bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early Feeding and Risk of Celiac Disease in a Prospective Birth Cohort
Authors: Størdal Ketil , White Richard A. , Eggesbø Merete 
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVES:
Timing of gluten introduction has been associated with the risk of celiac disease (CD) in children, but the optimal time window is unknown. We aimed to study the effect of age of gluten introduction on the risk of CD, adjusting for continued breastfeeding.

METHODS:
In The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study, a prospective birth cohort including 107 000 children, CD was identified by questionnaires and by linkage to the Norwegian Patient Register. Gluten introduction was reported monthly from 0 to 6 months of age, and breastfeeding from 0 to 18 months.

RESULTS:
After exclusion of cases with insufficient information, 324 children with CD in a cohort of 82 167 were used in the analyses. Gluten was introduced before or at 4 months in 8.0%, 5 to 6 months in 45.3%, and after 6 months in 46.6%, whereas continued breastfeeding was stable at ∼78% at 6 months age. CD was diagnosed in 3.68/1000 of the infants with gluten introduction at 5 to 6 months compared with 4.15/1000 with late and 4.24/1000 with early gluten introduction. After adjustment for the child’s age and gender, breastfeeding, and maternal CD, delayed gluten introduction was associated with an increased risk of CD (adjusted odds ratio, 1.27 [95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.65], P = .045). Breastfeeding &gt;12 months was also associated with increased risk (adjusted odds ratio, 1.49 [95% confidence interval, 1.01–2.21], P = .046).

CONCLUSIONS:
We found an increased risk of CD in children introduced to gluten after 6 months and a higher risk in children breastfed after 12 months age.
High Affinity Membranes for Cellulase Enzyme Detection in Subterranean Termites
Authors: Donald Arishaun , Taylor Tariq , Miao Jianjun , Linhardt Robert , Jackson Duane , Mendenhall Juana 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTThe United States dependence on fossil fuels has become mandatory over the past few decades. The fuel shortage during the 1970s and after Hurricane Katrina has catalyzed a need for creating alternative energy sources, improving the efficacy of these alternative energy sources, and enhancing energy sustainability. The U.S. Department of Energy has set goals to replace 30% of the liquid petroleum transportation fuel with biofuels and to replace 25% of industrial organic chemicals with biomass-derived chemicals by 2025. In the southeast United States, subterranean termites are prevalent and microbes in their gut degrade wood based materials such as cellulose which produce simple sugars that can be used to produce bioethanol. Upon seasonal change, subterranean termites undergo less enzymatic activity and wood-eating capability limiting the amount of sugars that may be produced. This limited activity sparks an interest to investigate this poorly understood phenomenon of how temperature may affect the enzymatic activity in subterranean termites’ guts. In this study, we report the development thermoresponsive biomaterial nanofiber mats containing cellulose to model cellulase activity. Using electrospinning techniques, poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) celluose fiber mats have been prepared via alkaline hydrolysis and labeled with fluorescent tags. Subterranean termites (reticulitermes species) were feed fiber mats for 10 consecutive days to assess enzyme mapping and kinetics. Fluorescent microscopy images confirmed spatial and temporal localization of cellulase enzyme throughout the termite gut upon time and temperature change. These novel high affinity enzyme detection membranes show promise towards future biofuel production.
Global Variation in Cleft Palate Repairs: An Analysis of 352,191 Primary Cleft Repairs in Low- to Higher-Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Cubitt Jonathan J. , Hodges Andrew M. , Van Lierde Kristiane M. , Swan Marc C. 
