bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kinetics Study of Biopolymers Mixture with the Help of Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy
Authors: Ur‐Rehman Amin , Khan Nasir Mehmood , Ali Farman , Khan Hidayatullah , Khan Zia Ullah , Jan Abdul Khaliq , Khan Gul Shahzada , Ahmad Shujaat 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe application of biopolymers such as protein and polysaccharides is becoming increasingly popular due to their remarkable gelling property under certain conditions. In this work, the effects of gelation together with phase separation in the restricted geometries were studied in detail for whey protein isolate (WPI) and polysaccharide mixtures. The results showed that phase separation of the constituents was highly dependent on the concentration of the constituent in the mixture. The results clearly demonstrated that the properties of the system would be different if the size of the final morphological structure of droplet is reduced. The effect of kinetics on the phase separation was also investigated in this study. It was concluded that the microstructure of droplet exhibited different amounts of phase separation before settling where the whole WPI was observed to form the shell, while the polysaccharide was observed to form the core of microstructure.Practical ApplicationsThis study provides practical and theoretical information regarding the monodisperse particles of a phase separating and gelling biopolymer mixture of whey protein isolate, gellan gum and locust bean gum which have importance in controlling the kinetics of phase separation to impart stability and desired textural properties to a food product.
Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan Nanoparticles‐Loaded Fish Gelatin‐Based Edible Films
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Fakhreddin , Rezaei Masoud , Zandi Mojgan , Farahmandghavi Farhid 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBio‐based nanocomposite films were obtained from fish gelatin (FG) and different amounts of chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) (0, 2, 6 and 8% w/w) with diameters ranging from 40 to 80 nm. The influence of nanoparticles on the surface morphology, physicochemical properties, crystalline structure and thermal stability of FG was investigated. The surface morphology assay showed a considerable increase in roughness parameters by incorporating the nanoparticles in FG matrix. Contact angle measurements ranged from about 45C to 60–97C as filler concentration increased, indicating that reinforced films had higher superficial hydrophobicity than neat FG ones. The X‐ray diffraction results also suggested a higher crystallinity in FG matrix due to CSNPs nucleating effect. The glass transition of the nanocomposites was shifted to lower temperatures with respect to the pure FG. Thermal stability tended to increase in accordance with CSNPs content, in which the highest shift of degradation temperature was observed at 6% (w/w) loading content.Practical ApplicationsIn recent years, bio‐based polymers have attracted more and more attention due to growing environmental concern and decreasing reserve of fossil fuel. This recent evolution encourages researchers and industries to develop novel materials labeled as “environment friendly.” This study investigates the preparation and characterization of eco‐friendly fish gelatin‐based composite reinforced with chitosan nanoparticles, as a substitution of plastic packaging materials with the goal of decreasing environmental pollution.
Exclusive olive oil consumption and 10‐year (2004–2014) acute coronary syndrome incidence among cardiac patients: the GREECS observational study
Authors: Kouvari M. , Notara V. , Panagiotakos D. B. , Michalopoulou M. , Vassileiou N. , Papataxiarchis E. , Tzanoglou D. , Mantas Y. , Kogias Y. , Stravopodis P. , Papanagnou G. , Zombolos S. , Pitsavos C. ,   the GREECS Study Investigators
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe present study evaluated the association between long‐term, exclusive olive oil consumption, in cooking preparation or as a dressing, and the 10‐year (2004–2014) incidence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) among cardiac patients.MethodsFrom October 2003 to September 2004, a sample of 2172 ACS consecutive patients from six major Greek hospitals were enrolled. During 2013–2014, the 10‐year follow‐up was performed in 1918 patients (88% participation rate). The development of fatal or nonfatal ACS was recorded through medical records or hospital registries. Among other dietary components, added fats (i.e. olive oil, butter, margarine and seed oils) consumption at baseline examination was assessed using a semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire.ResultsNon‐exclusive olive oil consumption on a daily basis was associated with an adverse effect on the ACS incidence after taking into account various potential confounders [odds ratio (OR) = 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05–1.86, P = 0.024]. However, significant interactions between olive oil consumption and body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.082) and educational level (P = 0.054) led to further stratified analysis. Using BMI as strata (i.e. ≤29.9 versus >29.9 kg m–2), the above association remained significant only in obese patients (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.03–3.12, P = 0.038), whereas, on examining the education status (i.e. ≤9 versus >9 years of school), a significant association was observed only among the higher educated patients (OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.01–3.32, P = 0.047).ConclusionsExclusive use of olive oil, either as a salad dressing or in cooking, should be promoted through the dietary management of ACS patients, with the aim of reducing the likelihood of recurrent cardiac episodes.
