bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of lifestyle intervention on weight and metabolic parameters in patients with impaired glucose tolerance related to beta‐3 adrenergic receptor gene polymorphism Trp64Arg(C/T): Results from the Japan Diabetes Prevention Program
Authors: Sakane Naoki , Sato Juichi , Tsushita Kazuyo , Tsujii Satoru , Kotani Kazuhiko , Tominaga Makoto , Kawazu Shoji , Sato Yuzo , Usui Takeshi , Kamae Isao , Yoshida Toshihide , Kiyohara Yutaka , Sato Shigeaki , Tsuzaki Kokoro , Takahashi Kaoru , Kuzuya Hideshi ,   the Japan Diabetes Prevention Program (JDPP) Research Group
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe beta‐3 adrenergic receptor (ADRB3), primarily expressed in adipose tissue, is involved in the regulation of energy metabolism. The present study hypothesized that ADRB3 (Trp64Arg, rs4994) polymorphisms modulate the effects of lifestyle intervention on weight and metabolic parameters in patients with impaired glucose tolerance. Data were analyzed from 112 patients with impaired glucose tolerance in the Japan Diabetes Prevention Program, a lifestyle intervention trial, randomized to either an intensive lifestyle intervention group or usual care group. Changes in weight and metabolic parameters were measured after the 6‐month intervention. The ADRB3 polymorphisms were determined using the polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Non‐carriers showed a greater weight reduction compared with the carriers in both the lifestyle intervention group and usual care group, and a greater increase of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels than the carriers only in the lifestyle intervention group. ADRB3 polymorphisms could influence the effects of lifestyle interventions on weight and lipid parameters in impaired glucose tolerance patients.
Optimization of Foaming Properties and Foam Mat Drying of Muskmelon Using Soy Protein
Authors: Asokapandian Sangamithra , Venkatachalam Sivakumar , Swamy Gabriela John , Kuppusamy Kannan 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe effect of concentration of soy protein isolate (SPI), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and whipping time on foaming properties of muskmelon pulp was investigated. Box–Behnken design of experiments was used to optimize the foaming process. The optimum conditions for foaming process were found to be 8.71% of SPI concentration, 0.54% of CMC concentration and a whipping time of 5.7 min. The muskmelon foamed at optimum conditions was dried using hot air dryer at 50, 60 and 70C. The drying rate was found to be high at 70C. The effective moisture diffusivity of foamed muskmelon pulp was determined and compared with the unfoamed muskmelon pulp. The powder properties such as density, color, water absorption index, solubility index, Hausner ratio and Carr index were also determined for muskmelon.Practical ApplicationsFruit juice powders have been considered as economically viable over their liquid counterparts because it has improved shelf life, low volume/weight, less space volume required for storage, simpler handling and transportation. Among various drying processes, the foam mat drying process has be successfully used for the production of fruit powders because of rapid drying at lower temperature, retention of high nutrition, easy reconstitution characteristics and its cost‐effectiveness. This foam mat drying process is much cheaper than freeze and spray drying for the production of fruit powders. The muskmelon powders find application in snacks, beverages, ice creams and bakery industries for production of many food products, and it is also used as a starter for the preparation of instant foods and pastes.
Tunnel Dryer and Pneumatic Dryer Performance Evaluation to Improve Small‐Scale Cassava Processing in Tanzania
Authors: Precoppe Marcelo , Chapuis Arnaud , Müller Joachim , Abass Adebayo 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIn sub‐Saharan Africa, cassava is grown by smallholder farmers and is the principal source of calories for the local population. However, the short shelf life of cassava associated with poor infrastructure in the region results in significant postharvest losses. The expansion of small‐scale cassava processing could reduce these losses, but the availability of drying equipment suitable for use in such operations is limited. The objective of this research was to contribute to the development of cassava dryers suitable for use by smallholder farmers. A tunnel dryer and a pneumatic dryer being operated in Tanzania were evaluated using mass and energy balance analysis. It was found that the energy efficiency of the tunnel dryer was 29% and of the pneumatic dryer 46%. For the tunnel dryer, most of the heat losses were through unsaturated exhaust air, while for the pneumatic dryer, most losses were through radiation and convection.Practical ApplicationsIn this study, a tunnel dryer and a pneumatic dryer suitable for use by smallholder farmers were evaluated during processing centers' usual cassava drying operations. The sources and extent of heat losses were identified, and then guidelines developed on how to reduce such losses. For both dryer types, improvements to the thermal insulation used could reduce heat losses to the ambient. For the tunnel dryer, decreasing the air mass flow rate by 57% would help to minimize exhaust heat losses without producing condensation inside the unit. For the pneumatic dryer, air mass flow rate could be reduced by 9%, improving energy performance without having a negative impact on the pneumatic conveying of the product. Those two modifications would be easy to implement and represent a significant contribution to the development of small‐scale cassava drying technology.
