bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High resolution melting analysis of DNA microsatellites in olive pastes and virgin olive oils obtained by talc addition
Authors: Pasqualone Antonella , Rienzo Valentina Di , Miazzi Monica Marilena , Fanelli Valentina , Caponio Francesco , Montemurro Cinzia 
Published: March 2015

Talc (hydrated magnesium silicate) is a physical coadjuvant that can be employed in the production of extra virgin olive oil to increase yield. The adsorbent properties of talc could hamper DNA recovery, leading to false negatives in DNA analysis. The aim of this work was to verify the effect of talc addition on olive oil DNA by targeting four selected microsatellites. Olive processing trials were carried out at two different levels of talc (1 and 2%) and without talc (control). DNA extraction yield and purity level were ascertained, and High Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis of microsatellites was subsequently applied to the extracted DNA. Neither the DNA extraction yield nor the A260/230 and A260/280 ratios showed significant differences between control and talc‐treated samples. Higher values of A260/230 and lower yields were observed in olive oils than in olive pastes. The DNA microsatellites analyzed showed identical HRM profiles in all the samples, excluding any effect of talc and confirming the genetic homogeneity of the olive lot processed (cv. Coratina).Practical applications: High added‐value mono‐cultivar extra virgin olive oils are niche products very appreciated by consumers. DNA analysis is able to reveal mixing with cultivars different from those declared in the label. The use of talc in olive oil industries has progressively increased to improve yield. The results obtained prove that the DNA‐based methods set up until now to check the authenticity of extra virgin olive oil can be effectively carried out also in oils produced by using talc. In addition, the results are among the first applications of HRM to the food sector and evidence the feasibility of this technique along the olive oil chain for checking both olive pastes and oils.Talc (hydrated magnesium silicate) is a physical coadjuvant that can be employed in the production of extra virgin olive oil to increase yield. The adsorbent properties of talc could hamper DNA recovery, leading to false negatives in DNA analysis. By means of High Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis, DNA samples from talc‐treated olive pastes and oils were compared with untreated control based on the shape of temperature‐shifted melting curves. For the same microsatellite, the different samples analyzed showed almost identical HRM profiles. This result excluded any effect of talc addition during olive processing in the analysis of DNA microsatellites of olive oil.
Association between the Oxytocin Receptor Gene Polymorphism (rs53576) and Bulimia Nervosa
Authors: Kim Youl‐Ri , Kim Jeong‐Hyun , Kim Chan‐Hyung , Shin Jae Gook , Treasure Janet 
Published: March 2015

AbstractObjectiveOxytocin circuits are implicated in the regulation of appetite and weight. Variants in the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene have been associated with bulimic behaviour. This study aimed to investigate the association between the OXTR gene and eating disorders.MethodWe genotyped six single nucleotide polymorphisms, rs53576, rs237879, rs2228485, rs13316193, rs2254298 and rs1042778, located within the OXTR gene in Korean patients with eating disorders using the single‐base extension method. We studied a total of 262 women, including 69 patients with anorexia nervosa, 90 patients with bulimia nervosa (BN), and 103 healthy women.ResultsWe found a positive association between the G allele of OXTR rs53576 and BN. In the BN group, the G carriers showed a high score on the behavioural inhibition system.ConclusionsThese findings suggest the involvement of the oxytocinergic system in the mechanism that underlies BN. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Highly Durable Platinum based Cathode Electrocatalysts for PEMFC Application using Oxygen and Nitrogen Functional Groups Attached Nanocarbon Supports
Authors: Karthikeyan N. , Vinayan B. P. , Rajesh M. , Balaji K. , Subramani A. K. , Ramaprabhu S. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe combined effect of oxygen and nitrogen functional groups on highly crystalline carbon supports like multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and MWCNT‐few layer graphene hybrid structures (MWCNT+FLG) have been investigated towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance and carbon corrosion durability in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) applications. The pristine carbon supports were modified with oxygen and nitrogen functionalities by treating with concentrated mineral acids and subsequent nitrogen plasma treatment assisted with R.F. magnetron sputtering. Pt nanoparticles were dispersed over these chemically modified carbon supports by polyol reduction method. The physicochemical properties of as synthesized electrocatalysts were studied by different techniques such as XRD, TEM, FTIR, Raman and XPS. Electrochemical properties were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry in 0.1M HClO4 medium. Compared to commercial Pt/C catalysts, durability show ∼30 % enhancement for the as prepared electrocatalysts due to the presence of large amount of pyrrolic nitrogen and highly oriented graphitic nature of the catalyst supports. The ORR performance were comparable with Pt/C (TEC10E30E) in terms of MSA, 259, 270, 252 A g−1 for Pt/C, Pt/N‐f‐MWCNT, Pt/N‐f‐(MWCNT+FLG) respectively.