PETROLEUM GEOLOGY AND HYDROCARBON POTENTIAL OF THE ADRIATIC BASIN, OFFSHORE CROATIA
Authors: Wrigley R. , Hodgson N. , Esestime P. 
Published: June 2015

Offshore Croatia is a relatively underexplored area with no oilfields currently on production. Exploration commenced in 1970 and several biogenic gas fields were subsequently discovered producing from shallow Plio‐Pleistocene reservoir rocks in the northern Adriatic area; however, exploration wells drilled for oil in Mesozoic carbonates have failed, although several wells encountered oil shows.Using data from the Croatian and Italian Adriatic, we provide in this paper some new insights into the Mesozoic palaeogeography and hydrocarbon plays of offshore Croatia.Offshore Croatia has been divided into three areas – north, central and south – with distinctive geological characteristics and hydrocarbon systems. The effects and importance of halokinesis in the eastern Adriatic is described and its influence on the petroleum systems is discussed.The evaluation of a modern, regional, high‐resolution dataset has enhanced our understanding of the Adriatic Basin and supports the presence of petroleum systems with potential mature source rocks in shales from the Triassic succession, supplying reservoir rocks in Jurassic and Cretaceous carbonate platform margins/slope talus plays, and Cenozoic siliciclastic plays.
Development of an insect metalloproteinase inhibitor drug carrier system for application in chronic wound infections
Authors: Eisenhardt Michaela , Dobler Dorota , Schlupp Peggy , Schmidts Thomas , Salzig Mark , Vilcinskas Andreas , Salzig Denise , Czermak Peter , Keusgen Michael , Runkel Frank 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

Objectives
The insect metalloproteinase inhibitor (IMPI) represents the first peptide capable of inhibiting virulence-mediating microbial M4-metalloproteinases and is promising as a therapeutic. The purpose of this study was to develop a suitable drug carrier system for the IMPI drug to enable treatment of chronic wound infections. Specifically, we studied on poloxamer 407 hydrogels, examining the influence of several additives and preservatives on the rheological parameters of the hydrogels, the bioactivity and release of IMPI.

Methods
The rheological characterisation of the hydrogel was performed by oscillatory measurements. The bioactivity of IMPI was evaluated in a Casein fluoresence quenching assay.

Key findings
In this study, a suitable application form for the dermal treatment of chronic wound infections with IMPI was designed. The influences of poloxamer 407 concentration and various additives on the viscoelastic properties and preservation of a thermosensitive hydrogel were investigated. The incorporation of the precursor drug IMPI–gluthathione-s-transferase (GST) in the hydrogel had no influence on the rheological characteristics and will be released. The bioactivity of IMPI-GST is not influenced by the hydrogel and remains constant over 4 weeks of storage.

Conclusions
This study reports the development of a poloxamer hydrogel as a suitable carrier system for the application of IMPI.
Detection of tick‐borne Anaplasma bovis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma centrale in Spain
Authors: PALOMAR A. M. , PORTILLO A. , SANTIBÁÑEZ P. , MAZUELAS D. , RONCERO L. , GARCÍA‐ÁLVAREZ L. , SANTIBÁÑEZ S. , GUTIÉRREZ Ó. , OTEO J. A. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe genus Anaplasma (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) includes species of medical and veterinary importance. The presence of Anaplasma spp. in ticks from birds, as well as in Haemaphysalis punctata (Ixodida: Ixodidae) specimens collected from cattle and vegetation in northern Spain was investigated. A total of 336 ticks from birds [174 Ixodes frontalis (Ixodida: Ixodidae), 108 H. punctata, 34 Hyalomma marginatum (Ixodida: Ixodidae), 17 Ixodes ricinus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) and three Ixodes spp.], and 181 H. punctata specimens collected from cattle (n = 71) and vegetation (n = 110) were analysed. Anaplasma bovis was detected in five H. punctata, including two from birds (1.9%) and three from vegetation (2.7%). Four I. frontalis (2.3%) (one co‐infected with ‘Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii’) and one I. ricinus (5.9%) removed from birds, as well as four H. punctata (5.6%) collected from cattle showed Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection. In addition, Anaplasma centrale was found in two H. punctata, one from a cow (1.4%) and the other from vegetation (0.9%). This study represents the first evidence of the presence of A. bovis in European ticks, and reports the first detection of A. bovis and A. centrale in H. punctata, and the first finding of A. phagocytophilum and ‘Ca. Midichloria mitochondrii’ in I. frontalis.