Published: October 2013

Objectives Resources for repair of cleft lip and palate may be lacking in low- and middle-income countries. The Smile Train is a registered charity that supports cleft repair in resource-poor settings. In the global health care challenge, it has been suggested that many babies born with cleft palates are not repaired. This study aims to determine whether any variation exists in the proportion of cleft lip and cleft palate repairs undertaken in low- and middle-income countries. Methods Data were obtained from the Smile Train database of 352,191 consecutive cleft operations performed between 2008 and 2011 in low- to higher-middle-income countries. The ratio of cleft lip to palate repair was analyzed as a function of geographic region and by country income (gross national income). Results A significant correlation exists between both the income of a country and its geographical region to the ratio of lip and palate repair procedures undertaken. Higher-income countries had a higher ratio of cleft palate repairs. Countries in sub-Saharan Africa have the lowest proportion of cleft palate repairs. Conclusion This study emphasizes that many babies born with cleft palates in resource-poor regions do not have their palates repaired. This finding may be explained by an increased neonatal mortality in cleft palate babies. Furthermore, fewer isolated palatal clefts may present to an appropriate health care facility or there may be a reluctance to treat cleft palate due to concerns regarding higher perioperative risks or the lack of available surgical and anesthetic expertise.
Turfgrasses Responded Differently to Salinity, Waterlogging, and Combined Saline–Waterlogging Conditions
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zuk Alan J. , Rue Kevin 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTWaterlogging is commonly seen in salt‐affected soils. Previous research focused primarily on the effect of individual salinity or waterlogging on plant growth and development. However, information on saline‐waterlogging (the combined condition) is limited. This study was to determine responses of ‘Stonewall’ tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and ‘Bewitched’ Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) to saline (water electrical conductivity [ECw] at 5.4 or 11.0 dS m−1), waterlogging, and saline‐waterlogging at 5.4 or 11.0 dS m−1. Soil salinity was decreased in the following order: salinity at 11.0 dS m−1 > saline‐waterlogging at 11.0 dS m−1 > salinity at 5.4 dS m−1 = saline‐waterlogging at 5.4 dS m−1 > control = waterlogging. Plants showed higher shoot dry weight and water content under waterlogging than the control treatment, but no significant differences in visual quality and electrolyte leakage were observed between the two treatments. Waterlogging did not elevate salinity stress at the lower salinity level (5.4 dS m−1); however, plants subjected to waterlogging had a higher shoot dry weight. Turfgrass showed higher levels of visual quality, shoot dry weight, and water content under saline‐waterlogging at 11.0 dS m−1 than under salinity alone (11.0 dS m−1) at a later stage of the experiment (week 3 or 4). Stonewall tall fescue showed higher tolerance to salinity, waterlogging, and the combined condition compared with Bewitched Kentucky bluegrass at week 4. Our results showed that turfgrasses responded differently when they were exposed to individual salinity or waterlogging or combined saline‐waterlogging conditions.
Genomewide Association Mapping of Flowering Time, Kernel Composition, and Disease Resistance in Historical Minnesota Maize Inbreds
Authors: Schaefer Christopher M. , Bernardo Rex 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTAssociation mapping in maize (Zea mays L.) has been effective at identifying major quantitative trait loci (QTL) for less‐complex traits, and historical inbreds are a potential source of useful variation. Our objectives were to (i) characterize genomewide linkage disequilibrium, (ii) assess variation for flowering time, kernel composition, and resistance to northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) (caused by Setosphaeria turcica) and Goss's wilt and blight (GWB) (caused by Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis), and (iii) identity major QTL for these traits in a collection of 284 historical maize inbreds mostly developed at the University of Minnesota. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) was high, decaying (r2 = 0.1) in 802 kb, among 39,166 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers on the Illumina MaizeSNP50 Beadchip. The mean LD between adjacent markers was r2 = 0.38. The A321 subpopulation, to which 60% of the Minnesota inbreds belonged, had inbreds with either or both the minimum and maximum inbred mean value for all traits except protein concentration. We identified QTL for days to anthesis (eight QTL), days to silking (11 QTL), oil concentration (11 QTL), starch concentration (two QTL), NCLB (13 QTL), and GWB (nine QTL). The Minnesota inbreds were enriched for favorable QTL alleles for days to flowering and oil concentration but not for starch concentration and disease resistance. These QTL identified in historical maize inbreds may be useful in modern breeding programs.
