3+ were 7.5 weight percent (wt%) and 3 mol percent (mol%), respectively. The CRI value went from 72 to 82, whereas the CCT was reduced from 24 933 to 6434 K. The proposed structure can improve CCT as well as CRI of WLEDs just by placing a glass on top.
New insights into nanoindentation crack initiation in ion‐exchanged sodium aluminosilicate glass
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Jiang Liangbao , Mohagheghian Iman , Dear John P. , Li Lei , Yan Yue 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe effect of ion‐exchange on the fracture behavior and the threshold load is investigated for radial crack initiation resulting from cube‐corner indentation. Both tin and air sides of the sodium aluminosilicate float glass are considered. The threshold load and mechanical properties are experimentally measured by nanoindentation. A qualitative explanation of crack initiation is developed by analyzing the stresses at the indentation site. The ion‐exchanged glasses show a lower threshold load for radial crack initiation with a cube‐corner indenter than the raw glass, and this is due to a higher crack driving stress for ion‐exchanged glasses. However, the compressive stress on the surface of the ion‐exchanged glasses can inhibit the expanding of the radial cracks. The air side always shows higher values for the threshold load than the tin side before and after ion‐exchange, which is in accordance with the calculated crack driving stress results.
The effects of participation, performance, and interest in a game‐based writing environment
Authors: Liao Calvin C. Y. , Chang Wan‐Chen , Chan Tak‐Wai 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe have observed that many computer‐supported writing environments based on pedagogical strategies have only been designed to incorporate the cognitive aspects, but motivational aspects should also be included. Hence, we theorize that integrating game‐based learning into the writing environment may be a practical approach that can facilitate student participation, not only helping students learn how to write, but also sustaining their willingness to write. In this study, we investigate the effects of the game‐based writing environment on improving students' participation, performance, and interest in writing. An experiment was conducted to compare the effectiveness of 2 approaches to writing in language arts at an elementary school. Two hundred forty‐five third grade students participated in the experiment over a period of 1 year. One hundred thirty‐nine students were assigned to an experimental group and learned with a game‐based writing environment, and 106 students were in the contrast group and learned with an online writing environment. The empirical results show that the game‐based writing environment can effectively promote students' writing participation, writing performance, interest in writing, as well as their perceptions of the use of educational self‐management games. Some implications of the experimental results are also discussed.
Physical exosome:exosome interactions
Authors: Beit‐Yannai Elie , Tabak Saray , Stamer W. Daniel 
Published: January 2018

AbstractExosomes are extracellular nanovesicles that mediate a number of cellular processes, including intracellular signalling. There are many published examples of exosome–exosome dimers; however, their relevance has not been explored. Here, we propose that cells release exosomes to physically interact with incoming exosomes, forming dimers that we hypothesize attenuate incoming exosome‐mediated signalling. We discuss experiments to test this hypothesis and potential relevance in health and disease.
Hypothesis: apo‐lactoferrin–Galantamine Proteo‐alkaloid Conjugate for Alzheimer's disease Intervention
Authors: Akilo Olufemi D. , Kumar Pradeep , Choonara Yahya E. , Pradeep Priyamvada , du Toit Lisa C. , Pillay Viness 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is known to be caused by the accumulation of deformed beta amyloid and hyperphosphorylated tau proteins resulting into formation and aggregation of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Additionally, AD is associated with the accumulation of iron or metal ions in the brain which causes oxidative stress. Galantamine (Gal) is one of the therapeutic agents that has been approved for the treatment of AD, but still saddled with numerous side effects and could not address the issue of iron accumulation in the brain. The use of metal chelators to address the iron accumulation has not been successful due to toxicity and inability to address the aggregation of the plaques. We therefore hypothesize a combinatorial antioxidant–metal–chelator approach by formulating a single dosage form that has the ability to prevent the formation of free radicals, plaques and accumulation of iron in the brain. This can be achieved by conjugating Gal with apo‐lactoferrin (ApoLf), a natural compound that has high binding affinity for iron, to form an apo‐lactoferrin–galantamine proteo‐alkaloid conjugate (ApoLf–Gal) as a single dosage form for AD management. The conjugation is achieved through self‐assembly of ApoLf which results in encapsulation of Gal. ApoLf changes its conformational structure in the presence of iron; therefore, ApoLf–Gal is proposed to deliver Gal and pick up excess iron when in contact with iron. This strategy has the potential to proffer a dual neuroprotection and neurotherapeutic interventions for the management of AD.
The FDA approved PI3K inhibitor GDC‐0941 enhances in vitro the anti‐neoplastic efficacy of Axitinib against c‐myc‐amplified high‐risk medulloblastoma
Authors: Ehrhardt Michael , Craveiro Rogerio B. , Velz Julia , Olschewski Martin , Casati Anna , Schönberger Stefan , Pietsch Torsten , Dilloo Dagmar 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAberrant receptor kinase signalling and tumour neovascularization are hallmarks of medulloblastoma development and are both considered valuable therapeutic targets. In addition to VEGFR1/2, expression of PDGFR α/β in particular has been documented as characteristic of metastatic disease correlating with poor prognosis. Therefore, we have been suggested that the clinically approved multi‐kinase angiogenesis inhibitor Axitinib, which specifically targets these kinases, might constitute a promising option for medulloblastoma treatment. Indeed, our results delineate anti‐neoplastic activity of Axitinib in medulloblastoma cell lines modelling the most aggressive c‐myc‐amplified Non‐WNT/Non‐SHH and SHH‐TP53‐mutated tumours. Exposure of medulloblastoma cell lines to Axitinib results in marked inhibition of proliferation and profound induction of cell death. The differential efficacy of Axitinib is in line with target expression of medulloblastoma cells identifying VEGFR 1/2, PDGFR α/β and c‐kit as potential markers for drug application. The high specificity of Axitinib and the consequential low impact on the haematopoietic and immune system render this drug ideal multi‐modal treatment approaches. In this context, we demonstrate that the clinically available PI3K inhibitor GDC‐0941 enhances the anti‐neoplastic efficacy of Axitinib against c‐myc‐amplified medulloblastoma. Our findings provide a rational to further evaluate Axitinib alone and in combination with other therapeutic agents for the treatment of most aggressive medulloblastoma subtypes.