Obesity, asthma prevalence and IL‐4: Roles of inflammatory cytokines, adiponectin and neuropeptide Y
Authors: Lu Yanxia , Van Bever Hugo P. S. , Lim Tow Keang , Kuan Win Sen , Goh Daniel Yam Thiam , Mahadevan Malcolm , Sim Tiong Beng , Ho Roger , Larbi Anis , Ng Tze Pin 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundObesity is associated with asthma risk and severity, but the underlying biological mechanisms are poorly understood. We hypothesized that cytokine markers of systemic inflammation, and adiponectin and neuropeptide Y (NPY) markers of immuno‐modulating and neurohormonal regulation are involved in the obesity–asthma association.MethodsWe explored the relationships between body mass index (BMI), C‐reactive protein (CRP), IL‐6, TNF‐α, adiponectin and NPY with asthma prevalence and IL‐4 levels in 70 youth with asthma and 69 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls using cross‐sectional and longitudinal data.ResultsMean BMI level was higher among patients with asthma than healthy controls (p < 0.001). In logistic regression models controlling for potential confounders, independent associations with asthma prevalence were found for obesity (p = 0.001), increasing tertiles of CRP (linear trend p < 0.001), IL‐6 (linear trend p < 0.001) and lowest and highest tertiles of TNF‐α (quadratic trend p < 0.05), increasing adiponectin (linear p = 0.022) and decreasing tertiles of NPY (linear trend p = 0.001). Among patients with asthma, NPY level was positively correlated with adiponectin (p < 0.05) and TNF‐α (p < 0.05), and levels of NPY and IL‐6 were significantly associated with IL‐4 level at baseline and 1‐year follow‐up.ConclusionsThe obesity–asthma association was not explained by systemic inflammation. Specifically, CRP, TNF‐a, IL‐6, NPY and adiponectin were independently associated with asthma prevalence. NPY and IL‐6 were associated with IL‐4 marker of allergic airway inflammation in asthma and should be further investigated as prognostic markers of asthma outcomes.
Delimitation of cryptic species of the Scytosiphon lomentaria complex (Scytosiphonaceae, Phaeophyceae) in Japan, based on mitochondrial and nuclear molecular markers
Authors: Kogame Kazuhiro , Ishikawa Shozo , Yamauchi Kei , Uwai Shinya , Kurihara Akira , Masuda Michio 
Published: June 2015

SummaryScytosiphon lomentaria (Scytosiphonaceae, Ectocarpales) is believed to include some cryptic species, particularly in the Pacific. We attempted to delimit these species in Japan using mitochondrial cox1 and cox3 and nuclear ITS2 and the second intron of the centrin gene (cetn‐int2). Fifty‐three cox1+cox3 mitotypes, 26 ITS2 ribotypes and 45 cetn‐int2 haplotypes were found in 107 samples collected from 33 localities in Japan. Based on phylogenetic analyses, similar sequence types were grouped into ten mitogroups, eight ribogroups and six cetn‐int2 haplogroups (sequence‐type groups). From the molecular trees and combinations of the mito‐, ribo‐ and haplogroups, three cryptic species were apparent (Groups I–III). Group I, widely distributed on Pacific coasts, was highly supported by all molecular trees, whereas Groups II (North Pacific) and III (Northwestern Pacific and Australasia) were more closely related to each other. However, sequence‐type‐group combinations that would be characteristic of hybrids between Groups II and III were not detected, suggesting no gene flow between the two Groups. Further investigations of an additional 127 sympatrically growing plants supported the absence of gene flow between Groups II and III. Four samples did not belong to any of the Groups I–III and possibly represent additional species.
