bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneous Mortgage Markets: Implications for Business Cycles and Welfare in the EMU
Authors: Gareis Johannes , Mayer Eric 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis paper evaluates business cycle effects of asymmetric cross-country mortgage market developments in a monetary union. By employing a two-country New Keynesian DSGE model with collateral constraints tied to housing values, we show that a change in institutional characteristics of mortgage markets, such as the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, is an important driver of asymmetric developments in housing markets and economic activity. Our analysis suggests that the home country where credit standards are lax booms, while the rest of European Monetary Union faces a negative output gap. Overall welfare is lower if LTV ratios are higher.
Effects of a change in social activity on quality of life among middle‐aged and elderly Koreans: Analysis of the Korean longitudinal study of aging (2006–2012)
Authors: Choi Young , Lee Kwang‐Sig , Shin Jaeyong , Kwon Jeoung A , Park Eun‐Cheol 
Published: January 2016

AimThe aim of the present study was to examine a relationship between altered social activity and quality of life in later life.MethodsData came from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006–2012), which consisted of 7096 participants aged 45 years or older. Change in social activity was classified into four categories; that is, “consistent non‐participation,” “participation to no participation,” “no participation to participation” and “consistent participation.” Social activity was divided into various elements, and the same analysis was carried out for each element. The linear mixed model was used to investigate the association between changes in social activity and quality of life among middle‐aged and elderly Koreans.ResultsThose with changes from “participation to no participation” (b 2.253, P < 0.0001), “no participation to participation” (b 3.348, P < 0.0001) and “consistent participation” (b 6.624, P < 0.0001) were more likely to be satisfied with their lives than those with “consistent non‐participation” (P < 0.0001 for trend). In addition, the impact of the positive relationship between consistent participation in social activity and quality of life varied across different elements of social activity. The positive association was particularly strong for religious activities, friendship organization, leisure/culture clubs, family/school reunion and voluntary work (b 1.451, P < 0.0004; b 5.049, P < 0.0001; b 4.903, P < 0.0001; b 4.757, P < 0.0001; b 4.562, P < 0.0001; respectively, for consistent participation vs consistent non‐participation).ConclusionConsistent participation in religious activities, friendship organizations, leisure/culture clubs, family/school reunion ,and volunteer work improves quality of life among middle aged and older Koreans. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 132–141.
Multicentered epidemiological study of factors associated with total bacterial count in the saliva of older people requiring nursing care
Authors: Tohara Takashi , Kikutani Takeshi , Tamura Fumiyo , Yoshida Mitsuyoshi , Kuboki Takuo 
Published: January 2016

AimTo clarify whether the number of present teeth, independent of other well‐known factors, was associated with the total bacterial count in the saliva of older people requiring care at nursing homes in a multicentered epidemiological survey.MethodThe participants were 618 older people (mean age 86.8 ± 6.9 years; 122 men, 496 women) residing in 14 nursing homes across Japan. The dependent variable was the participant's salivary bacterial count, and the independent variables were basic demographic data, oral conditions and activity of daily living (measured by Barthel Index). Statistical analysis was first carried out by Student's t‐test, Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analysis. Independent variables found to have a significant relationship to their salivary bacterial count by the univariate analyses were further examined by stepwise multivariate analysis.ResultsThe independent variables shown by univariate analysis to have a significant positive relationship with higher salivary bacterial count were presence of food residue (P = 0.001), absence of mouth dryness (P = 0.001), need of oral care assistance (P = 0.001), inability to keep the mouth opened (P = 0.009), inability to gargle (P = 0.002), denture use (P = 0.004), higher number of present teeth (P = 0.006) and lower Barthel Index (P = 0.001). Subsequent multivariate analysis identified presence of food residue (P = 0.031), higher number of present teeth (P = 0.043) and lower Barthel Index (P = 0.001) as independent associated factors for higher salivary bacterial count.ConclusionsThe present study found that presence of food residue, higher number of present teeth and decreased activity of daily living were significantly related to higher bacterial count in the saliva of older people requiring care. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 219–225.
