bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation of iron‐fortified rice using edible coating materials
Authors: Mridula D. , Pooja Jha 
Published: August 2013

SummaryIron‐fortified rice premix (IFRP) was prepared using soaking and spraying method followed by coating with hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), methyl cellulose (MC), combination of HPMC and MC, zein, palmitic acid (PA) and stearic acid (SA). Steaming caused a reduction in iron content in iron‐fortified rice premix than without steaming treatment. Iron content ranged from 1.33 to 7.11 and 1.61 to 4.49 mg g−1, respectively, in IFRP prepared using soaking and spraying method. Retention of iron in IFRP samples coated with 9% PA, 7% and 9% SA, and combination of HPMC and MC at 2% level, respectively, after washing twice with distilled water was similar (P > 0.05). Retention of iron in these coated IFRP ranged from 87.34% to 89.39% (P > 0.05) as compared to 39.12% in uncoated IFRP. Sensory acceptability indicated the scope for the production of IFRP by spraying of iron solution with iron content 20.1 mg mL−1, 180‐min tempering time and coating with 2% HPMC and MC followed by drying.
Adolescent Friendships, BMI, and Physical Activity: Untangling Selection and Influence Through Longitudinal Social Network Analysis
Authors: Simpkins Sandra D. , Schaefer David R. , Price Chara D. , Vest Andrea E. 
Published: August 2013

Bioecological theory suggests that adolescents’ health is a result of selection and socialization processes occurring between adolescents and their microsettings. This study examines the association between adolescents’ friends and health using a social network model and data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N = 1,896, mean age = 15.97 years). Results indicated evidence of friend influence on BMI and physical activity. Friendships were more likely among adolescents who engaged in greater physical activity and who were similar to one another in BMI and physical activity. These effects emerged after controlling for alternative friend selection factors, such as endogenous social network processes and propinquity through courses and activities. Some selection effects were moderated by gender, popularity, and reciprocity.
Dielectric Properties and Impedance Analysis of K0.5Na0.5NbO3–Ba2NaNb5O15 Ceramics with Good Dielectric Temperature Stability
Authors: Chen Xiuli , Wang Yiliang , Chen Jie , Zhou Huanfu , Fang Liang , Liu Laijun 
Published: August 2013

(1−x)(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3–xBa2NaNb5O15 [(1−x)KNN–xBNN, 0 ≤ x ≤0.1] ceramics were prepared by solid‐state reaction method. X‐ray diffraction analysis of the ceramics revealed that the crystal structure changed from orthorhombic to rhombohedral with increasing BNN content. Dielectric measurement showed that the ceramics exhibited good dielectric temperature stability over a wide temperature range. Basic mechanisms of the conduction and relaxation processes have been investigated using impedance spectroscopy analyses. It was concluded that the conduction and relaxation processes were thermally activated and oxygen vacancies were the possible ionic charge carriers at higher temperatures.
Grain‐Boundary and Thermally Stimulated Current Characteristics of Y2O3‐Doped ZnO Varistor
Authors: Tu Youping , Zheng Zenghui , Li Xiao , Wang Qian , Luo Meixin 
Published: August 2013

The doping of rare‐earth oxides can greatly improve the electrical characteristics ofZnOvaristors. Thermally stimulated current (TSC) characteristic test, capacitance voltage (C–V) characteristic test, scanning electron microscope (SEM) test, and voltage current (V–I) test were carried out to study the influence ofY2O3content on the electrical properties ofZnOvaristors in this study. The results show that the grain size decreases while the voltage gradient increases as theY2O3content is increased. The reaction ofY2O3with other additives leads to the decrease in grain‐boundary defects, which accounts for the decrement of barrier height, donor density, and surface state density. The trap level and trapped charge ofZnOvaristors decrease as theY2O3content is increased from 0.3 to 0.9 mol%, which means the shallow traps insideZnOvaristors reduce, and theY2O3additive can greatly improve theTSCcharacteristic ofZnOvaristors.
Schooling and variation in the COMT gene: the devil is in the details
Authors: Campbell Daniel , Bick Johanna , Yrigollen Carolyn M. , Lee Maria , Joseph Antony , Chang Joseph T. , Grigorenko Elena L. ,   Learning Disabilities Project: Zambia
Published: August 2013

