bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome‐wide RNA‐Seq analysis of breast muscles of two broiler chicken groups differing in shear force
Authors: Piórkowska K. , Żukowski K. , Nowak J. , Połtowicz K. , Ropka‐Molik K. , Gurgul A. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryIn this study, a whole transcriptome analysis of breast muscles was conducted in broiler chicken groups differing in shear force. Shear force is a determinant of tenderness, which in turn is one of the most important parameters of meat quality in chickens. In our analysis, a total of 11 560 transcripts and 9824 genes per sample were identified. In chickens with more tender meat, up‐regulation of 19 genes and down‐regulation of 49 genes was observed. The up‐regulated gene group included the ASB2 gene, which is probably involved in the meat conversion process, as its product results in the degradation of filamins, proteins which form muscle fibres. In the down‐regulated gene group, genes which play a role in lipogenesis (THRSP, PLIN1) and in collagen synthesis (P4HA3, LEPREL4, PCOLCE2, COL16A1, COL20A1, VWA1) were detected. Their presence suggests the involvement of the extracellular matrix in the determination of meat tenderness. Thus, our study identified a pool of genes that may participate in the tenderisation process in broiler chickens.
CREDIT MARKETS AND HOUSING CHOICES
Authors: Trucchi Serena 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTThis paper analyses how individual characteristics and credit market conditions interact and determine homeownership. The impact of the lifetime profile of resources on homeownership is larger when credit market imperfections are more severe. We combine data from the Bank of Italy's Survey on Household Income and Wealth with information on regional differences in interest rate spreads. We find that an increase in current resources by 10,000 euros increases the probability of homeownership by five (two) percentage points under the least (most) favourable credit market conditions.
IS THERE A CURSE OF RELOCATION? ANALYSING THE CAUSAL LINK BETWEEN OFFSHORING AND THE INNOVATION PERFORMANCE OF (SMALL) FIRMS
Authors: Mitze Timo , Kreutzer Fabian 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTWe analyse the empirical link between offshoring activities and different dimensions of innovation performance at the firm‐level. In order to identify causal effects running from offshoring to innovation, we use a quasi‐experimental comparison group approach by means of (conditional) difference‐in‐difference estimations applied to German establishment‐level data for firms that conducted offshoring activities in the period 2007–13. We find that the international relocation of business functions has a negative impact on the firms’ propensity to be innovative in terms of product and process innovations as well as product improvements. While for larger firms the reduction in process innovations is most striking, potentially due to a lack of resources, stagnation in expertise and a reduction in intra‐organizational learning‐by‐doing associated with the relocation of some business activities, for small and medium‐sized enterprises we particularly observe a reduction in product innovations after the offshoring activity has taken place. When interpreting this ‘pessimistic’ picture on the link between offshoring and the innovation performance of firms, the reader should note that our findings for German establishments have to be assessed through the lens of a global economy in economic recession after 2008, which may have intensified the negative impact of offshoring on the firms’ innovation performance.
Subsurface fluid flow in the deep‐water Kwanza Basin, offshore Angola
Authors: Serié Christophe , Huuse Mads , Schødt Niels H. , Brooks James M. , Williams Alan 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIntegrated analysis of high‐quality three‐dimensional (3D) seismic, seabed geochemistry, and satellite‐based surface slick data from the deep‐water Kwanza Basin documents the widespread occurrence of past and present fluid flow associated with dewatering processes and hydrocarbon migration. Seismic scale fluid flow phenomena are defined by seep‐related seafloor features including pockmarks, mud or asphalt volcanoes, gas hydrate pingoes, as well as shallow subsurface features such as palaeo‐pockmarks, direct hydrocarbon indicators (DHIs), pipes and bottom‐simulating reflections (BSRs). BSR‐derived shallow geothermal gradients show elevated temperatures attributed to fluid advection along inclined stratigraphic carrier beds around salt structures in addition to elevated shallow thermal anomalies above highly conductive salt bodies. Seabed evidences of migrated thermogenic hydrocarbons and surface slicks are used to differentiate thermogenic hydrocarbon migration from fluid flow processes such as dewatering and biogenic gas migration. The analysis constrains the fluid plumbing system defined by the three‐dimensional distribution of stratigraphic carriers and seal bypass systems through time. Detailed integration and iterative interpretation have confirmed the presence of mature source rock and effective migration pathways with significant implications for petroleum prospectivity in the post‐salt interval. Integration of seismic, seabed geochemistry and satellite data represents a robust method to document and interpret fluid flow phenomena along continental margins, and highlights the importance of integrated fluid flow studies with regard to petroleum exploration, submarine geohazards, marine ecosystems and climate change.
