bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence, mechanisms and genetic relatedness of the human pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus exhibiting resistance to medical azoles in the environment of Taiwan
Authors: Wang Hsuan‐Chen , Huang Jui‐Chang , Lin Yong‐Hong , Chen Yu‐Hsin , Hsieh Ming‐I , Choi Pui‐Ching , Lo Hsiu‐Jung , Liu Wei‐Lun , Hsu Ching‐Shan , Shih Hsin‐I , Wu Chi‐Jung , Chen Yee‐Chun 
Published: November 2017

SummaryEmerging azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus poses a serious threat to human health. This nationwide surveillance study investigated the prevalence and molecular characteristics of azole‐resistant A. fumigatus environmental isolates in Taiwan, an island country with increasing use of azole fungicides. Of the 2760 air and soil samples screened from 2014 to 2016, 451 A. fumigatus isolates were recovered from 266 samples and 34 isolates from 29 samples displayed resistance to medical azoles (itraconazole, voriconazole or posaconazole). The resistance prevalence was 10.9% and 7.5% in A. fumigatus‐positive samples and isolates respectively. Most (29, 85.3%) azole‐resistant isolates harboured TR34/L98H mutations, which were widely distributed, clustered genetically with clinical isolates, and had growth rates that were similar to those of the wild‐type isolates. Microsatellite genotyping revealed both the global spread of the TR34/L98H isolates and the occurrence of TR34/L98H/S297T/F495I isolates belonging to local microsatellite genotypes. AfuMDR3 and atrF, two efflux transporter genes, were constitutively upregulated in two individual resistant isolates without cyp51A mutations, highlighting their potential roles in azole resistance. These results emphasize the need for periodic environmental surveillance at the molecular level in regions in which azole fungicides are applied, and agricultural fungicide management strategies that generate less selective pressure should be investigated.
Mineral surface‐reactive metabolites secreted during fungal decomposition contribute to the formation of soil organic matter
Authors: Wang Tao , Tian Zhaomo , Bengtson Per , Tunlid Anders , Persson Per 
Published: November 2017

SummarySoil organic matter (SOM) constitutes the largest terrestrial C pool. An emerging, untested, view is that oxidation and depolymerization of SOM by microorganisms promote the formation of SOM‐mineral associations that is critical for SOM stabilization. To test this hypothesis, we performed laboratory‐scale experiments involving one ectomycorrhizal and one saprotrophic fungus that represent the two major functional groups of microbial decomposers in the boreal forest soils. Fungal decomposition enhanced the retention of SOM on goethite, partly because of oxidative modifications of organic matter (OM) by the fungi. Moreover, both fungi secreted substantial amounts (> 10% new biomass C) of aromatic metabolites that also contributed to an enhanced mineral retention of OM. Our study demonstrates that soil fungi can form mineral‐stabilized SOM not only by oxidative conversion of the SOM but also by synthesizing mineral surface‐reactive metabolites. Metabolites produced by fungal decomposers can play a yet overlooked role in the formation and stabilization of SOM.
Should Love Conquer Evidence in Policy‐Making? Challenges in Implementing Random Drug‐Testing of Welfare Recipients in Australia
Authors: Olney Sue 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe Australian Government announced in its 2017 budget that it would trial random drug‐testing of recipients of the Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance in three locations from January 2018. The Prime Minister described it as a policy ‘based on love’, but that sentiment is hard to find in the policy rhetoric, which situates it in a suite of measures designed to ‘ensure taxpayers’ money is not being used to fund drug addictions which are creating significant barriers to employment'. The policy may make it harder for people to buy drugs with their welfare payments, through income management, but research suggests it will not help them overcome addiction and its costs will exceed any savings it generates in income support. Furthermore, the policy perpetuates ‘medicalisation’ of the problem of long‐term unemployment by suggesting it stems from deficiencies in individuals that can be ‘treated’, despite evidence to the contrary. Finally, the policy claims to close loopholes in enforcement of mutual obligation requirements without addressing structural weaknesses in the welfare‐to‐work model. Each of these issues will pose challenges for those charged with implementing the policy.