BackgroundSchooling is considered one of the major contributors to the development of intelligence within societies and individuals. Genetic variation might modulate the impact of schooling and explain, at least partially, the presence of individual differences in classrooms.MethodWe studied a sample of 1,502 children (mean age = 11.7 years) from Zambia. Approximately 57% of these children were enrolled in school, and the rest were not. To quantify genetic variation, we investigated a number of common polymorphisms in the catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) gene that controls the production of the protein thought to account for >60% of the dopamine degradation in the prefrontal cortex.ResultsHaplotype analyses generated results ranging from the presence to absence of significant interactions between a number of COMT haplotypes and indicators of schooling (i.e., in‐ vs. out‐of‐school and grade completed) in the prediction of nonverbal intelligence, depending on the parameter specification. However, an investigation of the distribution of corresponding p‐values suggested that these positive results were false.ConclusionsConvincing evidence that the variation in the COMT gene is associated with individual differences in nonverbal intelligence either directly or through interactions with schooling was not found. p‐values produced by the method of testing for haplotype effects employed here may be sensitive to parameter settings, invalid under default settings, and should be checked for validity through simulation.
Comparative effect of topical silicone gel and topical tretinoin cream for the prevention of hypertrophic scar and keloid formation and the improvement of scars
Authors: Kwon S.Y. , Park S.D. , Park K. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundNumerous modalities have been used to treat keloids and hypertrophic scars; however, optimal treatment has not yet been established. Therefore, prevention is the mainstay. Recently, silicone gel and tretinoin cream have been shown to be useful for the prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids. However, there has been no comparative study of the two topical agents thus far.ObjectiveTo determine and compare the effectiveness of silicone gel and tretinoin cream for the prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids resulting from postoperative wounds and for scar improvement.MethodThis study included 26 patients with 44 different wounds. The postoperative wounds were divided into two treatment groups and one control group. The patients in the first and second treatment group applied silicone gel and tretinoin cream, respectively, twice a day on their wounds after their stitches were removed. In contrast, the control group patients did not apply anything. We used the Modified Vancouver Scar Scale to quantitatively examine the effectiveness of silicone gel and tretinoin cream just after stitches removal, and at 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks after removal of the stitches.ResultsThe silicone gel and tretinoin cream effectively prevented hypertrophic scars and keloids and improved scar effects in the two treatment groups compared with those in the control group. However, no significant difference was noted between the two treatment groups.ConclusionTo prevent hypertrophic scars and keloids and improve scars after surgery, application of a silicone gel or a tretinoin cream to the wounds is needed.
Revealing interdyad differences in naturally occurring staff reactions to challenging behaviour of clients with severe or profound intellectual disabilities by means of Clusterwise Hierarchical Classes Analysis (HICLAS)
Authors: Wilderjans T. F. , Lambrechts G. , Maes B. , Ceulemans E. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundInvestigating interdyad (i.e. couples of a client and their usual caregiver) differences in naturally occurring patterns of staff reactions to challenging behaviour (e.g. self‐injurious, stereotyped and aggressive/destructive behaviour) of clients with severe or profound intellectual disabilities is important to optimise client–staff interactions. Most studies, however, fail to combine a naturalistic setup with a person‐level analysis, in that they do not involve a careful inspection of the interdyad differences and similarities.MethodIn this study, the recently proposed Clusterwise Hierarchical Classes Analysis (HICLAS) method is adopted and applied to data of in which video fragments (recorded in a naturalistic setting) of a client showing challenging behaviour and the staff reacting to it were analysed. In a Clusterwise HICLAS analysis, the staff–client dyads are grouped into a number of clusters and the prototypical behaviour–reaction patterns that are specific for each cluster (i.e. interdyad differences and similarities) are revealed.ResultsClusterwise HICLAS discloses clear interdyad differences (and similarities) in the prototypical patterns of clients' challenging behaviour and the associated staff reactions, complementing and qualifying the results of earlier studies in which only general patterns were disclosed.ConclusionsThe usefulness and clinical relevance of Clusterwise HICLAS is demonstrated. In particular, Clusterwise HICLAS may capture idiosyncratic aspects of staff–client interactions, which may stimulate direct support workers to adopt person‐centred support practices that take the specific abilities of the client into account.
Estrogen receptor‐β regulates human tryptophan hydroxylase‐2 through an estrogen response element in the 5′ untranslated region
Authors: Hiroi Ryoko , Handa Robert J. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIn the dorsal raphe nucleus, 17β‐estradiol (E2) increases the expression of the brain‐specific, rate‐limiting enzyme for serotonin biosynthesis, tryptophan hydroxylase‐2 (Tph2). Although estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) has been localized to Tph2 neurons, little is known about the transcriptional regulation of the Tph2 gene by estrogen. Since the ERβ agonist, diarylpropionitrile (DPN) also increases Tph2 expression, we tested the hypothesis that E2 regulates the Tph2 promoter through direct interactions with ERβ. A serotonergic cell line, B14, which endogenously expresses ERβ was transiently transfected with a fragment of the human TPH2 5′‐untranslated region (5′‐UTR) cloned into a luciferase reporter vector (TPH2‐luc). Treatment with E2 or DPN caused a dose‐dependent increase of TPH2‐luc activity. In contrast, E2 conjugated to bovine serum albumin, which is cell membrane impermeable, had no effect on TPH2‐luc activity. An estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist blocked E2 or DPN‐induced TPH2‐luc activity suggesting a classical ER mechanism. In silico analysis revealed an estrogen‐response element (ERE) half‐site located within the TPH2 5′‐UTR. Deletion and site‐directed mutation of this site abolished ligand‐induced TPH2‐luc activity. These results support the concept that there is a direct and functional interaction between E2:ERβ and the ERE half‐site of the TPH2 promoter to regulate Tph2 expression.
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We illustrate a direct regulation of the TPH2 transcription by estradiol and ERβ via a newly identified ERE half‐site within the TPH2 promoter: (i) Estradiol‐ or an ERβ agonist‐induced TPH2 transcription was blocked by an ER antagonist, while (ii) membrane impermeable form of estradiol did not induce transcription. (iii) Deletion or mutation of the ERE half‐site abolished ligand‐induced TPH2 transcription.
Tuftsin signals through its receptor neuropilin‐1 via the transforming growth factor beta pathway
Authors: Nissen Jillian C. , Selwood David L. , Tsirka Stella E. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractTuftsin (Thr‐Lys‐Pro‐Arg) is a natural immunomodulating peptide found to stimulate phagocytosis in macrophages/microglia. Tuftsin binds to the receptor neuropilin‐1 (Nrp1) on the surface of cells. Nrp1 is a single‐pass transmembrane protein, but its intracellular C‐terminal domain is too small to signal independently. Instead, it associates with a variety of coreceptors. Despite its long history, the pathway through which tuftsin signals has not been described. To investigate this question, we employed various inhibitors to Nrp1's coreceptors to determine which route is responsible for tuftsin signaling. We use the inhibitor EG00229, which prevents tuftsin binding to Nrp1 on the surface of microglia and reverses the anti‐inflammatory M2 shift induced by tuftsin. Furthermore, we demonstrate that blockade of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling via TβR1 disrupts the M2 shift similar to EG00229. We report that tuftsin promotes Smad3 phosphorylation and reduces Akt phosphorylation. Taken together, our data show that tuftsin signals through Nrp1 and the canonical TGFβ signaling pathway.
imageDespite the 40‐year history of the tetrapeptide tuftsin (TKPR), a macrophage and microglial activator, its mechanism of action has not been defined. Here, we report that the tuftsin‐mediated anti‐inflammatory M2 shift in microglia is caused specifically by tuftsin binding to the receptor neuropilin‐1 (Nrp1) and signaling through TGFβ receptor‐1, a coreceptor of Nrp1. We further show that tuftsin signals via the canonical TGFβ pathway and promotes TGFβ release from target cells.
Risk‐taking behaviours and beliefs about fertility in university students
Authors: Gungor Ilkay , Rathfisch Gulay , Kizilkaya Beji Nezihe , Yarar Makbule , Karamanoglu Fatma 
Published: August 2013