In suit Investigation of Anode Support on Cell Performance Reduced under Various Temperatures for Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Wang F. , Miao F. X. , Guan W. B. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe performance of anode support of Ni‐YSZ reduced from room temperature (TR) to working temperature (Tw) and at Tw in anode‐supported planar solid oxide fuel cell was investigated quantitatively in situ. A 2 μm thick Pt voltage probe was embedded at the interface between the anode support and the function anode in the cell. Results showed that the power densities of the stack that was reduced from TR to Tw (stack 1) and stack reduced at Tw (stack 2) were 0.343 W cm−2 and 0.583 W cm−2 with the corresponding fuel utilization of 36.28% and 63.87%, respectively, under the operating voltage of 0.8 V. The degradation rate of stack 1 was 7.76 times more than that of stack 2 when the stack was discharged under a constant current of 0.476 Acm−2 for 100 h. Ni particles agglomerated in the anode support of the cell inside stack 1, whereas Ni particles in the anode support of the cell inside stack 2 were evenly distributed. The performance of stack 1 was poor mainly because of the increasing ohmic and polarization resistances caused by Ni agglomeration and decreasing porosity of the anode support.
Improved working memory performance following administration of a single dose of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) to healthy middle‐age adults
Authors: Ossoukhova Anastasia , Owen Lauren , Savage Karen , Meyer Marjolaine , Ibarra Alvin , Roller Marc , Pipingas Andrew , Wesnes Keith , Scholey Andrew 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveA ginsenoside‐rich extract of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.), CereboostTM, was previously shown to improve working memory and mood in healthy young individuals. The present study represented a partial replication investigating whether these effects extended to healthy middle‐aged individuals.MethodsFifty‐two healthy volunteers (40–60 years old, mean age 51.63) received 200 mg of P. quinquefolius or a matching placebo according to a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, balanced, crossover design. The Cognitive Drug Research battery and the Computerised Mental Performance Assessment System were used to evaluate cognitive performance at baseline then 1, 3 and 6 h following treatment. Blood glucose and mood were co‐monitored.ResultsCompared with placebo, P. quinquefolius improved cognitive performance on ‘Working Memory’ factor at 3 h. Similar effects were observed in one of the two tasks making up this factor, spatial working memory. There were no significant effects on mood or blood glucose levels.ConclusionsThese data confirm that P. quinquefolius can acutely benefit working memory and extend the age range of this effect to middle‐aged individuals. These changes are unlikely to be underpinned by modulation of blood glucose in this population. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impaired regulation of portal venous flow in response to a meal challenge as quantified by 4D flow MRI
Authors: Roldán‐Alzate Alejandro , Frydrychowicz Alex , Said Adnan , Johnson Kevin M. , Francois Christopher J. , Wieben Oliver , Reeder Scott B. 
Published: March 2015

PurposePortal and mesenteric hemodynamics is greatly altered in portal hypertension patients. This study utilizes 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize and quantify changes in abdominal hemodynamics in patients with portal hypertension undergoing meal challenge.Materials and MethodsTwelve portal hypertension patients and six healthy subjects participated in the study. Baseline MRI was acquired after 5 hours of fasting. Postmeal MRI was obtained 20 minutes after subjects ingested EnSure Plus (574 mL). Imaging was performed at 3T using 4D flow MRI with an undersampled radial acquisition. Flow measurements were performed blinded to subject status (fasting/meal). Flow values for each vessel were compared before and after the meal challenge using paired Student's t‐tests (P < 0.05).ResultsAfter meal challenge, significant increases in blood flow were observed in supraceliac aorta, portal vein, superior mesenteric vein, and artery in both groups (P < 0.05). In patients, hepatic artery (P = 0.001) and splenic vein (P = 0.045) flow decreased while azygos vein flow (P = 0.002) increased.ConclusionPortal venous flow regulation to adjust the increasing mesenteric venous flow after a meal challenge may be impaired in patients with cirrhosis. The ability to comprehensively quantify the hemodynamic response of the abdominal vasculature to a meal challenge using 4D flow MRI reveals the potential of this technique to noninvasively characterize portal hypertension hemodynamics. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1009–1017.