Broadcasting cookery: BBC radio programmes in the 1920s and 1930s
Authors: Lyon Phil , Ross Liz 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe development of British radio broadcasting technology in the 1920s and 1930s and, equally importantly, the progressively widespread purchase and use of radio sets established a new platform from which to engage and influence the population on a number of matters. The British Broadcasting Corporation's public service principles of programmes to inform, educate and entertain gave rise to various content experiments at a time when there were very few precedents. One such innovation was the cookery talk. This was broadcast live, accomplished without the possibility of practical demonstration, and constituted a new, and abstract, form of communication primarily designed for women in their own homes. In this, women were the earliest and most frequent contributors, and their broadcast content differed from that provided by men. By reference to archive material, this article examines the social context and the thinking behind those early years of radio cookery talks and documents the contributors who were to establish this now‐familiar genre of broadcasting.
Catheter Ablation for “Lone” Atrial Fibrillation: Efficacy and Predictors of Recurrence
Authors: BUIATTI A. , KAESS B. , REENTS T. , SEMMLER V. , TELISHVESKA M. , BOURIER F. , KORNMAYER M. , KOTTMAIER M. , HESSLING G. , DEISENHOFER I. 
Published: January 2016

Catheter Ablation for “Lone” Atrial FibrillationBackgroundAtrial fibrillation in otherwise healthy young patients has been termed “lone” atrial fibrillation (AF). The best treatment choice is still under discussion. The aim of this study was to report on efficacy and safety of catheter ablation.MethodsAmong 855 patients referred to our center between 2011 and 2013, 76 (9%) met the diagnostic criteria for lone AF (mean age 45 ± 8 years; mean LA diameter 37 ± 4 mm; paroxysmal AF 82%; persistent AF 18%). The primary endpoint was freedom from any atrial tachycardia after the first ablation; the secondary endpoint was freedom from any atrial tachycardia after the last ablation procedure without antiarrhythmic drugs.ResultsThe primary endpoint occurred in 56 patients (74%) after a mean follow‐up time of 444 ± 344 days. The secondary endpoint occurred in 73 patients (96%) after a mean of 1.3 ablations/patient during a follow‐up time of 459 ± 366 days. The risk of AF recurrence was not influenced by AF duration or by the type of AF (paroxysmal versus persistent). In a multivariate regression analysis smoking (P = 0.001), first degree atrioventricular block (P = 0.001), and early (< 3 months) AF recurrence (P = 0.001) were independently associated with a higher risk of AF recurrence. Major peri‐procedural adverse events did not occur.ConclusionsCatheter ablation in young healthy patients is highly effective and safe. The outcomes are maintained during long‐term follow‐up irrespective of preoperative AF duration. Patients with AF recurrence were more likely to smoke, have first degree AV block and early AF recurrence.
Circulating memory B cells and plasmablasts are associated with the levels of serum immunoglobulin in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Wang Xinrui , Jiang Yanfang , Zhu Yonggang , Zhang Manli , Li Man , Wang Hongjuan , Gao Pujun 
Published: January 2016

AbstractHumoural immunity is crucial for the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC), but the precise perturbation of B cell immunity is poorly understood. This study is aimed at evaluating the numbers of different subsets of circulating memory B cells, plasmablasts, and the levels of serum immunoglobulin in UC patients. Total of 23 patients with active UC and 14 healthy controls (HC) were examined for the numbers of different subsets of circulating memory B cells and plasmablasts before and after treatment with mesalazine for 8–12 weeks by flow cytometry. Disease activity was evaluated by the Mayo clinic score. The levels of serum immunoglobulin, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured in individual subjects. In comparison with that in HC, significantly reduced numbers of IgG+ IgD− CD27+ CD19+ memory B cells, increased numbers of CD20− CD19+ plasmablast subsets, and higher serum IgG levels were detected in UC patients. The concentrations of serum IgG, the numbers of CD138+ CD38+ CD20− CD19+, and IgG+ CD38+ CD20− CD19+ plasmablasts were negatively associated with the numbers of IgG+ IgD− CD27+ CD19+ memory B cells. Furthermore, the values of Mayo clinic score, CRP, or ESR in UC patients were negatively correlated with the numbers of IgG+ IgD− CD27+ CD19+ memory B cells, while positively correlated with the serum IgG levels and the numbers of plasmablast subsets. Following treatment with mesalazine, the numbers of circulating IgG+ IgD− CD27+ CD19+ memory B cells were significantly increased, while the numbers of CD138+ CD38+ CD20− CD19+ and IgG+ CD38+ CD20− CD19+ plasmablasts were reduced in UC patients. These decreased IgG+ IgD− CD27+ CD19+ memory B cells and increased plasmablasts may be involved in the pathogenic process of UC.