Aims and objectivesTo investigate the risk‐taking behaviours and beliefs about fertility among university students in Turkey.BackgroundYoung people are usually ignorant about reproductive health and engage in risky practices.DesignA descriptive cross‐sectional study.MethodsThe convenience sample of the study was consisted of 1030 undergraduate students. Data were collected using a self‐administered question form, and students' reproductive health and lifestyle behaviours related with infertility, their beliefs about the risk factors and fertility myths were questioned.ResultsThe mean age of the students was 20·4 (SD = 2) and ranged between the ages of 16–37. Sexual activity rate was higher among men and 47% of men had more than one sexual partner. Condom use rate was low among women. Underweight was more common among women, while overweight was seen more among men. Students mostly did not exercise regularly. Alcohol was not common, and the rates of smoking were 15% and 23% for women and men, respectively. Only 35–50% of students thought that smoking, alcohol, stress, sexually transmitted diseases, infections, pollution, chemicals, radiation and cancer treatment could be risk factors for fertility. Advanced age and obesity were seen as risk factors for women. Of the students, 50–65% believed that having more than one sexual partner, being underweight, high‐level exercise, excessive caffeine, chronic disease and medications could not have an effect on fertility. Women were more concerned about being infertile, and half of students believed that infertility is preventable.ConclusionTurkish university students have insufficient knowledge of reproductive health, and they have false beliefs that might affect their risk perception or views about fertility.Relevance to clinical practiceReproductive healthcare services for young adults should be made more widespread and accessible, and nurses, health providers and instructors should be supportive of them in these matters.
Investigating support needs for people living with heart disease
Authors: Pryor Tess , Page Karen , Patsamanis Harry , Jolly Kellie‐Ann 
Published: August 2013