Tracing The Development Of AnOld Old Story: Intensificatory Repetition In English
Authors: González‐Díaz Victorina 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe present paper explores the synchronic distribution and historical development of an intensificatory construction that has so far received little attention in previous literature on English; i.e. what Huddleston and Pullum (2002) label asINTENSIFICATORY REPETITION(e.g.old old story,long long way). Synchronically, the paper records the existence of two functional subtypes of repetitive intensification (affection and degree) and expands previous accounts by showing the functional versatility of the degree intensificatory subtype. At the diachronic level, the paper dates the establishment of (degree) intensificatory repetition to the Late Modern English (LModE) period. It also suggests that (a) intensificatory affection was the first repetitive (sub)type to develop in the language, and (b) that its collocational expansion from Early Modern English (EModE) onwards may have paved the way for the establishment of its degree intensification counterpart.More generally, the paper shows that formulaic phraseology can contribute to the development of fully productive constructions and advocates the need for further study of ‘minor’ intensificatory constructions (such as the one explored here) and the way in which they may help to refine current standard descriptions of the English Noun Phrase.
Women's preference for non‐invasive prenatal DNA testing versus chromosomal microarray after screening for Down syndrome: a prospective study
Authors: Cheng YKY , Leung WC , Leung TY , Choy KW , Chiu RWK , Lo T‐K , Kwok KY , Sahota DS 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveTo examine preferences for follow‐up testing in women screened with high or intermediate risk for Down syndrome in the first or second trimester.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingThree public hospitals in Hong Kong, China.SampleWomen with pregnancies termed as high risk (≥1:250; HR) or intermediate risk (1:251–1200; IR) for Down syndrome.MethodsWomen with pregnancies screened as HR were offered the choices of: (1) an invasive test plus chromosomal microarray (CMA) to obtain more detailed fetal genetic information; (2) non‐invasive cell‐free prenatal DNA screening (NIPT) to detect trisomies 13, 18 and 21, and to avoid procedure‐related miscarriage; and (3) to decline any further testing. Women received standardised counselling informing them that the reporting times were identical, the procedure miscarriage risk was 0.1–0.2% and that there was no charge for screening. Women with IR pregnancies (1:251–1200) were offered NIPT as a secondary screening test.Main outcome measuresUptake rate for NIPT.ResultsThree hundred and forty‐seven women had pregnancies deemed as HR; 344 (99.1%) women opted for follow‐up testing, 216 (62.2%) of whom chose NIPT. Five hundred and seven of 614 women (82.6%) with IR risk chose NIPT. Seven (21%) of 34 women with nuchal translucency ≥3.5 mm opted for NIPT.ConclusionIn a setting where reporting times are similar and there is no cost difference between options, approximately 60% of women with pregnancies classed as HR would opt for NIPT, offering simple but limited aneuploidy assessment, over a diagnostic procedure with comprehensive and more detailed assessment.Tweetable abstract60% of pregnant Chinese women prefer NIPT over CMA when screened as high risk for Down syndrome.
Oil Prices and Urban Housing Demand
Authors: Larson William D. , Zhao Weihua 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWe develop a model of a monocentric, oil‐exporting city. The model predicts a “twist” (rotation combined with a level shift) of the house price gradient with an oil price change due to the combined producer price and transportation cost effects. Empirical findings support the predictions, with house price changes positively linked to the price of oil in cities specialized in oil and gas‐related industries, and negatively linked in suburban areas of all cities. These results quantify the large and differential risks to house prices associated with oil price changes both within and across cities. Overall, estimates suggest a 50% change in the price of oil results in a city‐wide house price change of 15% over five years in a city specialized in the production of oil (export employment share of 50%), whereas house prices for units greater than 15 miles from the city‐center change in relative terms by −1.5% over the same period.