Effect of treating alfalfa silage with pistachio by‐products extract on Saanen dairy goats performance and microbial nitrogen synthesis
Authors: Mokhtarpour A. , Naserian A. A. , Pourmollae F. , Ghaffari M. H. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryA lactation experiment was conducted to determine the influence of addition of pistachio by‐products extract (PBE) to alfalfa silage (AS) on performance, rumen fermentation, milk yield and composition, and microbial nitrogen synthesis. Eight multiparous dairy goats (1.8 ± 0.25 kg of milk yield) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to compare two types of AS (supplemented with or without PBE) with two levels of dietary crude protein (14% vs. 16% CP). Dietary treatments were (i) AS with 14% CP of DM diet without PBE (14%CP−PBE), (ii) AS with 14% CP of DM diet with PBE (14%CP + PBE), (iii) AS with 16% CP of DM diet without PBE (16%CP−PBE) and (iv) AS with 16% CP of DM diet with PBE (16%CP + PBE). PBE was sprayed on fresh alfalfa at a ratio of 500 ml/kg alfalfa DM to get the final concentration of 1% tannin as tannic acid equivalent on DM basis. Intake of CP was greater (p < 0.01) in goats fed 16% CP diets than those fed 14% CP diets, regardless of PBE supplementation. Supplementation of PBE tended to decrease (p = 0.09) rumen NH3‐N concentration regardless of the level of CP in the diet. Supplementation of PBE tended (p = 0.09) to decrease total purine derivatives regardless of the level of CP in the diet with no significant change in microbial nitrogen supply. Efficiency of microbial nitrogen synthesis (EMNS) had a tendency (p = 0.07) to decrease in PBE supplemented diets. There was also a tendency (p = 0.10) for more EMNS in 14% CP fed goats than those fed 16% CP diets. Therefore, AS supplemented with PBE may lead to less concentration of ruminal NH3‐N because of decreased degradation of CP by rumen micro‐organisms in response to pistachio by‐products tannins.
The effect of prophylactic topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors in canine primary closed‐angle glaucoma
Authors: Stavinohova R. , Newton J. R. , Busse C. 
Published: September 2015

OBJECTIVESTo determine the effect of 1% brinzolamide, 2% dorzolamide hydrochloride or combination 2% dorzolamide hydrochloride/0 · 5% timolol to delay the elevation of the intraocular pressure in second eyes of dogs with primary closed‐angle glaucoma.METHODSAnalysis of retrospectively collated data from 40 dogs with primary closed‐angle glaucoma, where the non‐affected eye was treated prophylactically with brinzolamide (n = 10), dorzolamide (n = 18) or combination dorzolamide/timolol therapy (n = 12).RESULTSThe 40 treated dogs (median age of 76 · 2 months) comprised 25 females/15 males, 19 entire/21 neutered. Twenty dogs developed glaucoma in the contralateral eye (median time of 9 · 2 months). No statistically significant difference was identified during treatment failure between the treatment groups (P = 0 · 66). The second eye remained normotensive in 20 dogs; four dogs until the conclusion of the study (median: 27 · 0 months), three dogs until death (median: 15 · 4 months), seven dogs until lost to follow‐up (median: 11 · 6 months). Out of these 20 dogs, treatment was discontinued because of lack of owner compliance in two dogs and following a local drug reaction in four dogs (median: 8 · 9 months).CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThere was no evidence that the tested drugs delayed elevation of intraocular pressure in contralateral eyes of dogs with primary closed‐angle glaucoma.