The Effect of Steiner, Montessori, and National Curriculum Education Upon Children's Pretence and Creativity
Authors: Kirkham Julie Ann , Kidd Evan 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPretence and creativity are often regarded as ubiquitous characteristics of childhood, yet not all education systems value or promote these attributes to the same extent. Different pedagogies and practices are evident within theUKNational Curriculum, Steiner and Montessori schools. In this study, 20 children participated from each of these school systems (N = 60, aged 6;10–8;11) completing the test of creative thinking—drawing production (TCT‐DP; K. K. Urban, & H. G. Jellen, 1996) and a pretend actions task (W. F. Overton & J. P. Jackson, 1973). Overall, Steiner pupils performed significantly higher on theTCT‐DPthan both the Montessori and National Curriculum pupils who performed similarly. Steiner pupils also performed significantly better on the pretend actions task than the Montessori pupils, but no other significant differences were found. Overall, there was also a significant positive correlation between pretence and creativity in the current sample, supporting previous research suggesting that these skills are related (e.g., A.S. Kaugars & S. W. Russ, 2009; P. Y. Mullineaux & L. F. Dilalla, 2009).
Time‐resolved in‐situ pH measurement in differently treated, saturated and unsaturated soils
Authors: Thiele‐Bruhn Sören , Wessel‐Bothe Stefan , Aust Marc‐Oliver 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe pH‐value is of utmost relevance for soil properties and functioning. Hence, a time‐resolved in‐situ measurement is mandatory but lacking. As an alternative, a two‐probe pH electrode with gel‐covered reference electrode was newly constructed and tested for a continuous, in‐situ pH recording in saturated and unsaturated soil. This was done using samples from a set of 14 soils with different composition and pH$ _{\rm CaCl_2} $ ranging from 3.5 to 7.5 in batch and repacked soil column experiments. In the latter, changes in pH and redox potential were monitored upon transport of citrate‐phosphate buffer and pig slurry through the soil columns. The pH measurements were largely stable even upon substantial shifts in soil moisture content down to air‐dry conditions. The results of the pH measurements agreed with standard methods using settled soil suspensions in electrolyte solutions and the conventional combination (single‐probe) pH electrode. Testing the suspension effect, it was found that measuring pH directly in the soil is recommended. The pH measured in‐situ was closest to pH values determined in 0.01 M CaCl2 suspensions according to DIN ISO 10390 (DIN, 2005). The transport of citrate buffer and pig slurry as pH active substances through soil induced strong effects on the pH and in part on the redox potential; the reversible effects lasted over days, which may affect the mobility and speciation of nutrients and pollutants as well as microbial processes.
Validation of the Psychosis and Hallucinations Questionnaire in Non‐demented Patients with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Shine James M. , Mills Joanna M.Z. , Qiu Jessica , O'Callaghan Claire , Terpening Zoe , Halliday Glenda M. , Naismith Sharon L. , Lewis Simon J.G. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPeople diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD) frequently experience visual and non‐visual hallucinations often with comorbid psychosis, however, there is currently no gold standard tool for accurately assessing these symptoms. To address this problem, we designed a novel questionnaire to evaluate the presence of hallucinatory and psychotic symptoms in PD, as well as related symptoms, such as attentional dysfunction and sleep disturbance. We administered the 20‐item Psychosis and Hallucinations Questionnaire (PsycH‐Q) and three common questionnaire measures in a large cohort of 197 patients with idiopathic PD via a postal survey. We established concurrent validity, convergent validity, and internal consistency of the questionnaire and then assessed test‐retest reliability in a subcohort of 44 patients. PsycH‐Q was found to be a valid instrument when analogous items were compared across three other existing tools (Spearman's rho range: 0.34–0.64; P < 0.01). PsycH‐Q demonstrated a strong relationship between self‐reported hallucinations and psychosis and symptoms of the broader hallucinatory phenotype (Kendall's tau = 0.41; P < 0.01; positive predictive value = 0.97). PsycH‐Q also displayed a high level of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.900; range, 0.696–0.923) and reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.928). PsycH‐Q is a simple, valid, self‐completed instrument that reliably identifies hallucinations and psychosis in PD and has the ability to characterize related patterns of attentional and sleep impairments. As such, PsycH‐Q is a highly valuable tool for use in both clinical and research settings.
