bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Behavior of Enset (Ensete ventricosum) Pulp under Compression Loading – A Multipurpose Product in Ethiopia
Authors: Herák D. , Hrabě P. , Kabutey A. , Jaweso D.E. , Diriba H.D. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe mechanical behavior of Enset pulp commonly known as “kocho” in Ethiopia was examined under compression loading test involving a compressive device and a pressing vessel. The pulp was pressed at initial pressing height 70 mm at deformation values ranging between 5 mm and 30 mm and pressing speed 10 mm/min. Applying the tangent curve equation, the mathematical description of the dependency between compressive force and appropriate deformation of Enset pulp was described. The maximal yield of liquid contained in the pulp and the liquid emerged during the pressing process were determined. The dependency between liquid emerged and deformation was mathematically described, which showed a linear function. It was further observed that the liquid contained in the pulp surfaced throughout the pressing process. Deformation energy, volume energy and gradient volume energy in relation to deformation were respectively calculated. It was seen that deformation of Enset pulp at 20 mm was energy efficient compared with deformations lower or greater than 20 mm.Practical ApplicationThe theoretical linear model determined in this present study for the description of mechanical behavior of Enset pulp under compression loading provides useful information for application in nonlinear pressing involving screw presses for the design and development of simple technology for optimization of energy requirement in Enset pulp processing and other important products. This new technology when developed would contribute substantially to the improvement of Ethiopian's and other African countries' food security.
Hot‐Air Drying Characteristics of Soybeans and Influence of Temperature and Velocity on Kinetic Parameters
Authors: Mariani Viviana Cocco , Perussello Camila Augusto , Cancelier Adriano , Lopes Toni Jefferson , da Silva Adriano 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe kinetics of the hot‐air drying of soybeans was modeled in order to evaluate the influence of temperature and velocity on the kinetic parameters. A convective dryer with air temperature from 30 to 195C and air flows of 0.75, 1.35, 2.0 and 2.5 m/s was used. Three different mathematical models were applied to simulate the drying process (two empirical equations, exponential and Page's, and Fick's diffusion model) and the diffusivity coefficient increased from 2.5 × 10−11 to 6.69 × 10−10 m2/s for a range of air temperature between 30 and 195C. Both temperature and velocity influenced drying rate. The differential evolution optimization method was used toward parameter estimation. The goodness of fit of the proposed models, evaluated using linear regression coefficient (R2), chi‐squared parameter (χ2) and root mean square error, indicated a satisfactory validation, mainly regarding to the exponential and Page's models.Practical ApplicationsAlthough biological materials are dried to improve shelf life, reduce packaging costs and enhance sensorial aspects, they are highly susceptible to quality deterioration during dehydration if the processing parameters are not well adjusted. The mathematical modeling of food drying provides results about the influence of process parameters on energy efficiency and final product quality in order to help the optimization and upscale application. Given that up to 40% of the agro‐industrial production is lost in developing countries due to the lack of processing and that an energy efficiency improvement of 1% may result in 10% increase in profit, it is important to explore the potential of mathematical tools to properly study drying processes under an energy and qualitative approach.
The Mini‐Mental State Examination, Clinical Factors, and Motor Vehicle Crash Risk
Authors: Joseph Philip G. , O'Donnell Martin J , Teo Koon K. , Gao Peggy , Anderson Craig , Probstfield Jeffrey L. , Bosch Jackie , Khatib Rasha , Yusuf Salim 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo examine the association between Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score and motor vehicle crash (MVC) risk in a large cohort of community‐dwelling participants with cardiovascular disease (CVD) or diabetes mellitus.DesignProspective observational study.SettingParticipants enrolled in the Ongoing Telmisartan Alone and in Combination With Ramipril Global End Point Trial and Telmisartan Randomized Assessment Study in ACE Intolerant Subjects with Cardiovascular Disease clinical trial, which included individuals aged 55 and older with CVD or diabetes mellitus.ParticipantsTotally 17,538 frequent drivers (defined as driving at least once per week) who had completed a baseline MMSE.MeasurementsInvolvement in a MVC as the driver.ResultsBaseline MMSE score was divided into four categories: 30, 27–29, 24–26, and < 24. The median MMSE score was 29 (interquartile range 27–30), and 726 (4.1%) has a MMSE score of less than 24 at baseline. After a mean follow‐up of 4.5 years, 1,068 (6.1%) participants were drivers in a MVC. Lower scores were not associated with future MVCs (MMSE score 29–27, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.93–1.22); MMSE score 26–24, HR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.78–1.19; MMSE score <24, HR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.50–1.05) on multivariable analysis. A MVC within the previous 2 years (HR = 2.68, 95% CI = 2.29–3.13) was the strongest predictor of future MVCs. Other clinical factors associated with greater MVC risk were depression, falls within the previous year, sleep apnea, and lower baseline systolic blood pressure.ConclusionIn a population of frequent drivers, the MMSE does not predict MVCs. Other clinical factors have a stronger association with MVC risk.
