bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of miniemulsion cross‐linking and ultrasonication on properties of banana starch
Authors: Orsuwan Aungkana , Sothornvit Rungsinee 
Published: July 2014

SummaryMiniemulsion technique has been widely used to prepare cross‐linked starch microsphere for food application. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of miniemulsion and ultrasonic treatment on the morphological, physicochemical and thermal properties of banana starch. Results showed that the miniemulsion cross‐linked banana starch (MCBS) exhibited lower swelling power (SP) and solubility (S) but higher gelatinisation enthalpy (ΔHgel) than native banana starch. Ultrasonic treatment conditions (amplitude and time) did not show any significant difference in SP and ΔHgel of MCBS. Ultrasonicated MCBS showed rough surfaces and slight fragmentations without any change in particle size. At gelatinisation temperature (80 °C), the SP and S of MCBS were higher than those at 29 °C. Moreover, MCBS with ultrasonic treatment showed a lower range in the gelatinisation temperature (ΔT) than untreated. The FT‐IR spectrums revealed that MCBS were fully cross‐linked and had high extent of hydrogen bonding.
Influence of functional information on consumer liking and consumer perception related to health claims for blueberry functional beverages
Authors: Kim Mina K. , Kwak Han Sub 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThe objective of this study was to investigate the impact of functional labelling on the consumers acceptability and purchase intentions of blueberry functional beverages (BFB). A 2‐day consumer acceptance test was conducted independently with functional information (n = 60) and without any information (n = 80). The presence of functional labelling did not influence the liking attributes of BFBs (P > 0.05). However, functional information positively affected consumer perception of health‐related perceptions associated with BFBs, such as ‘aiding eye health improvement’ and ‘eye fatigue relief’. Subjects perceived more health‐related perceptions when informed test was conducted. The first‐order effect was observed, in which the degree of the first‐order effect was greater for BFBs that had a thicker mouthfeel. Findings from the results can practically guide product developers and marketers in the functional drink industry by providing the strategy for how to evaluate reformulated functional beverages for the consumer acceptance test by warning a counter‐balanced sample presentation.
A New Vision for Public Art and Functional Landscape Design
Authors: Song Young Imm Kang 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis article explores how Johanson's ecological public art and landscape design addresses current social issues and community necessities. It also examines how her designs may serve as a communication tool for the surrounding society, and how her public art may provide new perspectives for community members, scientists, artists, engineers, architects and government officials in shaping the future of their communities. The purpose of this study was to inspire art and design students in thinking about their future projects. This phenomenological case study highlights Johanson's works as a model for these students. Furthermore, it discusses some educational implications as seen among university students who first studied Johanson's works and then designed their own public art projects.
An Exploration of Children's Experiences of Art in the Classroom
Authors: Hallam Jenny Louise , Hewitt Des , Buxton Sarah 
Published: July 2014

AbstractDespite the numerous benefits art has for children, research suggests that there is a lull in the development of expression in children's drawings during the primary school years and that many children give up on art between the ages of 10 and 12. Research investigating this phenomenon has taken an educational focus and aimed to identify potential shortcomings in the primary education system which could impact negatively on children's artistic development and interest in art. This article builds on previous educational research by exploring children's perceptions of the art education they receive. In this small exploratory study semi‐structured interviews were conducted with six children in each of the Key Stages of English compulsory education: Key Stage 1 (5–6 year olds); Key Stage 2 (7–8 year olds); Key Stage 3 (11–12 year olds) and Key Stage 4 (14–15 year olds). A qualitative thematic analysis is used to explore children's experiences of art in the classroom, the kinds of support they receive in art lessons and how art lessons can be improved. It is hoped that the exploration of children's experiences of art in the classroom will enable movement towards an engaging and relevant approach to art education.
Mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci Associated with Reproductive‐Stage Salt Tolerance in Rice
Authors: Hossain H. , Rahman M. A. , Alam M. S. , Singh R. K. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractSalinity tolerance in rice varies with the state of growth, with the seedling and reproductive stages being the most sensitive. However, association between tolerances at the two stages is poor, suggesting that they are regulated by different processes and genes. Tolerance at the reproductive stage is the most crucial as it determines grain yield. An F2 mapping population was developed from two rice genotypes contrasting in tolerance: Cheriviruppu and Pusa Basmati 1 (PB1). Cheriviruppu is highly tolerant at the reproductive stage, while PB1 is highly sensitive at both seedling and reproductive stages. One hundred and thirty‐one microsatellite markers polymorphic between the parents were used to construct a linkage map of 1458.5 cM (Kosambi), with a mean intermarker distance of 11.1 cM. Sixteen QTLs with LOD values ranging from 3.2 to 22.3 were identified on chromosomes 1, 7, 8 and 10, explaining 4–47 % of the phenotypic variation. The maximum number of QTL clusters for different component traits was colocalized on the long arm of chromosome 1 and chromosome 7. We identified several significant epistatic interactions, including three inter‐QTL interactions, using MapManager. The results suggest that pollen fertility, Na+ concentration and Na/K ratio in the flag leaf are the most important mechanisms controlling salt tolerance at the reproductive stage in rice. The study reports the construction of a genetic map for reproductive‐stage salt tolerance in rice and demonstrates its utility for molecular mapping of QTLs controlling salinity tolerance‐related traits, which will be useful in marker‐assisted selection in the future.
Climate and soil attributes determine plant species turnover in global drylands
Authors: Ulrich Werner , Soliveres Santiago , Maestre Fernando T. , Gotelli Nicholas J. , Quero José L. , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Bowker Matthew A. , Eldridge David J. , Ochoa Victoria , Gozalo Beatriz , Valencia Enrique , Berdugo Miguel , Escolar Cristina , García‐Gómez Miguel , Escudero Adrián , Prina Aníbal , Alfonso Graciela , Arredondo Tulio , Bran Donaldo , Cabrera Omar , Cea Alex P. , Chaieb Mohamed , Contreras Jorge , Derak Mchich , Espinosa Carlos I. , Florentino Adriana , Gaitán Juan , Muro Victoria García , Ghiloufi Wahida , Gómez‐González Susana , Gutiérrez Julio R. , Hernández Rosa M. , Huber‐Sannwald Elisabeth , Jankju Mohammad , Mau Rebecca L. , Hughes Frederic Mendes , Miriti Maria , Monerris Jorge , Muchane Muchai , Naseri Kamal , Pucheta Eduardo , Ramírez‐Collantes David A. , Raveh Eran , Romão Roberto L. , Torres‐Díaz Cristian , Val James , Veiga José Pablo , Wang Deli , Yuan Xia , Zaady Eli 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimGeographical, climatic and soil factors are major drivers of plant beta diversity, but their importance for dryland plant communities is poorly known. The aim of this study was to: (1) characterize patterns of beta diversity in global drylands; (2) detect common environmental drivers of beta diversity; and (3) test for thresholds in environmental conditions driving potential shifts in plant species composition.LocationGlobal.MethodsBeta diversity was quantified in 224 dryland plant communities from 22 geographical regions on all continents except Antarctica using four complementary measures: the percentage of singletons (species occurring at only one site); Whittaker's beta diversity, β(W); a directional beta diversity metric based on the correlation in species occurrences among spatially contiguous sites, β(R2); and a multivariate abundance‐based metric, β(MV). We used linear modelling to quantify the relationships between these metrics of beta diversity and geographical, climatic and soil variables.ResultsSoil fertility and variability in temperature and rainfall, and to a lesser extent latitude, were the most important environmental predictors of beta diversity. Metrics related to species identity [percentage of singletons and β(W)] were most sensitive to soil fertility, whereas those metrics related to environmental gradients and abundance [(β(R2) and β(MV)] were more associated with climate variability. Interactions among soil variables, climatic factors and plant cover were not important determinants of beta diversity. Sites receiving less than 178 mm of annual rainfall differed sharply in species composition from more mesic sites (> 200 mm).Main conclusionsSoil fertility and variability in temperature and rainfall are the most important environmental predictors of variation in plant beta diversity in global drylands. Our results suggest that those sites annually receiving c. 178 mm of rainfall will be especially sensitive to future climate changes. These findings may help to define appropriate conservation strategies for mitigating effects of climate change on dryland vegetation.