A “no‐touch‐technique” in mandibular reconstruction with reconstruction plate and free flap transfer
Authors: Fujiki Masahide , Sakuraba Minoru , Miyamoto Shimpei , Nagamatsu Shogo , Hayashi Ryuichi 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveMandibular reconstruction with a mandibular reconstruction plate (MRP) and free flap transfer can involve serious plate‐related complications. The aim of our study is to present our new “no‐touch‐technique” which keeps an MRP not contaminated to saliva during the entire operation for the reduction of plate‐related complications.Patients and MethodsData were retrospectively collected on 29 patients who had undergone segmental mandibulectomy for head and neck tumor and mandibular reconstruction with an MRP and free flap transfer from 2004 to 2013; 12 patients were reconstructed with our no‐touch‐technique from 2010 to 2013 (no‐touch‐technique group), and 17 patients with the conventional technique from 2004 to 2009 (conventional group). A rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap or anterolateral thigh flap was transferred in all patients. The rates of perioperative recipient site complications including total flap necrosis, partial flap necrosis, wound infection, fistula formation and wound dehiscence, and reoperation for complications were compared between the groups.ResultsAll flaps were successfully transferred although one venous thrombosis formation occurred in the conventional group. The rate of wound infection in the no‐touch‐technique group (8.3%) was significantly lower than that in the conventional group (47.1%) (P = 0.04). Additionally, the rate of fistula formation in the no‐touch‐technique group (8.3%) tended to be lower than that in the conventional group (29.4%) (P = 0.35).ConclusionThe results of our study showed that our no‐touch‐technique may be a safe and effective procedure for the prevention of perioperative plate‐related complications for mandibular reconstruction with an MRP and free flap transfer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:115–120, 2016.
Immunological blockade of adipocyte inflammation caused by increased matrix metalloproteinase‐cleaved osteopontin in obesity
Authors: Leitner Lukas , Schuch Karina , Jürets Alexander , Itariu Bianca K. , Keck Maike , Grablowitz Viktor , Aszmann Oskar C. , Prager Gerhard , Staffler Günther , Zeyda Maximilian , Stulnig Thomas M. 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveOsteopontin (OPN) is upregulated in adipose tissue (AT) in obesity and contributes to subclinical inflammation, adipocyte dysfunction, and insulin resistance. OPN effects can be increased by cleavage by matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). This study aimed at investigating the presence of OPN cleavage products in human AT in obesity and their impact on adipocyte function and immunological blockade of these effects.MethodsAT of severely obese and control donors was investigated for OPN and MMP expression and the presence of OPN cleavage fragments. Primary adipocytes were isolated from human donors for in vitro investigation of cleaved OPN effects.ResultsOPN and MMP‐9 expression was highly correlated in AT from obese donors, and increased levels of cleaved OPN were detected in AT from obese individuals. The in vitro effect of OPN on adipocyte inflammation and insulin resistance was enhanced by protease cleavage, which could finally be blocked with a monoclonal antibody directed against the MMP cleavage site of OPN.ConclusionsThese findings show that MMP cleavage of OPN in AT occurs in obesity, thereby enhancing OPN's inflammatory and pro‐diabetic activity on adipocytes. Specifically targeting MMP‐cleaved OPN opens avenues for prevention and treatment of obesity‐induced type 2 diabetes.