Taking the Pulse of the Real Economy Using Financial Statement Analysis: Implications for Macro Forecasting and Stock Valuation
Authors: Konchitchki Yaniv , Patatoukas Panos N. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT
In this study, we hypothesize and find that financial statement analysis of firm profitability drivers applied at the aggregate level yields timely insights that are relevant for forecasting real economic activity. We first show that focusing on the 100 largest firms offers a cost-effective way to extract information embedded in accounting profitability data of the entire stock market portfolio. We then show that accounting profitability data aggregated across the 100 largest firms have predictive content for subsequent real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth. We also show that stock market returns have predictive content for future real GDP growth, while their predictive power varies with the length of the measurement window with annual stock market returns being the most powerful. Importantly, we find that the predictive content of our indices of aggregate accounting profitability drivers is incremental to that of annual stock market returns. An in-depth investigation of consensus survey forecasts shows that professional macro forecasters revise their expectations of real economic activity in the direction of the predictive content of aggregate accounting profitability drivers and stock market returns. Although macro forecasters are fully attuned to stock market return data, their forecasts of real GDP growth can be improved in a statistically and economically significant way using our indices of aggregate accounting profitability drivers. Our findings suggest that professional macro forecasters and stock market investors do not fully impound the predictive content of aggregate accounting profitability drivers when forecasting real economic activity. In additional analysis, we examine the association between stock market returns and the portion of subsequent real GDP growth that is predictable based on our indices of aggregate accounting profitability drivers but that is not anticipated by stock market investors. We find that this portion is positively related to stock market returns, suggesting that the macro predictive content of aggregate accounting profitability drivers is relevant for stock valuation. Overall, our study brings financial statement analysis to the forefront as an incrementally useful tool for gauging the prospects of the real economy that should be of interest to academics and practitioners.
JEL Classification: E01; E32; E60; M41.
Data Availability: Data are available from public sources indicated in the text.
Identification of Factors Associated With Sural Nerve Regeneration and Degeneration in Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Hur Junguk , Sullivan Kelli A. , Callaghan Brian C. , Pop-Busui Rodica , Feldman Eva L. 
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE
Patients with diabetic neuropathy (DN) demonstrate variable degrees of nerve regeneration and degeneration. Our aim was to identify risk factors associated with sural nerve degeneration in patients with DN.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Demographic, anthropometric, biochemical, and anatomical data of subjects with DN from a 52-week trial of acetyl-L-carnitine were retrospectively examined. Based on the change in sural nerve myelinated fiber density (ΔMFD%), subjects were divided into three groups: regenerator (top 16 percentiles, n = 67), degenerator (bottom 16 percentiles, n = 67), and intermediate (n = 290), with dramatically increased, decreased, and steady ΔMFD%, respectively. ANOVA, Fisher exact test, and multifactorial logistic regression were used to evaluate statistical significance.

RESULTS
ΔMFD%s were 35.6 ± 17.4 (regenerator), −4.8 ± 12.1 (intermediate), and −39.8 ± 11.0 (degenerator). HbA1c at baseline was the only factor significantly different across the three groups (P = 0.01). In multifactorial logistic regression, HbA1c at baseline was also the only risk factor significantly different between regenerator (8.3 ± 1.6%) and degenerator (9.2 ± 1.8%) (odds ratio 0.68 [95% CI 0.54–0.85]; P &lt; 0.01). Support Vector Machine classifier using HbA1c demonstrated 62.4% accuracy of classifying subjects into regenerator or degenerator. A preliminary microarray experiment revealed that upregulated genes in the regenerator group are enriched with cell cycle and myelin sheath functions, while downregulated genes are enriched in immune/inflammatory responses.

CONCLUSIONS
These data, based on the largest cohort with ΔMFD% information, suggest that HbA1c levels predict myelinated nerve fiber regeneration and degeneration in patients with DN. Therefore, maintaining optimal blood glucose control is likely essential in patients with DN to prevent continued nerve injury.
Enhancement of Vasoreactivity and Cognition by Intranasal Insulin in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Novak Vera , Milberg William , Hao Ying , Munshi Medha , Novak Peter , Galica Andrew , Manor Bradley , Roberson Paula , Craft Suzanne , Abduljalil Amir 
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE
To determine acute effects of intranasal insulin on regional cerebral perfusion and cognition in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
This was a proof-of-concept, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention evaluating the effects of a single 40-IU dose of insulin or saline on vasoreactivity and cognition in 15 DM and 14 control subjects. Measurements included regional perfusion, vasodilatation to hypercapnia with 3-Tesla MRI, and neuropsychological evaluation.