Kefir Grain Biomass Production: Influence of Different Culturing Conditions and Examination of Growth Kinetic Models
Authors: Apar Dilek Kiliç , Demirhan Elçin , Özel Birsen , Özbek Belma 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIn this study, kefir grain biomass growth was investigated in whey enriched with some additives such as yoghurt, milk, glucose, sucrose, yeast extract and carob extract. The fermentation experiments were carried out at 27°C for 10 days by refreshing the cultivation media at the end of each 24 h fermentation period. Maximum and minimum biomass increases were obtained as 1,438 and 836% in whey enriched with 5% (w/v) yeast extract and 10% (v/v) carob extract, respectively. Kefir biomass increase and fermentation kinetics were examined at different temperatures (17, 27, 37°C) and different initial kefir grain concentrations (2.5, 5, 7.5%) for selected culture mediums (in whey and in whey enriched with milk and yoghurt). Optimum temperature and initial grain concentration for kefir biomass growth were obtained as 27°C and 5% for all examined mediums. Modelling studies were performed and various kinetic models tested to represent the kefir biomass growth and fermentation kinetics. The convenience of the kefir biomass growth to the Monod kinetics was also examined.Practical ApplicationsThe varied microbial composition of kefir grains provides novel applications to them, such as, in bread production as baker's yeast, cheese production, polysaccharide production, volatile aroma compound production and ethanol production. The biomass increase of kefir grains by traditional inoculation in milk is relatively low, hence to use kefir grains in commercial applications their production has to be improved using alternative cultivation mediums and optimizing the process conditions. So in the study presented by this article the kinetics of kefir grain biomass growth was investigated in whey (an alternative raw material for kefir biomass production that is a dairy liquid waste of negligible cost) enriched with additives such as yoghurt, milk, glucose, sucrose, yeast extract and carob extract to improve the biomass production of kefir and use the whey as an effective low cost substrate. Also the effect of temperature and initial kefir grain concentration on biomass production and fermentation were examined and different mathematical models were analyzed to represent the kefir biomass growth and kefir fermentation kinetics.
Evaluation of the Kinetics of Ascorbic Acid (AA) Release from Alginate‐Whey Protein Concentrates (AL‐WPC) Microspheres at the Simulated Gastro–Intestinal Condition
Authors: Zandi M. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe aim of this work was to study the Ascorbic Acid (AA) release mechanism from Alginate‐Whey Protein concentrates (AL‐WPC) microsphere at the gastro–intestinal situation. Then, release mechanisms were indicated by using various kinetic models, including Zero order, Kopcha model, Makoid–Banakar model, Higuchi's model, First‐order model and Korsmeyer–Peppas model. It was found that the release occurs faster in the presence of shear force, pepsin enzyme and pH of 1.5 at gastric condition. It was also shown that the presence of pancreatin enzyme and simulated intestinal shear force significantly increased release rate; however, AA release rate was independent of the intestinal pH. It was also demonstrated that the AA release rate at simulated intestinal situation was increased by about five‐fold in comparison to its release at simulated gastric condition. Results indicated that the AA release in at gastric condition followed the Higuchi model while the release at intestinal condition attributed to First‐order model.Practical ApplicationsIn present work, we developed our pervious works to produce AA encapsulated AL‐WPC microcapsule using emulsification/internal gelation technique. Final purpose of this work was to study the AA release mechanism from AL‐WPC microsphere at the gastro–intestinal situation. Results indicated that the microcapsules degradation at gastric situation is slight and therefore, microcapsule protected AA against stomach condition. It was also demonstrated that this microcapsule could delay the release at the gastric condition, and it could completely release AA at intestinal condition. The better release of AA at intestinal condition is desirable to achieve the nutrient effect during food consumption. This research suggested that AA‐AL‐WPC microspheres can protect vitamin C against stomach condition. Our developed vesicular system could use to nutrient delivery or controlled nutrient release.