Development, Dissemination, and Assessment of a Food Safety Systems Management Curriculum for Agribusiness Students in Armenia
Authors: Pokharel Siroj , Marcy Joseph E. , Neilan Angela M. , Cutter Catherine N. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis study addresses the development, dissemination, and assessment of a Food Safety System Management (FSSM) curriculum offered to college‐aged, agribusiness students in Yerevan, Armenia. Prior to beginning the program, demographic data were collected and a paper‐based pretest was administered to access the food safety knowledge, behavior, and attitude of participants (n = 29). For assessment of a skill, participants’ handwashing techniques were videotaped and scored before the program commenced. Immediately after completion of the entire curriculum, a paper‐based post‐test with identical questions for food safety knowledge, behavior, and attitude was administered and handwashing skills were assessed. ANOVA with repeated measures was used to evaluate significant differences (α = 0.05) for food safety knowledge using a pretest, post‐test, and a 3‐mo follow‐up. A paired t‐test was used to evaluate handwashing skills before and after the curriculum was presented. The pretest score (44.93%, ± 2.87) for food safety knowledge (n = 29) differed significantly (P <0.0001) when compared with the post‐test score (73.21%, ± 3.28) and the 3‐mo follow‐up (n = 23) score (67.76%, ± 3.93). Participants’ (n = 9) handwashing skills prior to delivery of the FSSM curriculum differed significantly (P <0.0001), when compared to handwashing skills after completion of the curriculum. Students’ food safety attitudes and behavior assessed using a five‐point Likert scale, also improved significantly as a result of the FSSM program. The 3‐mo follow‐up survey on food safety attitude and behavior was consistent with the post‐test survey results. The information from this project may be of interest to education experts, Extension professionals, food industry personnel, or regulatory agencies, in the development and dissemination of an international food safety program.
Genistein Ameliorates Fat Accumulation Through AMPK Activation in Fatty Acid‐Induced BRL Cells
Authors: Zhong Huijia , Liu Huanhuan , Jiang Zhuoqin 
Published: November 2017

AbstractGenstein is the most abundant phytoestrogen in soybean that was reported to play positive roles in menopausal syndrome and metabolic syndrome. In the present study, we investigated the effects and potential mechanisms of genistein against progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in BRL cells treated with fatty acid mixture (oleate/palmitate, 2:1 ratio). Our data demonstrated that genistein remarkably improved fatty acid mixture‐induced hepatocelluler fat accumulation, inhibited upregulation of genes expression related to fatty acid synthesis, and derepressed those associated with fatty acid oxidation. In addition, the results displayed that genistein promoted the phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) suppressed by fatty acid, which were significantly weakened by compound C, an AMPK inhibitor. Taken all together, genistein is capable to ameliorate fat accumulation through regulation of fatty acid metabolism mediated by AMPK activation in BRL cells. Further investigations are needed to verify the protective effects of genistein on NAFLD model in in vivo animal study or in vitro human cell lines along with absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion studies of genistein.Practical ApplicationGenistein is able to ameliorate fat accumulation through regulation of fatty acid metabolism mediated by AMPK activation in vitro.