RESULTS
Intranasal insulin administration was well tolerated and did not affect systemic glucose levels. No serious adverse events were reported. Across all subjects, intranasal insulin improved visuospatial memory (P ≤ 0.05). In the DM group, an increase of perfusion after insulin administration was greater in the insular cortex compared with the control group (P = 0.0003). Cognitive performance after insulin administration was related to regional vasoreactivity. Improvements of visuospatial memory after insulin administration in the DM group (R2adjusted = 0.44, P = 0.0098) and in the verbal fluency test in the control group (R2adjusted = 0.64, P = 0.0087) were correlated with vasodilatation in the middle cerebral artery territory.

CONCLUSIONS
Intranasal insulin administration appears safe, does not affect systemic glucose control, and may provide acute improvements of cognitive function in patients with type 2 DM, potentially through vasoreactivity mechanisms. Intranasal insulin-induced changes in cognitive function may be related to vasodilatation in the anterior brain regions, such as insular cortex that regulates attention-related task performance. Larger studies are warranted to identify long-term effects and predictors of positive cognitive response to intranasal insulin therapy.
Novel polymorphic microsatellite markers from turmeric, Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae)
Authors: Senan Siju , Kizhakayil Dhanya , Sheeja Thotten E. , Sasikumar Bhaskaran , Bhat Alangar I. , Parthasarathy Villupanoor A. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
- Twenty one polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). These markers were screened across thirty accessions. The number of alleles observed for each locus ranged from two to eight with an average of 4.7 alleles per locus. The discrimination power of these markers ranged from 0.25 to 0.67 (average 0.6). The simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers can complement the currently available SSR markers and would be useful for the genetic analysis of turmeric accessions.
Chlorophyll content, photosynthetic efficiency and genetic markers in two sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) genotypes under drought stress
Authors: Viljevac Marija , Dugalić Krunoslav , Mihaljević Ines , Šimić Domagoj , Sudar Rezica , Jurković Zorica , Lepeduš Hrvoje 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
- Drought is a limiting factor in fruit production today. Identification of sour cherry genotypes tolerant to drought will enable the sustainability of fruit production. The aim of our study was to select sour cherry genotypes according to their genetic background as well as drought tolerance and investigate possible mechanisms of drought tolerance through the changes in photosynthetic apparatus (i.e. photosynthetic pigment content) and photosynthesis process assessed through the chlorophyll fluorescence transient. All of them together with molecular markers (SSRs and AFLPs), relative water content (RWC) as indicator of plant water status distinguish two genotypes (Kelleris 16 and OS), which are the opposite in regards to drought tolerance. Down-regulation of photosynthesis in drought-treated Kelleris 16 plants was seen as changes in antenna complexes of PSII (decreased total chlorophylls content (a+b) and chlorophylls ratio (a/b)). Despite unchanged maximum quantum yield of PSII in drought-treated leaves of genotype OS, overall photosynthetic performance expressed as PIABS was down-regulated in both investigated genotypes. However, decrement of PIABS was much pronounced in genotype Kelleris 16, mainly because of changes in a certain fraction of RCs, which become dissipative centres, seen as increase in ABS/RC and DI0/RC, in order to avoid photooxidative damage of photosynthetic apparatus. Also, electron transport, seen as decrease in ET0/(TR0-ET0) and ET0/RC, was impaired which lead to impaired CO2 fixation and photosynthesis. The described changes in the functioning of photosynthetic apparatus in drought-treated plants of Kelleris 16 constitute the main distinction between the two investigated genotypes regarding drought adaptation mechanisms.