Shakespeare and Ecocriticism Reconsidered
Authors: Munroe Jennifer 
Published: September 2015

AbstractOrganized around a set of principles rather than a unified theoretical approach, ecocriticism considers the relationship between humans and nonhumans, especially as expressed in texts. Despite calls from some for ecocritics to rally around a unified theory, ecocritics have embraced the inclusivity that such broad definition has allowed. Thus, practitioners have come to ecocriticism with a range of interests. Such interests vary from an earlier focus on how the human/nonhuman relationship was fractured (and its recuperation in nature writing in particular) to a later emphasis on how it is always‐already interconnected. Along the way, and especially in light of concerns about our current environmental crises, many ecocritics have cited a political dimension to the field, bringing concerns of the past and present together and examining intersections between such things as environmental degradation, misogyny, racism, homophobia, and speciesism. Early modern ecocriticism, especially in Shakespeare studies, has become a steadily growing field over the past decade. But early modern ecocritics' focus on the “nonhuman” tends to be more focused than that category might suggest, ranging from (nonhuman) animals, to plants, to minerals – challenging the distinction between animate and inanimate as well as asking us to rethink the integrity (let alone the exceptionalism) of the category of the human. This essay reviews the state of the field of Shakespeare and ecocriticism and offers a pathway for its future development, especially to suggest that it retains its political roots and focus on the implications of the material interactions between humans and nonhumans related to gender, race, and class.
Genetic subdivision and candidate genes under selection in North American grey wolves
Authors: Schweizer Rena M. , vonHoldt Bridgett M. , Harrigan Ryan , Knowles James C. , Musiani Marco , Coltman David , Novembre John , Wayne Robert K. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractPrevious genetic studies of the highly mobile grey wolf (Canis lupus) found population structure that coincides with habitat and phenotype differences. We hypothesized that these ecologically distinct populations (ecotypes) should exhibit signatures of selection in genes related to morphology, coat colour and metabolism. To test these predictions, we quantified population structure related to habitat using a genotyping array to assess variation in 42 036 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 111 North American grey wolves. Using these SNP data and individual‐level measurements of 12 environmental variables, we identified six ecotypes: West Forest, Boreal Forest, Arctic, High Arctic, British Columbia and Atlantic Forest. Next, we explored signals of selection across these wolf ecotypes through the use of three complementary methods to detect selection: FST/haplotype homozygosity bivariate percentilae, bayescan, and environmentally correlated directional selection with bayenv. Across all methods, we found consistent signals of selection on genes related to morphology, coat coloration, metabolism, as predicted, as well as vision and hearing. In several high‐ranking candidate genes, including LEPR, TYR and SLC14A2, we found variation in allele frequencies that follow environmental changes in temperature and precipitation, a result that is consistent with local adaptation rather than genetic drift. Our findings show that local adaptation can occur despite gene flow in a highly mobile species and can be detected through a moderately dense genomic scan. These patterns of local adaptation revealed by SNP genotyping likely reflect high fidelity to natal habitats of dispersing wolves, strong ecological divergence among habitats, and moderate levels of linkage in the wolf genome.
Phylogeographic structure and deep lineage diversification of the red alga Chondrus ocellatus Holmes in the Northwest Pacific
Authors: Hu Zi‐Min , Li Jing‐Jing , Sun Zhong‐Min , Oak Jung‐Hyun , Zhang Jie , Fresia Pablo , Grant W. Stewart , Duan De‐Lin 
Published: September 2015

AbstractA major goal of phylogeographic analysis using molecular markers is to understand the ecological and historical variables that influence genetic diversity within a species. Here, we used sequences of the mitochondrial Cox1 gene and nuclear internal transcribed spacer to reconstruct its phylogeography and demographic history of the intertidal red seaweed Chondrus ocellatus over most of its geographical range in the Northwest Pacific. We found three deeply separated lineages A, B and C, which diverged from one another in the early Pliocene–late Miocene (c. 4.5–7.7 Ma). The remarkably deep divergences, both within and between lineages, appear to have resulted from ancient isolations, accelerated by random drift and limited genetic exchange between regions. The disjunct distributions of lineages A and C along the coasts of Japan may reflect divergence during isolation in scattered refugia. The distribution of lineage B, from the South China Sea to the Korean Peninsula, appears to reflect postglacial recolonizations of coastal habitats. These three lineages do not coincide with the three documented morphological formae in C. ocellatus, suggesting that additional cryptic species may exist in this taxon. Our study illustrates the interaction of environmental variability and demographic processes in producing lineage diversification in an intertidal seaweed and highlights the importance of phylogeographic approaches for discovering cryptic marine biodiversity.