Aim and objectivesTo identify the issues that required ongoing support for people who have completed a cardiac rehabilitation programme.BackgroundSurviving a serious cardiac event is a stressful and traumatic experience, often resulting in major changes in a person's lifestyle, work, finances and family dynamics. Individuals who have experienced a cardiac event and completed a cardiac rehabilitation programme may require ongoing support. The issues requiring support are unclear.DesignA qualitative, descriptive study.MethodsNine participants, who were at least four weeks postcompletion of a cardiac rehabilitation programme, were interviewed. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsThe participants in this project clearly articulated that informational, psychological and social supports were imperative in enabling recovery from a serious cardiac event. Even though participation in a cardiac rehabilitation programme is seen as being very valuable, there is a need for ongoing support to absorb shock, maintain lifestyle changes and navigate a new way of life.ConclusionsThis study highlights the gap in ongoing support for people postparticipation in cardiac rehabilitation programmes and the need for different levels of support during their recovery. Agencies such as Heart Foundation are well placed to facilitate connections between people living with heart disease and available support programmes and services. Initiatives that link individuals to community‐run, peer‐led support groups, walking and exercise programmes would be especially valuable.Relevance to clinical practiceIndividuals who have experienced an acute cardiac event need ongoing support across the recovery continuum. Consideration needs to be given to care models that address this need including exploring the potential of peer support.
Longitudinal association between serum urate and subclinical atherosclerosis: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study
Authors: Wang H. , Jacobs D. R. , Gaffo A. L. , Gross M. D. , Goff D. C. , Carr J. J. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to determine whether serum urate (sUA) concentration is positively associated with subclinical atherosclerosis, independent of body mass index (BMI), amongst generally healthy adults.Design and settingThe CARDIA study followed 5115 Black and White individuals aged 18–30 years in 1985–1986 (year 0). Subclinical atherosclerosis comprised coronary artery calcified plaque (CAC; years 15, 20 and 25), and maximum common carotid intima–media thickness (IMT; year 20). sUA (years 0, 10, 15 and 20) was modelled as gender‐specific quartiles that were pooled. Discrete‐time hazard regressions and generalized linear regressions were used for analyses.ResultsMean sUA concentration was lower in women than in men and increased with age. Adjusting for demographic and lifestyle factors, the highest versus lowest quartile of sUA at year 0 was associated with a 44% [95% confidence interval (CI) 20%, 73%] greater risk of CAC progression from years 15 to 25 (Ptrend < 0.001), which was attenuated by adjustment for BMI at year 0 (Ptrend = 0.45). A stronger association was found between sUA at year 15 and CAC progression at year 20 or 25 (hazard ratio 2.07, 95% CI 1.66, 2.58 for the highest versus lowest sUA quartile Ptrend < 0.001), which was attenuated, but remained significant with additional adjustment for BMI at year 15 (Ptrend = 0.01). A greater increment in sUA concentration from year 0 to year 15, independent of change in BMI, was related to a higher risk of CAC progression (Ptrend < 0.001). Similar associations were found between sUA and IMT, but only in men.ConclusionsUA may be an early biomarker for subclinical atherosclerosis in young adults; starting in early middle age, sUA predicts subclinical atherosclerosis independently of BMI.
Selection, Deselection, and Socialization Processes of Happiness in Adolescent Friendship Networks
Authors: van Workum Nicole , Scholte Ron H. J. , Cillessen Antonius H. N. , Lodder Gerine M. A. , Giletta Matteo 
Published: August 2013