Analysis of Browning of Broiled Foods by Noncontact Techniques: A Case Study for Japanese Eggplant (Solanum Melongena)
Authors: Llave Yvan , Takemori Kenji , Fukuoka Mika , Takemori Toshikazu , Tomita Haruo , Sakai Noboru 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis study aimed to develop and validate a novel method to analyze the browning behavior of foods during the broiling process by using the combined method of infrared thermography (IRT) and a kinetic browning model. Results were validated with estimated color by using computer vision system (CVS). Surface temperature distribution was captured using an IRT camera. To improve accuracy, temperature was corrected using an effective estimation of sample surface reflection, and the results were used to estimate the L × a × b color distribution with the kinetic browning model. Cylindrical slices of eggplant were broiled up to 20 min. Broiling experiments were performed using a far‐infrared apparatus. Our results showed the potential of the combined method as a browning monitoring tool over traditional methods and CVS. Browning behavior, as evaluated by microstructural analysis, showed that the nonhomogeneous browning distribution of eggplant can be explained by the structural changes induced during broiling.Practical ApplicationsApplications of this combined method include but are not limited to (a) practical method for the correction of temperature profiles which were captured by IRT devices, (b) prediction of the color profile of foods undergoing heating process, (c) direct mapping of color distribution, in addition to temperature distribution, allowing for more comprehensive analysis of the sample, in areas beyond the center of the upper surface, and (d) easy detection of overcooked areas in food surfaces during online monitoring.
Shelf Life of Organic Roast Pork Enriched with Acid Whey‐Plant Extracts Combination
Authors: Wójciak Karolina M. , Dolatowski Zbigniew J. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe effect of acid whey with plant extracts combination on the shelf‐life of organic roasts during storage was evaluated. The experiment involved pork roasts divided into six groups: two controls (with and without nitrite) and four organics: one with sea salt and whey; and three with sea salt, whey and mustard (Sinapis alba L.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), juniper berry (Juniperus communis L.) extracts respectively. pH value, water activity, heme iron, conjugated diene, TBARS values, microbial and sensory analysis were determined after 1 day of production and after 7 and 15 days of storage at 4C. The plant extracts were examined for their reducing power and ABTS radical scavenging activity.The addition of whey with mustard seed extract had a positive effect on quality, shelf‐life and sensory acceptance of organic meat product during storage. Furthermore, it was found that the sodium nitrite dose, added to the roast pork, could be eliminated when mustard seed extract with acid whey combination was added, without negative effects on the quality and shelf life of the product.Practical ApplicationsThe organic food regulations preclude the use of sodium nitrite/nitrate and other synthetic antimicrobials and antioxidants for processed meat products. Lipid oxidation with microbial spoilage is one of the major problems encountered in meat processing following roasting and subsequent chilling storage. It affects the quality of the organic product and reduces its shelf life. The natural substances from aromatic herbs and spices can act as antimicrobials and antioxidants which could stabilize lipid oxidation, color and microbial growth thus extending shelf life of meat products without necessary of nitrite add.
Obstetrician–Gynecologist Practices and Beliefs Regarding External Genitalia Inspection and Speculum Examinations in Healthy Older Asymptomatic Women
Authors: Hsu Amy , Henderson Jillian T. , Harper Cynthia C. , Sawaya George F. 