Sprouty2 inhibition promotes proliferation and migration of periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Tanaka U , Sanui T , Fukuda T , Toyoda K , Taketomi T , Atomura R , Yamamichi K , Maeda H , Nishimura F 
Published: September 2015

ObjectivesWe previously demonstrated that a dominant‐negative Sprouty2 (Spry2) mutation promotes osteoblast proliferation and differentiation after basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation, whereas it diminishes proliferation of gingival epithelial cells, thereby inducing favourable conditions for periodontal tissue regeneration. In this study, we investigated how Spry2 inhibition affects the cellular physiology of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells.MethodsA total of 1‐17 PDL cells (multipotent clonal human PDL cell line) were stimulated with bFGF and EGF after transfection of Spry2 siRNA. Cell proliferation, migration, ALP staining, real‐time PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence assays were performed.ResultsERK1/2 activation and proliferation of 1‐17 PDL cells were significantly upregulated by the addition of Spry2 siRNA in the presence of bFGF and EGF. In addition, Spry2 siRNA reduced transcription of osteogenesis‐related genes and ALP staining relative to control cells. Furthermore, it increased AKT/phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) phosphorylation; consequently, Rac1 but not Cdc42 was activated, thereby promoting lamellipodia formation, cell proliferation and migration after stimulation by bFGF and EGF.ConclusionSpry2 combined with bFGF and EGF stimulation reduced PDL cell migration and proliferation with inducing osteoblastic differentiation. These in vitro findings may provide a molecular basis for novel therapeutic approaches for establishing periodontal tissue regeneration.
The biodiversity–ecosystem service relationship in urban areas: a quantitative review
Authors: Ziter Carly 
Published: September 2015

By 2050, up to 75% of people globally will live in cities. Despite the potential ramifications of this urbanization for ecosystem services (ES), and the importance of locally produced ES for the health and wellbeing of urban residents, syntheses addressing the underlying ecology of ES provision rarely include urban areas. Here, I conduct a quantitative review of urban ES studies in the ecological literature, synthesizing trends across the discipline. I also quantify the extent to which this work considers the organisms and ecosystem components responsible for ES provision using two approaches: assessment of biodiversity–ES relationships, and an adaptation of the service provider concept. The majority of urban ES studies were conducted in western, developed countries, and typically assessed a single service in a single city – largely ignoring ES synergies and tradeoffs, and cross‐city comparisons. While several different ES are studied in urban ecosystems, the field is dominated by weather and climate‐related regulating services, with assessments of cultural services particularly lacking. Most studies described a habitat type as the service provider; however, studies that considered the biodiversity–ES relationship were more likely to identify a specific functional group, community, or population as the key provider of an ES. The biodiversity–ES relationship itself was most frequently characterized as dependent on the composition of species, functional traits, or structures, rather than correlated with the magnitude of any specific biodiversity metric. While the study of ES in urban ecosystems is increasing, there exists considerable room for further research. Future studies would benefit by expanding the number and categories of ES assessed within and across cities, as well as broadening the geographical scope of urban ES research. Biodiversity–ES assessments in urban ecosystems would also benefit from an expansion of the biodiversity types considered, particularly regarding non‐species based approaches, and consideration of non‐native and invasive species.SynthesisUrban ecosystem services (ES) affect the health and wellbeing of over 3.5 billion people who live in cities. However, syntheses addressing ES provision rarely include urban areas. I conducted the first quantitative review focused explicitly on the ecology of urban ES, including the role of biodiversity in service provision. I found that studies typically measure only a single service in one city, precluding assessment of ES synergies, tradeoffs, and cross‐city comparisons. I also found that while most studies attribute ES provision to a habitat or land‐use type, studies that consider biodiversity‐ES relationships are more likely to recognize a specific functional group, community, or population as the key provider of an ES.