The relationship between myocardial fibrosis and myocardial microRNAs in dilated cardiomyopathy: A link between mir‐133a and cardiovascular events
Authors: Rubiś Paweł , Totoń‐Żurańska Justyna , Wiśniowska‐Śmiałek Sylwia , Dziewięcka Ewa , Kołton‐Wróż Maria , Wołkow Paweł , Pitera Ewelina , Rudnicka‐Sosin Lucyna , Garlitski Ann C. , Gackowski Andrzej , Podolec Piotr 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIt is unknown whether fibrosis‐associated microRNAs: miR‐21, miR‐26, miR‐29, miR‐30 and miR‐133a are linked to cardiovascular (CV) outcome. The study evaluated the levels of extracellular matrix (ECM) fibrosis and the prevalence of particular microRNAs in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) to investigate any correlation with CV events. Methods: Seventy DCM patients (48 ± 12 years, EF 24.4 ± 7.4%) underwent right ventricular biopsy. The control group was comprised of 7 patients with CAD who underwent CABG and intraoperative biopsy. MicroRNAs were measured in blood and myocardial tissue via qPCR. The end‐point was a combination of CV death and urgent HF hospitalization at the end of 12 months. There were differential levels of circulating and myocardial miR‐26 and miR‐29 as well as myocardial miR‐133a when the DCM and CABG groups were compared. Corresponding circulating and myocardial microRNAs did not correlate with one another. There was no correlation between microRNA and ECM fibrosis. By the end of the 12‐month period of the study, CV death had occurred in 6 patients, and a further 19 patients required urgent HF hospitalization. None of the circulating microRNAs was a predictor of the combined end‐point; however, myocardial miR‐133a was an independent predictor in unadjusted models (HR 1.53; 95% CI 1.14‐2.05; P < .004) and adjusted models (HR 1.57; 95% CI 1.14‐2.17; P < .005). The best cut‐off value for the miR‐133a level for the prediction of the combined end‐point was 0.74 ΔCq, with an AUC of 0.67. The absence of a correlation between the corresponding circulating and myocardial microRNAs calls into question their cellular source. This study sheds new light on the role of microRNAs in ECM fibrosis in DCM, which warrants further exploration.
The influence of exposome on acne
Authors: Dréno B. , Bettoli V. , Araviiskaia E. , Sanchez Viera M. , Bouloc A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundAcne vulgaris is one of the main reasons for dermatological consultations. Severity and response to treatment may be impacted by various external factors or exposome.AimTo assess the impact of environmental factors on acne and to provide a comprehensive overview of the acne exposome.MethodsTwo consensus meetings of five European dermatologists and a comprehensive literature search on exposome factors triggering acne served as a basis for this review.ResultsAcne exposome was defined as the sum of all environmental factors influencing the occurrence, duration and severity of acne. Exposome factors impact on the response and the frequency of relapse to treatments by interacting with the skin barrier, sebaceous gland, innate immunity and cutaneous microbiota. They may be classified into the following six main categories: nutrition, psychological and lifestyle factors, occupational factors including cosmetics, as well as pollutants, medication and climatic factors. Moreover, practical considerations for the dermatologist's clinical practice are proposed.ConclusionExposome factors including nutrition, medication, occupational factors, pollutants, climatic factors, and psychosocial and lifestyle factors may impact on the course and severity of acne and on treatment efficacy. Identifying and reducing the impact of exposome is important for an adequate acne disease management.
Bacterial Surface Traits Influence Digestion by Tetrahymena pyriformis and Alter Opportunity to Escape from Food Vacuoles
Authors: Siegmund Lisa , Schweikert Michael , Fischer Martin S. , Wöstemeyer Johannes 
Published: January 2018

AbstractEndosymbiotic interactions are frequently found in nature, especially in the group of protists. Even though many endosymbioses have been studied in detail, little is known about the mechanistic origins and physiological prerequisites of endosymbiont establishment. A logical step towards the development of endocytobiotic associations is evading digestion and escaping from the host's food vacuoles. Surface properties of bacteria are probably involved in these processes. Therefore, we chemically modified the surface of a transformant strain of Escherichia coli prior to feeding to Tetrahymena pyriformis. N‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐N’‐ethylcarbodiimide allows any substance carrying amino‐ or carboxyl groups to be bound covalently to the bacterial surface by forming a peptide bond, thus, altering its properties biochemically and biophysically in a predictable manner. The effect of different traits on digestion of T. pyriformis was examined by fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. The efficiency of digestion differs considerably depending on the coupled substances. Alkaline substances inhibit digestion partially, resulting in incomplete digestion and slightly enhanced escape rates. Increasing hydrophobicity leads to much higher escape frequencies. Both results point to possible mechanisms employed by pathogenic bacteria or potential endosymbionts in evading digestion and transmission to the host's cytoplasm.