Plastid phylogenomics and molecular evolution of Alismatales
Authors: Ross T. Gregory , Barrett Craig F. , Soto Gomez Marybel , Lam Vivienne K.Y. , Henriquez Claudia L. , Les Donald H. , Davis Jerrold I. , Cuenca Argelia , Petersen Gitte , Seberg Ole , Thadeo Marcela , Givnish Thomas J. , Conran John , Stevenson Dennis W. , Graham Sean W. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPast phylogenetic studies of the monocot order Alismatales left several higher‐order relationships unresolved. We addressed these uncertainties using a nearly complete genus‐level sampling of whole plastid genomes (gene sets representing 83 protein‐coding and ribosomal genes) from members of the core alismatid families, Tofieldiaceae and additional taxa (Araceae and other angiosperms). Parsimony and likelihood analyses inferred generally highly congruent phylogenetic relationships within the order, and several alternative likelihood partitioning schemes had little impact on patterns of clade support. All families with multiple genera were resolved as monophyletic, and we inferred strong bootstrap support for most inter‐ and intrafamilial relationships. The precise placement of Tofieldiaceae in the order was not well supported. Although most analyses inferred Tofieldiaceae to be the sister‐group of the rest of the order, one likelihood analysis indicated a contrasting Araceae‐sister arrangement. Acorus (Acorales) was not supported as a member of the order. We also investigated the molecular evolution of plastid NADH dehydrogenase, a large enzymatic complex that may play a role in photooxidative stress responses. Ancestral‐state reconstructions support four convergent losses of a functional NADH dehydrogenase complex in Alismatales, including a single loss in Tofieldiaceae.
Management of anticoagulated patients in implant therapy: a clinical comparative study
Authors: Clemm R. , Neukam F. W. , Rusche B. , Bauersachs A. , Musazada S. , Schmitt C. M. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractObjectivesThis prospective clinical comparative study aimed to analyze the postoperative bleeding risk of patients continuing their anticoagulation therapy (AT) and undergoing implant surgery and bone grafting procedures.Materials and methodsThe treatments ranged from the insertion of single or multiple dental implants over implant exposures to sinus floor augmentation and vertical and/or lateral bone grafting with autologous bone grafts. The patients of the test groups (AT groups) were treated with platelet aggregation inhibitors (PAIs), Vitamin‐K inhibitors, Vitamin‐K inhibitor withdrawal bridged with heparin (LMWH), or new/direct oral anticoagulants (NOACs/DOACs). Patients of the control group were non‐anticoagulated (non‐AT group). Surgical procedures were performed in the same manner in all groups. Pre, intra, and postoperative data concerning the treatment, extent of the surgery and bleedings was recorded and statistically evaluated.ResultsThere were seven postoperative bleedings in 564 patients (1.2%), four in the AT groups (3.4%), and three in the non‐AT group (0.6%). No thromboembolic complication occurred in the whole observation period. The invasiveness of the surgical procedure had no statistically significant effect on bleeding frequencies. Patients taking Vitamin‐K inhibitors had a significantly higher risk of a postoperative bleeding compared to patients without any AT (P = 0.038). Two patients were hospitalized due to the severity of the bleeding as a precautionary measure (one in the non‐AT and one in the PAI group). All bleedings were easily controllable with local hemostatic measures. There was no postoperative bleeding recorded for patients taking DOACs.ConclusionsAnticoagulation therapy should be continued in patients undergoing implant surgery and bone grafting procedures avoiding thromboembolic complications. Surgeons should always apply the most minimally invasive approach to reduce postoperative risks and be able to apply local hemostatic measures in terms of a bleeding complication.