Squishy lipids: Temperature effects on the betaine and galactolipid profiles of a C18/C18 peridinin‐containing dinoflagellate, Symbiodinium microadriaticum (Dinophyceae), isolated from the mangrove jellyfish, Cassiopea xamachana
Authors: Leblond Jeffrey D. , Khadka Manoj , Duong Linda , Dahmen Jeremy L. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryPrevious work from our laboratory has shown dinoflagellates, which possess the carotenoid peridinin, have been divided into two clusters based on plastid galactolipid fatty acid composition. In one cluster major forms of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), lipids that comprise the majority of photosynthetic membranes, were C18/C18 (sn‐1/sn‐2), with octadecapentaenoic [18:5(n‐3)] and octadecatetraenoic [18:4(n‐3)] acid as principal fatty acids. The other cluster contained C20/C18 major forms, with eicosapentaenoic acid [20:5(n‐3)] being the predominant sn‐1 fatty acid. In this study, we have found that Symbiodinium microadriaticum isolated from the jellyfish, Cassiopea xamachana, when grown at 30°C, produced MGDG and DGDG with a more saturated fatty acid, 18:4(n‐3), at the sn‐2 carbon than when grown at 20°C where 18:5(n‐3) predominates. This modulation of the sn‐2 fatty acid's level of saturation is mechanistically similar to what has been observed in Pyrocystis, a C20/C18 dinoflagellate. We have also examined the effect of growth temperature on the betaine lipid, diacylglycerylcarboxyhydroxymethylcholine (DGCC), which has been observed by others to be the predominant non plastidial polar lipid in dinoflagellates. Temperature effects on it were minimal, with very few modulations in fatty acid unsaturation as observed in MGDG and DGDG. Rather, the primary difference seen at the two growth temperatures was the alteration of the amount of minor forms of DGCC, as well as a second betaine lipid, diacylglyceryl‐N,N,N‐trimethylhomoserine.
Analysis of Multispecies Point Patterns by Using Multivariate Log-Gaussian Cox Processes
Authors: Waagepetersen Rasmus , Guan Yongtao , Jalilian Abdollah , Mateu Jorge 
Published: June 2015

SummaryMultivariate log-Gaussian Cox processes are flexible models for multivariate point patterns. However, they have so far been applied in bivariate cases only. We move beyond the bivariate case to model multispecies point patterns of tree locations. In particular we address the problems of identifying parsimonious models and of extracting biologically relevant information from the models fitted. The latent multivariate Gaussian field is decomposed into components given in terms of random fields common to all species and components which are species specific. This allows a decomposition of variance that can be used to quantify to what extent the spatial variation of a species is governed by common or species-specific factors. Cross-validation is used to select the number of common latent fields to obtain a suitable trade-off between parsimony and fit of the data. The selected number of common latent fields provides an index of complexity of the multivariate covariance structure. Hierarchical clustering is used to identify groups of species with similar patterns of dependence on the common latent fields.
Inhibition of Interferon Regulatory Factor 4 Suppresses Th1 and Th17 Cell Differentiation and Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Yang C. , He D. , Yin C. , Tan J. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by recurrent episodes of T‐cell‐mediated immune attack on central nervous system (CNS) myelin, leading to axon damage and progressive disability. Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is expressed predominantly in the immune system and plays an important role in its development and function. Recent study demonstrated that IRF4 was critical for the generation of IL‐17‐producing Th17 cells. However, the effect of IRF4 on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS, needs to be further investigated. In our current study, inhibition of IRF4 with IRF4 siRNA (SiIRF4) decreases EAE scores and infiltration of Th1 and Th17 cells, but increases Treg infiltration. SiIRF4 inhibits Th1 and Th17 cell differentiation in vivo and in vitro. In our DC‐T‐cell coculture system, SiIRF4‐treated DCs resulted in significantly less IFN‐γ and IL‐17 production from T cells. Next, we adoptively transfer CD11c+ DCs from SiIRF4‐treated mice into recipient mice and found that these CD11c+ DCs ameliorated EAE. Furthermore, CD11c+ DCs from SiIRF4‐treated naive mice exhibited significantly reduced expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐12/IL‐23 (p40), and a corresponding increase in anti‐inflammatory IL‐10 expression. In conclusion, inhibition of IRF4 suppresses Th1 and Th17 cell differentiation and ameliorates EAE, via a direct regulation of DCs.