This study investigated selection, deselection, and influence processes of happiness in adolescent friendship networks. Longitudinal data on friendship networks and happiness of 426 adolescents (M = 15.78, SD = 0.65) were analyzed, using stochastic actor‐based models. Although happiness similarity did not predict friendship formation (selection), happiness dissimilarity predicted friendship dissolution (deselection). In addition, adolescents influenced each other's happiness over time (influence). Our findings indicated that happiness influence can involve either increases or decreases in adolescent happiness, depending on the average level of happiness of their friends. The results highlighted that, in order to understand the development of adolescents’ happiness, it is important to examine the happiness of their friends.
Molecular Identification, Mycotoxin Production and Comparative Pathogenicity of Fusarium temperatum Isolated from Maize in China
Authors: Wang Jian‐Hua , Zhang Jing‐Bo , Li He‐Ping , Gong An‐Dong , Xue Sheng , Agboola Rebecca S. , Liao Yu‐Cai 
Published: August 2013

AbstractA recently isolated Fusarium population from maize in Belgium was identified as a new species, Fusarium temperatum. From a survey of Fusarium species associated with maize ear rot in nineteen provinces in 2009 in China, ten strains isolated from Guizhou and Hubei provinces were identified as F. temperatum. Morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses based on the DNA sequences of individual translation elongation factor 1‐alpha and β‐tubulin genes revealed that the recovered isolates produced macroconidia typical of four‐septate with a foot‐shaped basal cell and belonged to F. temperatum that is distinctly different from its most closely related species F. subglutinans and others within Gibberella fujikuroi complex species from maize. All the strains from this newly isolated species were able to infect maize and wheat in field, with higher pathogenicity on maize. Mycotoxin determination of maize grains infected by the strains under natural field condition by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses showed that among fifteen mycotoxins assayed, two mycotoxins fumonisin B1 and B2 ranging from 9.26 to 166.89 μg/g were detected, with massively more FB2 mycotoxin (2.8‐ to 108.8‐fold) than FB1. This mycotoxin production profile is different from that of the Belgian population in which only fumonisin B1 was barely detected in one of eleven strains assayed. Comparative analyses of the F. temperatum and F. subglutinans strains showed that the highest fumonisin producers were present among the F. temperatum population, which were also the most pathogenic to maize. These results suggested a need for proper monitoring and controlling this species in the relevant maize‐growing regions.