Post‐traumatic stress disorder predicts future weight change in the Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: LeardMann Cynthia A. , Woodall Kelly A. , Littman Alyson J. , Jacobson Isabel G. , Boyko Edward J. , Smith Besa , Wells Timothy S. , Crum‐Cianflone Nancy F. 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveTo prospectively examine the association between post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and weight change.MethodsLongitudinal analysis techniques were used to examine data (2001–2008) from Millennium Cohort Study participants, consisting of U.S. service members and veterans. Using the PTSD Checklist–Civilian Version, PTSD was assessed as none, resolved, new onset, or persistent. Subsequent weight change was assessed as stable (≤3% loss or gain), >3% weight loss, >3% but <10% weight gain, and ≥10% weight gain.ResultsOf the 38,352 participants, 2391 (6.2%) had PTSD (838 resolved, 1024 new onset, and 529 persistent), and 11% of participants subsequently had ≥10% weight gain. In multivariable models, PTSD was associated with higher odds of ≥10% weight gain (new onset OR: 1.44 [95% CI: 1.20–1.73]; persistent OR: 1.51 [CI: 1.17–1.96]; resolved OR: 1.30 [CI: 1.05–1.60]) compared with those without PTSD. New‐onset and persistent PTSD were also associated with higher odds of >3% weight loss (OR: 1.41 [CI: 1.17–1.71]; OR: 1.42 [CI: 1.09–1.86], respectively).ConclusionsPTSD is independently associated with a higher risk of weight gain and loss, the former of which leads to a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity and a higher risk of comorbidities associated with excessive body adiposity.
An In‐House Prevocational Training Program for Newly Discharged Psychiatric Inpatients: Exploring Its Employment Outcomes and the Predictive Factors
Authors: Chuang Wen‐Fang , Hwang Eric , Lee Hui‐Ling , Wu Shang‐Liang 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIndividuals with severe mental disorders continue to experience low employment rates. Occupational therapists play an important role in helping these individuals develop the skills and obtain the supports necessary for productive living. This retrospective cohort study aimed to explore employment outcomes and identify factors predictive of the outcomes of an in‐house prevocational training program designed for newly discharged psychiatric inpatients. Data retrieved from the files of 58 participants including demographics, diagnostic history, physical fitness, functional assessment results, the use of vocational counselling service and employment status were analyzed. The overall employment rates among the participants were high (67.2–79.3%) within the 6 months following the prevocational training program. No significant differences were found in the employment rates across the 1, 3 and 6‐month time periods post‐training. Vocational counselling service post‐training and hand function were two factors predictive of participants' employment outcomes. Occupational therapists should attend to the clients' need for continuous vocational support and carefully identify the personal, functional and environmental factors contributing to successful employment. Caution in interpreting the results is warranted because of the lack of control and randomization in this retrospective study. Additional longitudinal cohort or experimental studies would add further certainty to the current findings. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Umbilical and fetal middle cerebral artery Doppler at 35–37 weeks' gestation in the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome
Authors: Akolekar R. , Syngelaki A. , Gallo D. M. , Poon L. C. , Nicolaides K. H. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo investigate the potential value of cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) at 36 weeks' gestation in the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome.MethodsThis was a screening study in 6178 singleton pregnancies at 35–37 weeks' gestation. Umbilical artery (UA) and fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) pulsatility index (PI) were measured and the values were converted to multiples of the median (MoM) after adjustment from variables in maternal characteristics and medical history that affect the measurements. CPR was calculated by dividing MCA‐PI MoM by UA‐PI MoM. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine if measuring CPR improved the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome provided by maternal characteristics, medical history and obstetric factors. The detection rate (DR) and false‐positive rate (FPR) of screening by CPR were estimated for stillbirth, Cesarean section for fetal distress, umbilical arterial cord blood pH ≤ 7.0, umbilical venous cord blood pH ≤ 7.1, 5‐min Apgar score < 7 and admission to the neonatal unit (NNU) and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).ResultsThere was a linear association between CPR and both birth‐weight Z‐score and arterial or venous umbilical cord blood pH, but the steepness of the regression lines was inversely related to the interval from assessment to delivery. The performance of low CPR < 5th percentile in screening for each adverse outcome was poor, with DRs of 6–15% and a FPR of about 6%. In the small subgroup of the population delivering within 2 weeks of assessment, the DRs improved to 14–50%, but with a simultaneous increase in FPR, to about 10%.ConclusionThe performance of CPR in routine screening for adverse perinatal outcome at 36 weeks' gestation is poor. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.