Do mites evolving in alternating host plants adapt to host switch?
Authors: Magalhães S. , Cailleau A. , Blanchet E. , Olivieri I. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractA fluctuating environment may be perceived as a composition of different environments, or as an environment per se, in which it is the fluctuation itself that poses a selection pressure. If so, then organisms may adapt to this alternation. We tested this using experimental populations of spider mites that have been evolving for 45 generations in a homogeneous environment (pepper or tomato plants), or in a heterogeneous environment composed of an alternation of these two plants approximately at each generation. The performance (daily oviposition rate and juvenile survival) of individuals from these populations was tested in each of the homogeneous environments, and in two alternating environments, one every 3 days and the other between generations. To discriminate between potential genetic interactions between alleles conferring adaptation to each host plant and environmental effects of evolving in a fluctuating environment, we compared the performance of all lines with that of a cross between tomato and pepper lines. As a control, two lines within each selection regime were also crossed. We found that crosses between alternating lines and between pepper and tomato lines performed worse than crosses between lines evolving in homogeneous environments when tested in that environment. In contrast, alternating lines performed either better or similarly to lines evolving in homogeneous environments when tested in a fluctuating environment. Our results suggest that fluctuating environments are more than the juxtaposition of two environments. Hence, tests for adaptation of organisms evolving in such environments should be carried out in fluctuating conditions.
Resistance to oxidative stress shows low heritability and high common environmental variance in a wild bird
Authors: Losdat S. , Helfenstein F. , Blount J. D. , Richner H. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractOxidative stress was recently demonstrated to affect several fitness‐related traits and is now well recognized to shape animal life‐history evolution. However, very little is known about how much resistance to oxidative stress is determined by genetic and environmental effects and hence about its potential for evolution, especially in wild populations. In addition, our knowledge of phenotypic sexual dimorphism and cross‐sex genetic correlations in resistance to oxidative stress remains extremely limited despite important evolutionary implications. In free‐living great tits (Parus major), we quantified heritability, common environmental effect, sexual dimorphism and cross‐sex genetic correlation in offspring resistance to oxidative stress by performing a split‐nest cross‐fostering experiment where 155 broods were split, and all siblings (n = 791) translocated and raised in two other nests. Resistance to oxidative stress was measured as both oxidative damage to lipids and erythrocyte resistance to a controlled free‐radical attack. Both measurements of oxidative stress showed low additive genetic variances, high common environmental effects and phenotypic sexual dimorphism with males showing a higher resistance to oxidative stress. Cross‐sex genetic correlations were not different from unity, and we found no substantial heritability in resistance to oxidative stress at adult age measured on 39 individuals that recruited the subsequent year. Our study shows that individual ability to resist to oxidative stress is primarily influenced by the common environment and has a low heritability with a consequent low potential for evolution, at least at an early stage of life.