Newspaper coverage of mental illness in Hong Kong between 2002 and 2012: impact of introduction of a new Chinese name of psychosis
Authors: Chan Sherry K.W. , Ching Elaine Y.N. , Lam Kenneth S.C. , So Hon‐Cheong , Hui Christy L.M. , Lee Edwin H.M. , Chang Wing C. , Chen Eric Y.H. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimIn Hong Kong, ‘si‐jue‐shi‐tiao’ (思覺失調) was officially adopted as the Chinese translation of psychosis in 2001. The new term covered a broader aspect of psychosis, compared with the original term, ‘jing‐shen‐fen‐lie’ (精神分裂), which gave a negative stereotype as a ‘mental split‐mind disorder’. The current study compared the usage of the two terms, and added evidence to the name changing as anti‐stigma strategy.MethodsThe usage and themes of the new Chinese name of psychosis ‘si‐jue‐shi‐tiao’ was examined in 1217 local newspaper articles in comparison with the traditional Chinese name of schizophrenia ‘jing‐shen‐fen‐lie’.ResultsResults show that an increase use of ‘si‐jue‐shi‐tiao’ was found equally across themes, whereas ‘jing‐shen‐fen‐lie’ was decreasingly used in positive/neutral themes over time. The association of ‘jing‐shen‐fen‐lie’ with dangerous wordings increased over time, but no change was found with the new name.ConclusionsOur finding adds to literature on effects of changing new name on public stigma.
Ultrasound assisted diffusion of sodium salt replacer and effect on physicochemical properties of pork meat
Authors: Ojha Kumari Shikha , Keenan Derek F. , Bright Aurelia , Kerry Joseph P. , Tiwari Brijesh K. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryIn an attempt to reduce the high intake of dietary salt, the processed meat industry is continuously looking for alternative solutions for salt replacement. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of employing sonication on the diffusion of sodium salt (NaCl) and a salt replacer (SR) into pork meat. Ultrasound‐assisted brining experiments were carried out using 5% NaCl or SR at power levels of 9.0 and 54.9 W cm−2 for 120 min. Samples were assessed for cooking loss, water mobility, deformation, while thermal behaviour was analysed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Experimental data obtained were used to estimate the mass transfer coefficient of the brining process. The mass transfer equation was solved using the Runge–Kutta method. Results showed that the ultrasonic treatment had a low influence on the mass transfer of salt into pork samples. Only at high ultrasonic power was the mass transfer coefficient higher than the static brining. This study has improved our understanding of the effect of sonication on diffusion of NaCl and SR in pork meat and will enable a more systemic approach to future healthy meat product development.
A point mutation in the glutamate‐gated chloride channel of Plutella xylostella is associated with resistance to abamectin
Authors: Wang X. , Wang R. , Yang Y. , Wu S. , O'Reilly A. O. , Wu Y. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, is a global pest of cruciferous vegetables. Abamectin resistance in a field population of P. xylostella was introgressed into the susceptible Roth strain. The resulting introgression strain Roth‐Abm showed 11 000‐fold resistance to abamectin compared with Roth. An A309V substitution at the N‐terminus of the third transmembrane helix (M3) of the glutamate‐gated chloride channel of P. xylostella (PxGluCl) was identified in Roth‐Abm. The frequency of the V309 allele of PxGluCl was 94.7% in Roth‐Abm, whereas no such allele was detected in Roth. A subpopulation of Roth‐Abm was kept without abamectin selection for 20 generations to produce a revertant strain, Roth‐Abm‐D. Abamectin resistance in Roth‐Abm‐D declined to 1150‐fold compared with Roth, with the V309 allele frequency decreased to 9.6%. After treatment of the Roth‐Abm‐D strain with 80 mg/l abamectin the V309 allele frequency in the survivors increased to 55%. This demonstrates that the A309V mutation in PxGluCl is strongly associated with a 10‐fold increase in abamectin resistance in Roth‐Abm relative to Roth‐Abm‐D. Homology modelling and automated ligand docking results suggest that the A309V substitution allosterically modifies the abamectin‐binding site, as opposed to directly eliminating a key binding contact. Other resistance mechanisms to abamectin in Roth‐Abm are discussed besides the A309V mutation of PxGluCl.