Shallots in Croatia – genetics, morphology and nomenclature
Authors: Puizina Jasna 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
- The term 'shallot' in Croatia denotes three genetically and morphologically different, vegetatively reproduced relatives of the common onion, Allium cepa L., which are mainly traditionally cultivated for consumption and as a spice: A. cepa Aggregatum group, (2n = 2x = 16), A. × proliferum (Moench) Schrad. (2n = 2x = 16) and A. × cornutum Clementi ex Vis. (2n = 3x = 24). This paper reviews the results of studies of their morpho- -anatomical characteristics and genetic structure. Although all three taxa were determined as varieties of the common onion, only the shallot A. cepa Aggregatum group (syn. A. ascalonicum L.) belongs to that species. The shallot A. × proliferum represents a hybrid between the two closely related species, A. cepa and A. fistulosum L. The third form of shallot, A. × cornutum is a still incompletely understood triploid hybrid between A. cepa and one or two closely related Allium species, whose identity has not been fully elucidated. In contrast to shallot A. cepa Aggregatum group, which has normal meiosis and produces fertile seed, hybrid shallots A. × proliferum and A. × cornutum are sterile, and reproduce exclusively vegetatively by underground bulbs or bulbils from the inflorescence.
Hydrolysis of Lactose from Cheese Whey Using a Reactor with β-Galactosidase Enzyme Immobilised on a Commercial UF Membrane
Authors: Regenhardt Silvina A. , Mammarella Enrique J. , Rubiolo Amelia C. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
In this study, β-galactosidase enzyme from Kluyveromyces fragilis was immobilised on a commercial polyethersulfone membrane surface, 10 kDa cut-off. An integrated process, concerning the simultaneous hydrolysis-ultrafiltration of whey lactose was studied and working conditions have been fixed at 55°C and pH 6.9, the same conditions that are used for the industrial process of protein concentration. For the immobilisation, best results were obtained using 5% (v/v) of glutaraldehyde solution and 0.03 M galactose; the total activity recovery coefficient (TARC) was 44.2%. The amount of immobilised enzyme was 12.49 mg with a total activity of 86.3 LAU at 37°C, using 5% (w/v) lactose solution in phosphate buffer (100 mM pH 6.9).
The stability of the immobilised enzyme was approximately 585 fold higher in comparison with the stability of free enzyme. Multipoint covalent immobilisation improves the stability of the enzyme, thereby enhancing the decision to use the membrane as a filtering element and support for the enzyme immobilisation.
Mineral Matter Transformation in OXY-Fuel Coal Combustion
Authors: Nowak-Woźny Dorota , Moroń Wojciech , Urbanek Bartosz , Rybak Wiesław 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The paper presents the results of the mechanical, electrical, CCSEM and XRD measurements of hard coal, conducted in simulated conditions of sintering in atmospheres of O2/CO2,. The changes of the coal ash resistivity are correlated with the content of the oxides and with the sintering temperature determined by the mechanical test and Leitz method. The SEM-EDS analysis was conducted for deposits on the probe. The changes of the measured ash samples, observed during sintering process in O2/CO2 atmosphere, were discussed in the ash microstructure point of view.
Are Various Forms of Locomotion-Speed Diverse or Unique Performance Quality?
Authors: Cavar Mile , Corluka Marin , Cerkez Ivana , Culjak Zoran , Sekulic Damir 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The forward-sprint is considered to be, and is regularly performed as, a unique measure of “on-ground” linearspeed performance. Thus far, no investigation has simultaneously studied different forms of linear-speed or investigated whether different forms of linear-speed should be observed as unique performance quality. The purpose of this study was to determine (I) the achievements (i.e. execution time), and (II) the reliability and inter-relationships between various linear-speed performances. The participants were 42 male physical education students with substantial sport-specific backgrounds. We applied a total of six tests: three quadrupedal (supine backward, supine forward, and pronate backward locomotion) and three bipedal-performances (forward sprinting, backward sprinting, lateral shuffling). All of the tests showed appropriate reliability parameters (Cronbach Alpha ranged from 0.91 to 0.97; Inter-Item-R 0.78-0.92; Coefficient-of-Variation 1.3-9.1). The tests used in this study shared between 9% and 50% of the common variance. Our results suggest that different activities require activity-specific tests of linear-speed. This is particularly significant in those sports and activities in which quadrupedal locomotion patterns are highly important (wrestling, physically trained military services, law enforcement, fire and rescue, protective services).