Fermentation Cover Brine Reformulation for Cucumber Processing with Low Salt to Reduce Bloater Defect
Authors: Zhai Y. , Pérez‐Díaz I. M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractReformulation of calcium chloride (CaCl2) cover brine for cucumber fermentation was explored as a mean to minimize the incidence of bloater defect. This study particularly focused on cover brine supplementation with calcium hydroxide (Ca[OH]2), sodium chloride (NaCl), and acids to enhance buffer capacity, inhibit the indigenous carbon dioxide (CO2)‐ producing microbiota, and decrease the solubility of the gas. The influence of the cover brine formulations tested, on the cucumber fermentation microbiota, biochemistry, CO2 production, and bloating defect was studied using metagenetics, HPLC analysis, a portable gas analyzer and bloater index, respectively. Cover brine supplementation with Ca(OH)2 and acetic acid resulted in complete fermentations with final pH values 0.5 units higher than the un‐supplemented control. Lactic acid production increased by approximately 22%, possibly inducing the observed reduction in the relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae by 92%. Ca(OH)2 supplementation also resulted in an increased relative abundance of Leuconostocaceae by 7%, which likely contributed to the observed increment in CO2 levels by 25%. A 50% reduction on acetic acid formation was detected when cover brines were supplemented with Ca(OH)2 and 690 mM (4%) NaCl. No significant difference was observed in bloater index as the result of Ca(OH)2 or NaCl supplementation in cover brines, given that the CO2 levels remained at above the 20 mg/100 mL needed to induce the defect. It is concluded that the modified cover brine formulation containing Ca(OH)2 and NaCl enables the complete conversion of sugars, decreases production of CO2 and levels of Enterobacteriaceae, but insignificantly reduces bloater index.Practical ApplicationA cucumber fermentation cover brine containing Ca(OH)2, 0.26% CaCl2, 345 mM (2%) NaCl, and acetic acid to pH 4.7 has a functional combination of ingredients enabling a complete conversion of sugars to lactic acid with reduced production of acetic acid and CO2. It represents a process ready cover brine formulation with the potential to allow the manufacture of cucumber pickles with low salt, enhanced food safety, and reduce environmental impact and water usage. Pilot commercial scale cucumber fermentations brined with such ingredients are to reveal the efficacy of this process ready formulation in the presence of oxygen from air in tanks, as opposed to 3.8 L (1‐US gal) closed jars in the laboratory.
Optimization of Ultrasonic‐Assisted Aqueous Two‐Phase Extraction of Phloridzin from Malus Micromalus Makino with Ethanol/Ammonia Sulfate System
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Liu Fang , He Caian , Yu Yueli , Wang Min 
Published: November 2017

AbstractApplication of an aqueous two‐phase system (ATPS) coupled with ultrasonic technology for the extraction of phloridzin from Malus micromalus Makino was evaluated and optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The ethanol/ammonium sulfate ATPS was selected for detailed investigation, including the phase diagram, effect of phase composition and extract conditions on the partition of phloridzin, and the recycling of ammonium sulfate. In addition, the evaluation of extraction efficiency and the identification of phloridzin were investigated. The optimal partition coefficient (6.55) and recovery (92.86%) of phloridzin were obtained in a system composed of 35% ethanol (w/w) and 16% (NH4)2SO4 (w/w), 51:1 liquid‐to‐solid ratio, and extraction temperature of 36 °C. Comparing with the traditional solvent extraction with respective 35% and 80% ethanol, ultrasonic‐assisted aqueous two‐phase extraction (UAATPE) strategy had significant advantages with lower ethanol consumption, less impurity of sugar and protein, and higher extracting efficiency of phloridzin. Our result indicated that UAATPE was a valuable method for the extraction and preliminary purification of phloridzin from the fruit of Malus micromalus Makino, which has great potential in the deep processing of Malus micromalus Makino industry to increase these fruits’ additional value and drive the local economic development.
Impact of Air Frying on Cholesterol and Fatty Acids Oxidation in Sardines: Protective Effects of Aromatic Herbs
Authors: Ferreira Fernanda S. , Sampaio Geni R. , Keller Laura M. , Sawaya Alexandra C.H.F. , Chávez Davy W.H. , Torres Elizabeth A.F.S. , Saldanha Tatiana 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe high temperatures used to fry fish may induce thermo‐oxidation of cholesterol, forming cholesterol oxidation products (COPs). COPs have been associated to coronary heart diseases, atherosclerosis, and other chronic diseases. Air fryers are an alternative thermal process technology to fry foods without oil, and are considered a healthier cooking method. This study is the 1st to evaluate the formation of COPs and the degradation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in air‐fried sardine fillets. Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of fresh herbs added as natural antioxidants to sardines subjected to air frying. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), chives (Allium schoenoprasum L.), and a mixture of both herbs (cheiro‐verde) were added in quantities of 0%, 2%, and 4%. Air frying significantly decreased the content of essential PUFAs, and increased the levels of COPs from 61.2 (raw) to 283 μg/g (P < 0.05) in the control samples. However, the use of herbs as natural antioxidants proved to be effective reducing such levels of COPs in most samples. The addition of 4% of cheiro‐verde in air‐fried sardines presented the best protective effect against lipid oxidation.Practical ApplicationFish is an important source of essential lipids. However, oxidized cholesterol products, which are formed during thermal processing, are potential hazards to human health. Air fryers present an alternative thermal process for frying food without oil, and this method of cooking is considered to be more convenient and healthier This study shows that the air frying increased the formation of cholesterol oxidation products and decreased the essential polyunsaturated fatty acids in sardine fillets. However, the lipid oxidation is significantly reduced by adding fresh herbs, such as parsley (Petroselinum crispum), chives (Allium schoenoprasum L.), or a mixture of both herbs (cheiro‐verde) that are natural antioxidants.