Medical, psychological and socio‐economic implications of chronic hand eczema: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Cazzaniga S. , Ballmer‐Weber B.K. , Gräni N. , Spring P. , Bircher A. , Anliker M. , Sonntag A.K. , Piletta P. , Huber C. , Borradori L. , Diepgen T. , Apfelbacher C. , Simon D. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundHand eczema (HE) is a common skin disease with major medical psychological and socio‐economic implications. Onset and prognosis of HE are determined by individual as well as environmental factors. So far, most epidemiological data on HE have been reported from Scandinavian and recently German studies.ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics and medical care of patients with chronic HE (CHE) in Switzerland, and identify risk factors.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, data from patients with chronic HE were obtained by means of medical history, dermatological examination and patient questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied to identify risk factors for high severity and dermatology life quality index (DLQI).ResultsIn seven dermatology departments, 199 patients (mean age 40.4 years, 50.8% female) with CHE (mean duration 6.6 years) were enrolled. Moderate to severe HE was reported by 70.9% of patients, and was associated with age <30 or >50 years, localization of lesions and pruritus. Because of the CHE, 37.3% of patients were on sick leave over the past 12 months, 14.8% had changed or lost their job. Practically all patients applied topical therapy, 21% were treated with alitretinoin, and 21% with psoralen plus UVA light (PUVA). The effects on the health‐related quality of life was moderate to large in 33.7% and 39.4% of CHE patients, respectively. Factors associated with a high impact on DLQI (mean 9.7 ± 5.8) were female sex, lesions on back of the hands and pruritus as well as mechanical skin irritation and wearing gloves.ConclusionIn agreement with recent studies, the Swiss data demonstrate the high impact of CHE on medical well‐being, patient quality of life and work ability. As it is associated with an intense use of health care services, high rate of sick leave, job loss and change, CHE may cause a high socio‐economic burden.
Growth Potential Assessment of Listeria in Milk Fat Products by Challenge Testing
Authors: Michelon Damien , Leclercq Alexandre , Garric Gilles , Guillier Laurent , Beaufort Annie , Bergis Helene 
Published: November 2015

AbstractMilk fat products (MFP), including butter and low‐fat dairy spreads, are a specific type of ready‐to‐eat food known as water‐in‐fat emulsions, in which the behavior of microbial foodborne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes is not clearly known. This study investigated the growth and survival of L. monocytogenes, and of Listeria innocua as a surrogate for L. monocytogenes, in these foods using challenge testing. Three commercial MFPs with various fat contents (butter, half butter and low‐fat dairy spread) and two samples of traditional churned butter with various water droplet sizes were artificially contaminated with Listeria. Total mesophilic microflora including lactic acid bacteria, pH and Listeria were monitored throughout the shelf life. The growth potential of Listeria was calculated in the course of the shelf life and remains below the limit value of 0.5 log cfu/g during the whole shelf life in any of the butter. However, the concentration of Listeria remained stable during the shelf life in the tested MFPs (commercial and churned) except in the commercial low‐fat dairy spread in which Listeria decreased gradually.Practical ApplicationsEuropean Union regulation No. 2073/2005 lays down the microbiological limit criteria for Listeria monocytogenes in ready‐to‐eat foods (RTE). According to this regulation, each RTE food has to be classified, with scientific justification, as able or unable to support the growth of L. monocytogenes during the shelf life. This challenge‐test study on milk fat products (MFPs) provided some useful data needed to assess the behavior of Listeria in these particular RTE food products. This study showed that while MFPs do not promote growth, they do support Listeria survival. Water droplet size seems to be a key parameter in preventing the growth of both microflora and Listeria. The study also showed that, in order to determine whether a given MFP supports Listeria growth or not, it is crucial to investigate the impact of the variations in physico‐chemical and microbiological parameters of each butter‐making process used by companies.