Is the US Consumer Credit Asymmetric?
Authors: Kumar Saten 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe investigate the existence of any asymmetric effects in the US consumer credit. In doing so, we utilize the asymmetric cointegration methods proposed by Breitung (2001, 2002) and Enders and Siklos (2001). Furthermore, we tend to explore two additional dimensions in this literature. First, whether asymmetries (if any) are persistent over‐time in the credit demand model. Second, whether the Great recession contributed to any asymmetric impacts on the credit demand. Our results revealed that the long‐run relationship of consumer credit (credit, income, wealth and interest rate on personal loans) is asymmetric. While it is difficult to identify the direct sources of this asymmetric result, our intuition is that it is linked to the structural breaks in the rate of personal loans encountered in the early 1980s. Moreover, we find no strong evidence that much of the asymmetric impacts in consumer credit were experienced in the Great recession. Neither have we attained evidence that asymmetric impacts on credit demand are persistent over‐time.
Democratization and Real Exchange Rates,
Authors: Furlan Benjamin , Gächter Martin , Krebs Bob , Oberhofer Harald 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIn this article, we combine two so far separate strands of the economic literature and argue that democratization leads to a real exchange rate appreciation. We test this hypothesis empirically for a sample of countries observed from 1980 to 2007 by combining a difference‐in‐difference approach with propensity score matching estimators. Our empirical results reveal a strong and significant finding: democratization causes real exchange rates to appreciate. Consequently, the ongoing process of democratization observed in many parts of the world is likely to reduce exchange rate distortions.
Undercutting Underdetermination‐Based Scepticism
Authors: Ashton Natalie Alana 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAccording to Duncan Pritchard, there are two kinds of radical sceptical problem; the closure‐based problem, and the underdetermination‐based problem. He argues that distinguishing these two problems leads to a set of desiderata for an anti‐sceptical response, and that the way to meet all of these desiderata is by supplementing a form of Wittgensteinian contextualism (which can undercut the closure‐based problem) with disjunctivist views about factivity (to undercut the underdetermination‐based problem). I agree that an adequate response should meet most of the initial desiderata Pritchard puts forward, and that some version of Wittgensteinian contextualism shows the most promise as a starting point for this, but I argue, contra Pritchard, that the addition of disjunctivism is unnecessary and potentially counter‐productive. If we draw on lessons from Michael Williams's inferential contextualism then it is both possible, and preferable, to meet the most important of Pritchard's desiderata, undercutting both closure‐based and underdetermination‐based sceptical problems in a unified way, without the need to resort to disjunctivism.
Motivators and deterrents to blood donation among Black South Africans: a qualitative analysis of focus group data
Authors: Muthivhi T. N. , Olmsted M. G. , Park H. , Sha M. , Raju V. , Mokoena T. , Bloch E. M. , Murphy E. L. , Reddy R. 
Published: June 2015

SUMMARYBackground and ObjectivesSouth Africa has a markedly skewed representation where the majority of blood (62%) is presently collected from an ethnically White minority. This study seeks to identify culturally specific factors affecting motivation of donors in South Africa.Materials and MethodsWe performed a qualitative study to evaluate motivators and deterrents to blood donation among Black South Africans. A total of 13 focus groups, comprising a total of 97 Black South Africans, stratified by age and geographic location were conducted. Transcripts of the interviews were analysed using a coding framework by Bednall & Bove.ResultsParticipants made 463 unique comments about motivators focusing primarily on promotional communications (28%), incentives (20%) and prosocial motivation (16%). Participants made 376 comments about deterrents which focused primarily on fear (41%), negative attitudes (14%) and lack of knowledge (10%).ConclusionAlthough prosocial motivation (altruism) was the most frequently mentioned individual motivator, promotional communication elicited more overall comments by participants. As reported by many authors, fear and lack of awareness were strong deterrents, but scepticism engendered by perceived racial discrimination in blood collection were unique to the South African environment.