Amino Acid–Porphyrin Conjugates: Synthesis and Study of their Photophysical and Metal Ion Recognition Properties
Authors: Paul Albish K. , Karunakaran Suneesh C. , Joseph Joshy , Ramaiah Danaboyina 
Published: September 2015

AbstractSynthesis, photophysical and metal ion recognition properties of a series of amino acid‐linked free‐base and Zn‐porphyrin derivatives (5–9) are reported. These porphyrin derivatives showed favorable photophysical properties including high molar extinction coefficients (>1 × 105 m−1 cm−1 for the Soret band), quantum yields of triplet excited states (63–94%) and singlet oxygen generation efficiencies (59–91%). Particularly, the Zn‐porphyrin derivatives, 6 and 9 showed higher molar extinction coefficients, decreased fluorescence quantum yields, and higher triplet and singlet oxygen quantum yields compared to the corresponding free‐base porphyrin derivatives. Further, the study of their interactions with various metal ions indicated that the proline‐conjugated Zn‐porphyrins (6 and 9) showed high selectivity toward Cu2+ ions and signaled the recognition through changes in fluorescence intensity. Our results provide insights on the role of nature of amino acid and metallation in the design of the porphyrin systems for application as probes and sensitizers.
Protective Effect of Dermal Brimonidine Applications Against UV Radiation‐induced Skin Tumors, Epidermal Hyperplasia and Cell Proliferation in the Skin of Hairless Mice
Authors: Bouvier Guy , Learn Douglas B. , Nonne Christelle , Feraille Gérard , Vial Emmanuel , Ruty Bernard 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBrimonidine at 0.18%, 1% and 2% concentrations applied topically in hairless mice significantly decreased tumor burden and incidences of erythema, flaking, wrinkling and skin thickening induced by UVR. The unbiased median week to tumor ≥1 mm was increased by the 1% and 2% concentrations. The tumor yield was reduced by all concentrations at week 40 for all tumor sizes but the ≥4 mm tumors with the 0.18% concentration. At week 52, the tumor yield was reduced for all tumor sizes and all brimonidine concentrations. The tumor incidence was reduced by all concentrations at week 40 for all tumor sizes, but the ≥4 mm tumor with the 0.18% concentration and at week 52 for all tumor sizes with the 1% and 2% concentrations and with the 0.18% concentration only for the ≥4 mm tumors. Reductions in ≥4 mm tumor incidences compared to the vehicle control group were 54%, 91% and 86% by week 52 for the 0.18%, 1% and 2% concentrations, respectively. Brimonidine at 2% applied 1 h before or just after UVB irradiation on hairless mice decreased epidermal hyperplasia by 23% and 32% and epithelial cell proliferation by 59% and 64%, respectively, similar to an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor.
Potential use of OCT‐based microangiography in clinical dermatology
Authors: Baran U. , Choi W. J. , Wang R. K. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundOptical coherence tomography (OCT) is a revolutionary imaging technique used commonly in ophthalmology, and on the way to become clinically viable alternative in dermatology due to its capability of acquiring histopathology level details of in vivo tissue, non‐invasively. In this study, we demonstrate the capabilities of OCT‐based microangiography in detecting high resolution, three‐dimensional structural, and microvascular features of in vivo human skin with various conditions.MethodsA swept‐source OCT system that operates on a central wavelength of 1310 nm with an A‐line rate of 100 kHz is used in this study. We apply optical microangiography (OMAG) technique to visualize the structural and microvascular changes in tissue.ResultsOMAG images provide detailed visualization of functional microvasculature of healthy human skin from cheek and forehead areas, abnormal skin conditions from face, chest and belly. Moreover, OMAG is capable of monitoring the progress of wound healing on human skin from arm, delivering unprecedented detail of microstructural and microvascular information during longitudinal wound healing process.ConclusionThe presented results promise the clinical use of OCT angiography, aiming to treat prevalent cutaneous diseases, by detecting blood perfusion, and structural changes within human skin, in vivo.