Genetic dissection of maize seedling root system architecture traits using an ultra‐high density bin‐map and a recombinant inbred line population
Authors: Song Weibin , Wang Baobao , Hauck Andrew L , Dong Xiaomei , Li Jieping , Lai Jinsheng 
Published: November 2015

AbstractMaize (Zea mays) root system architecture (RSA) mediates the key functions of plant anchorage and acquisition of nutrients and water. In this study, a set of 204 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was derived from the widely adapted Chinese hybrid ZD958(Zheng58 × Chang7‐2), genotyped by sequencing (GBS) and evaluated as seedlings for 24 RSA related traits divided into primary, seminal and total root classes. Significant differences between the means of the parental phenotypes were detected for 18 traits, and extensive transgressive segregation in the RIL population was observed for all traits. Moderate to strong relationships among the traits were discovered. A total of 62 quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified that individually explained from 1.6% to 11.6% (total root dry weight/total seedling shoot dry weight) of the phenotypic variation. Eighteen, 24 and 20 QTL were identified for primary, seminal and total root classes of traits, respectively. We found hotspots of 5, 3, 4 and 12 QTL in maize chromosome bins 2.06, 3.02‐03, 9.02‐04, and 9.05‐06, respectively, implicating the presence of root gene clusters or pleiotropic effects. These results characterized the phenotypic variation and genetic architecture of seedling RSA in a population derived from a successful maize hybrid.
Optical characterization of temperature‐ and composition‐dependent microstructure in asphalt binders
Authors: RAMM A. , SAKIB N. , BHASIN A. , DOWNER M.C. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryWe introduce noncontact optical microscopy and optical scattering to characterize asphalt binder microstructure at temperatures ranging from 15°C to 85°C for two compositionally different asphalt binders. We benchmark optical measurements against rheometric measurements of the magnitude of the temperature‐dependent bulk complex shear modulus . The main findings are: (1) Elongated (∼5 × 1 μm), striped microstructures (known from AFM studies as ‘bees’ because they resemble bumble‐bees) are resolved optically, found to reside primarily at the surface and do not reappear immediately after a single heating–cooling cycle. (2) Smaller (∼1 μm2) microstructures with no observable internal structure (hereafter dubbed ‘ants’), are found to reside primarily in the bulk, to persist after multiple thermal cycles and to scatter light strongly. Optical scattering from ‘ants’ decreases to zero with heating from 15°C to 65°C, but recovers completely upon cooling back to 15°C, albeit with distinct hysteresis. (3) Rheometric measurements of reveal hysteresis that closely resembles that observed by optical scatter, suggesting that thermally driven changes in microstructure volume fraction cause corresponding changes in .
Brain Imaging Using Mobile CT: Current Status and Future Prospects
Authors: John Seby , Stock Sarah , Cerejo Russell , Uchino Ken , Winners Stacey , Russman Andrew , Masaryk Thomas , Rasmussen Peter , Hussain Muhammad S. 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTComputed tomography (CT) is an invaluable tool in the diagnosis of many clinical conditions. Several advancements in biomedical engineering have achieved increase in speed, improvements in low‐contrast detectability and image quality, and lower radiation. Portable or mobile CT constituted one such important advancement. It is especially useful in evaluating critically ill, intensive care unit patients by scanning them at bedside. A paradigm shift in utilization of mobile CT was its installation in ambulances for the management of acute stroke. Given the time sensitive nature of acute ischemic stroke, Mobile stroke units (MSU) were developed in Germany consisting of an ambulance equipped with a CT scanner, point of care laboratory system, along with teleradiological support. In a radical reconfiguration of stroke care, the MSU would bring the CT scanner to the stroke patient, without waiting for the patient at the emergency room. Two separate MSU projects in Saarland and Berlin demonstrated the safety and feasibility of this concept for prehospital stroke care, showing increased rate of intravenous thrombolysis and significant reduction in time to treatment compared to conventional care. MSU also improved the triage of patients to appropriate and specialized hospitals. Although multiple issues remain yet unanswered with the MSU concept including clinical outcome and cost‐effectiveness, the MSU venture is visionary and enables delivery of life‐saving and enhancing treatment for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. In this review, we discuss the development of mobile CT and its applications, with specific focus on its use in MSUs along with our institution's MSU experience.