Metabolite Profiling of Peppers of Various Colors Reveals Relationships Between Tocopherol, Carotenoid, and Phytosterol Content
Authors: Kim Tae Jin , Choi Jaehyuk , Kim Kil Won , Ahn Soon Kil , Ha Sun‐Hwa , Choi Yongsoo , Park Nam Il , Kim Jae Kwang 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPeppers are widely consumed in Korea; the varietal development of peppers with increased content of beneficial plant metabolites is, therefore, of considerable interest. This requires a comprehensive understanding of the metabolic profile of pepper plants and the factors affecting this profile. To this end, we determined the content of various metabolites, such as hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds, phenolic acids, carotenoids, and capsaicinoids in peppers of various colors (green, red, pale green, and violet peppers) and in a high‐pungency (green) pepper. We also performed principal component analysis (PCA), Pearson's correlation analysis, and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) to determine the relationships among these metabolites in peppers. PCA results indicated no significant variances among the 3 sample replicates. The HCA showed correlations between the metabolites resulting from common or closely linked biosynthesis pathways. Our results showed that carotenoids correlated positively with tocopherols and negatively with phytosterols; our findings also indicated a close relationship between the methylerythritol 4‐phosphate and mevalonic acid biosynthesis pathways, providing evidence in favor of an earlier hypothesis regarding crosstalk across the chloroplast membrane. We, thus, demonstrate that metabolic profiling combined with multivariate analysis is a useful tool for analyzing metabolic networks.Practical ApplicationA total of 71 metabolites were measured in 5 peppers of different colors. The metabolic profiling with multivariate analysis revealed that tocopherol content had a positive correlation with the carotenoid content and a negative correlation with the phytosterol content. The results of this study may help in breeding programs to produce new germplasm with enhanced nutritional quality.
Differential oxidative stress tolerance of Streptococcus mutans isolates affects competition in an ecological mixed‐species biofilm model
Authors: Liu Yuan , Palmer Sara R. , Chang Hsiaochi , Combs Ashton N. , Burne Robert A. , Koo Hyun 
Published: November 2017

SummaryStreptococcus mutans strongly influences the development of pathogenic biofilms associated with dental caries. Our understanding of S. mutans behaviour in biofilms is based on a few well‐characterized laboratory strains; however, individual isolates vary widely in genome content and virulence‐associated phenotypes, such as biofilm formation and environmental stress sensitivity. Using an ecological biofilm model, we assessed the impact of co‐cultivation of several S. mutans isolates with Streptococcus oralis and Actinomyces naeslundii on biofilm composition following exposure to sucrose. The laboratory reference strain S. mutans UA159 and clinical isolates Smu44 (most aciduric), Smu56 (altered biofilm formation) and Smu81 (more sensitive to oxidative stress) were used. Our data revealed S. mutans isolates varied in their ability to compete and become dominant in the biofilm after the addition of sucrose, and this difference correlated with sensitivity to H2O2 produced by S. oralis. Smu81 was particularly sensitive to H2O2 and could not compete with S. oralis in mixed‐species biofilm, despite forming robust biofilms on its own. Thus, diminished oxidative stress tolerance in S. mutans isolates can impair their ability to compete in complex biofilms, even in the presence of sucrose, which could influence the progression of a healthy biofilm community to one capable of causing disease.