Application of PCR Technique in Combination with DNase Treatment for Detection of Viable Lactobacillus acidophilus Bacteria
Authors: Shakeri Monir‐Sadat , Shahidi Fakhri , Mortazavi Ali , Bahrami Ahmad R. , Nassiri Mohammad R. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIn this study, we examined whether application of DNase I can serve as differential eliminator of DNAs from dead cells, leaving viable probiotic lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus to be assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). When dead cells were treated with DNase I, DNA amplification was not completely suppressed. Increasing the concentration of DNase I, up to 66 u/100 μL, and the preparation of dead cells using high temperatures did not seem to make difference in the level of PCR product from the dead bacteria. Assessment of free DNA degradation, when mixed with dead cells, showed that stability of free DNAs or their degradation by DNase I was not affected by presence of the dead cells. In conclusion, we tend to suggest that for using this technique, one should take great deal of caution and that its reliability should be tested for different species independently.Practical ApplicationsLactobacillus acidophilus is one of the most common probiotic bacteria incorporated into food products. To have their health‐promoting properties, consumption of high levels of the viable bacteria is recommended. Meanwhile, access to reliable protocols for assessment of viable bacteria remains elusive. Recent studies have focused on providing differential conditions for clearance of DNA material of the dead cells followed by quantification of the viable bacteria by molecular techniques. Despite the previous reports on application of DNase treatment along with PCR assays, for evaluation of viable harmful food bacteria, our data do not support the notion to be applied for detection of L. acidophilus.
Effect of Physical Damage and Storage of Pineapple Fruits on their Suitability for Juice Production
Authors: Hounhouigan Menouwesso H. , Linnemann Anita R. , Ingenbleek Paul T.M. , Soumanou Mohamed M. , van Trijp Hans C.M. , van Boekel Martinus A.J.S. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis study evaluated the suitability of physically damaged pineapples, variety “MD2,” that were stored for up to 9 days at 20C for the production of fresh pineapple juice. Fresh pineapples were bruised and cut in different ways. The study showed an interaction effect of the physical damage treatments and storage duration on juice pH, total soluble solids and sucrose content. However, bruising and cutting treatments did not affect the physicochemical qualities and vitamin C content of the fresh juice. Furthermore, storage of pineapple fruits for up to 9 days was accompanied by an increase of glucose and fructose.Practical ApplicationsDamaged pineapples can be sorted at wholesale level, stored at 20C and used to produce a juice of similar physicochemical characteristics as the fresh juice. Furthermore, storage of pineapples is accompanied by a change in the sugar composition; processors may use this insight to produce sweeter juice.
Eco‐Designing the Use Phase of Products in Sustainable Manufacturing
Authors: Sanyé‐Mengual Esther , Pérez‐López Paula , González‐García Sara , Lozano Raul Garcia , Feijoo Gumersindo , Moreira Maria Teresa , Gabarrell Xavier , Rieradevall Joan 
Published: July 2014

SummarySustainable manufacturing has increasingly included design for environment methodologies with the objective of improving the environmental performance of products over their entire life cycles. Current European Union (EU) directives on eco‐design focus on the use phase of energy‐related products (ErPs). However, the maintenance of various household non‐ErPs is performed with ErPs; therefore, the environmental impacts of product maintenance have an important role in the life cycle of non‐ErPs. This article presents two eco‐design studies where the implementation of improvement strategies of the use and maintenance phase of products had relevant results. Furthermore, environmental communication‐to‐user strategies were important to ensure the commitment of users toward eco‐efficient behaviors. First, a knife was eco‐designed according to strategies which focused on materials, processing, maintenance, and communication to user. By applying eco‐design in a cradle‐to‐consumer scope, improvements decreased the environmental impact of the eco‐designed product by 30%. However, when considering the entire life cycle of the eco‐designed product, environmental impacts could be reduced by up to 40% and even up to ≈93% (depending on the cleaning procedure) as a result of large improvements in the maintenance stage. Second, a woman's jacket was eco‐designed following multifunctionality, recycled materials, and efficient maintenance strategies. The new Livingstone jacket reached environmental improvements between 32% and 52% in the indicators analyzed. In this case, maintenance contributed between 40% and 87% of the reduction. As shown in this study, maintenance behavior and communication‐to‐user strategies are crucial to the eco‐design of different household products (traditional vs. flexible design) and their consideration in the design process can reduce their environmental impact by between 40% and 80%.