Published: January 2016

ObjectivesTo understand obstetrician–gynecologist perceptions of the value of external genitalia inspection and speculum examinations in older and younger healthy women across the life span.DesignNational survey from May 2010 to January 2011 asking obstetrician–gynecologists about the need for and importance of external inspection and speculum examination in four scenarios of asymptomatic healthy women aged 70, 55, 35, and 18 who present for routine health visits. Separate questions asked about the importance of various reasons for these examinations.SettingMail‐in survey of a national sample of obstetrician–gynecologists.ParticipantsProbability sample of obstetrician–gynecologists from the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile (N = 521).MeasurementsProportion of obstetrician–gynecologists who would perform external inspection and speculum examinations and consider these examinations to be very important.ResultsThe response rate was 62%. In a healthy 70‐year‐old woman, 98% of respondents would perform external inspection, and 86% would perform a speculum examination. Ninety percent would perform a speculum examination in a healthy 55‐year‐old woman after removal of her uterus, cervix, and ovaries. Respondents more often indicated that the external examination was very important in the 70‐year‐old (63%) than in younger women (46–53%). Reasons rated as very important included identifying cancers and benign lesions, reassuring women of their health, and adhering to standard of care.ConclusionObstetrician–gynecologists would commonly perform external and speculum examinations in asymptomatic women and believe the external examination to be particularly important in older women for cancer detection. Clinicians should discuss limitations of screening pelvic examination guidelines and elicit health goals from older women to provide more person‐centered gynecological care.
What do we know about sulforaphane protection against photoaging?
Authors: Sikdar Sohely , Papadopoulou Maria , Dubois Jacques 
Published: January 2016

SummarySulforaphane (SFN), a natural compound occurring in cruciferous vegetables, has been known for years as a chemopreventive agent against many types of cancer. Recently, it has been investigated as an antioxidant and anti‐aging agent, and interesting conclusions have been made over the last decade. SFN demonstrated protective effects against ultraviolet (UV)‐induced skin damage through several mechanisms of action, for example, decrease of reactive oxygen species production, inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase expression, and induction of phase 2 enzymes. SFN used as a protective agent against UV damage is a whole new matter, and it seems to be a very promising ingredient in upcoming anti‐aging drugs and cosmetics.
Comparison of Heidelberg Retina Tomograph with disc‐macula distance to disc diameter ratio in diagnosing optic nerve hypoplasia
Authors: Pang Yi , Frantz Kelly A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate whether Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph (HRT) is a valid test for diagnosing congenital optic nerve hypoplasia (CONH) compared to the ratio of the distance between the centre of the optic disc and the centre of the macula and the mean optic disc diameter (DM:DD ratio). Furthermore, to determine the optimal cut‐off value of HRT disc area to differentiate a hypoplastic disc from a normal optic disc.MethodsA total of 33 subjects with CONH (4–67 years old) and 160 normal subjects (5–65 years old) were recruited and underwent comprehensive eye examinations, fundus photography and HRT. Receiver operating characteristic curves for DM:DD ratio and HRT disc area were constructed based on data from the 46 CONH eyes and 160 control eyes.ResultsMean (±S.D.) HRT disc area was 1.94 (±0.54) mm2 for the control eyes and 0.84 (±0.35) mm2 for the CONH eyes (p < 0.0001). The area under the curve (AUC) for DM:DD ratio was 0.83 (95% confidence interval: 0.76–0.90). The AUC for HRT disc area was 0.96 (95% confidence interval: 0.94–0.99). A statistically significant difference was found between AUC for HRT disc area and that for DM:DD ratio (p = 0.0004). The optimal cut‐off value for HRT disc area was 1.42 mm2 with 95% sensitivity and 85% specificity. The optimal cut‐off value for DM:DD ratio was 3.20 with 78% sensitivity and 78% specificity.ConclusionsBoth HRT and the DM:DD ratio are valid tests to aid diagnosis of CONH. HRT is superior to DM:DD ratio in diagnosing CONH with higher sensitivity and specificity. We suggest the optimal cut‐off value for HRT disc area as 1.42 mm2 in order to discriminate a hypoplastic disc from a normal optic disc.