A preliminary controlled trial of a trans‐diagnostic programme for cognitive behaviour therapy with adults with intellectual disability
Authors: Lindsay W. R. , Tinsley S. , Beail N. , Hastings R. P. , Jahoda A. , Taylor J. L. , Hatton C. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies have found a heightened prevalence of mental health disorders in people with intellectual disabilities (ID). There have been a number of successful case series and two promising controlled treatment trials of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for emotional disorders (excluding anger) for people with ID. Several authors have promoted the development of trans‐diagnostic approaches to cognitive treatment. The present study extends this work with the development and evaluation of a trans‐diagnostic treatment manual for CBT in people with ID.MethodA controlled treatment trial was conducted with 12 participants in treatment and waiting list control data. Each treatment participant was matched to a control on age, IQ, presenting problem, and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) global severity index (GSI) score. The treatment group was also evaluated on the Glasgow anxiety and depression scales and was followed up for 3 to 6 months after treatment.ResultsThere were no significant differences between groups at baseline. Following treatment, the CBT group was significantly improved when compared with the control group on the GSI scale of the BSI. The ancovas for all other measures were not significant but there were significant improvements for the treatment group on all scaled except BSI depression from pre to post‐CBT. Gains were maintained to follow up, and changes were associated with large effect sizes.ConclusionsIt was possible to treat a range of symptoms and psychiatric diagnoses with a general trans‐diagnostic CBT manual. The effects of therapy were promising, suggesting that the participants could respond to treatment in a meaningful and helpful manner and supporting the case for further evaluation of the trans‐diagnostic approach in ID.
Leptin inhibits amyloid β‐protein fibrillogenesis by decreasing GM1 gangliosides on the neuronal cell surface through PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway
Authors: Yamamoto Naoki , Tanida Mamoru , Kasahara Rika , Sobue Kazuya , Suzuki Kenji 
Published: July 2014

AbstractLeptin is a centrally acting hormone that controls metabolic pathways. Recent epidemiological studies suggest that plasma leptin is protective against Alzheimer's disease. However, the mechanism that underlies this effect remains uncertain. To investigate whether leptin inhibits the assembly of amyloid β‐protein (Aβ) on the cell surface of neurons, we treated primary neurons with leptin. Leptin treatment decreased the GM1 ganglioside (GM1) levels in the detergent‐resistant membrane microdomains (DRMs) of neurons. The increase in GM1 expression induced by leptin was inhibited after pre‐treatment with inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (LY294002), Akt (triciribine) and the mammalian target of rapamycin (i.e. rapamycin), but not by an inhibitor of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (PD98059). In addition, pre‐treatment with these reagents blocked the induction of GM1 in DRMs by leptin. Furthermore, Aβ assembly on the cell surface of neurons was inhibited greatly after treatment with leptin. This reduction was markedly inhibited after pre‐treatment with LY294002, triciribine, and rapamycin. These results suggest that leptin significantly inhibits Aβ assembly by decreasing GM1 expression in DRMs of the neuronal surface through the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway.
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These findings highlight the importance of understanding the function of leptin in AD brains. In this study, our aim was to determine whether leptin regulates the expression and localization of GM1 on the neuronal membrane and if it induces the formation of Aβ assembly on the cell surface of neurons. Our results suggest that leptin regulates the expression of GM1 in DRMs of the neuronal membranes. Moreover, leptin does not seem to facilitate fibrillogenesis of exogenously added soluble Aβ from the cell surface of neurons.
INNOVATION IN CHINA
Authors: Fan Peilei 
Published: July 2014

AbstractInnovation has been increasingly recognized as a critical force in national economic growth not only in developed countries, but also in emerging countries such as China and India. This paper provides a critical review of the literature related to China's innovation capability. First, I evaluate the current status of China's innovation capability as measured not only by the level of human capital and output of academic research but also by patents, products, and services that directly benefit economic growth. I then review the development pathway of China's national innovation system since the economic reforms, including policies, the role of the government, and the engagement of different actors in the national innovation system. Following that, I examine theories and empirical evidence that help to explain the evolution of China's innovation capability. Finally, using China's experience, I analyze the relationship between innovation capability and economic development and highlight how the uneven spatial distribution of innovation capability may affect China's regional economic development.