Contribution of Noncommunicable Diseases to Medical Admissions of Elderly Adults in Africa: A Prospective, Cross‐Sectional Study in Nigeria, Sudan, and Tanzania
Authors: Akinyemi Rufus O. , Izzeldin Isameldin M. H. , Dotchin Catherine , Gray William K. , Adeniji Olaleye , Seidi Osheik A. , Mwakisambwe Josephine J. , Mhina Carl J. , Mutesi Florence , Msechu Helen Z. , Mteta Kien A. , Ahmed Mayada A. M. , Hamid Shahd H. M. , Abuelgasim Nazik A. A. , Mohamed Sumia A. A. , Mohamed Ashraf Y. O. , Adesina Fidelis , Hamzat Mohammed , Olunuga Taiwo , Maro Venance P. , Walker Richard 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo describe the nature of geriatric medical admissions to teaching hospitals in three countries in Africa (Nigeria, Sudan, Tanzania) and compare them with data from the United Kingdom.DesignCross‐sectional cohort study.SettingFederal Medical Centre, Idi‐Aba, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Soba University Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania; and North Tyneside General Hospital, North Shields, United Kingdom.ParticipantsAll people aged 60 and older urgently medically admitted from March 1 to August 31, 2012.MeasurementsData were collected regarding age, sex, date of admission, length of stay, diagnoses, medication, date of discharge or death, and discharge destination.ResultsIn Africa, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for 81.0% (n = 708) of admissions (n = 874), and tuberculosis, malaria, and the human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome accounted for 4.6% (n = 40). Cerebrovascular accident (n = 224, 25.6%) was the most common reason for admission, followed by cardiac or circulatory dysfunction (n = 150, 17.2%). Rates of hypertension were remarkably similar in the United Kingdom (45.8%) and Africa (40.2%).ConclusionsIn the elderly population, the predicted increased burden of NCDs on health services in Africa appears to have occurred. Greater awareness and some reallocation of resources toward NCDs may be required if the burden of such diseases is to be reduced.
Delirium Recognition by Family: European Portuguese Validation Study of the Family Confusion Assessment Method
Authors: Martins Sónia , Conceição Filipe , Paiva José A. , Simões Mário R. , Fernandes Lia 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo present the validation study of the European Portuguese version of the Family Confusion Assessment Method (FAM‐CAM) and to assess the level of psychological distress in families and caregivers of elderly hospitalized adults with delirium.DesignValidation study.SettingIntermediate care unit of the Intensive Medicine Service of the São João Hospital Center, Porto, Portugal.ParticipantsFamilies and caregivers of elderly hospitalized adults (≥48 hours). Inclusion criteria were sufficient knowledge about the individual to enable reporting on his or her mental and physical abilities and staying at the individual's bedside daily during hospitalization. Families and caregivers younger than 18 and those who did not speak Portuguese were excluded.MeasurementsA trained researcher translated the FAM‐CAM according to International Society For Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research guidelines. All individuals were assessed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM‐IV‐TR) (reference standard) and the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM). A trained researcher administered the FAM‐CAM to families and caregivers. The level of family‐perceived distress was evaluated on a numerical rating scale from 0 to 4.ResultsThe sample included 40 families and caregivers (58% adult children). According to the DSM‐IV‐TR, 20% of individuals had delirium. The FAM‐CAM had moderate sensitivity (75%) and good specificity (91%) when assessed against the DSM‐IV‐TR and better sensitivity (86%) and specificity (91%) than the CAM. Fifty‐seven percent of families and caregivers classified delirium as an extremely distressing experience.ConclusionThese preliminary results suggest that FAM‐CAM is a sensitive screening tool for family detection of delirium in elderly hospitalized adults. The high level of psychological distress found corroborated previous studies. Future studies with larger samples will be needed for further validation and to allow the analysis of other psychometric properties.
A Simplified Model to Include Dynamic Product‐User Interaction in the Eco‐Design Process
Authors: Serna‐Mansoux Livier , Popoff Alexandre , Millet Dominique 
Published: July 2014

SummaryFor many modern products, the use phase is intensive and poses a serious environmental impact because of the energy and resources consumed. This could be resolved by optimizing the product's environmental impact by improving the understanding of the users’ relationship with it. In this work, we propose a model that can be used to include the use phase and the eco‐oriented strategies in the environmental impact assessment of a product. This model takes into account the changing nature of the interactions between the user and the product over time. An indicator designated mitigation rate is introduced to help model this change. It acknowledges the loss in performance of eco‐oriented strategies over time. This work presents the methodology to understand, model, and select among different eco‐oriented strategies with different time frames. A case study is also presented, where four alternative models considering different eco‐oriented strategies are shown and compared.
GOVERNMENT SIZE AND GROWTH: A SURVEY AND INTERPRETATION OF THE EVIDENCE – A COMMENT
Authors: Colombier Carsten 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIn contrast to the commonly held view, Bergh and Henrekson (2011) conclude that a consensus has almost been reached on the thesis that government size is negatively correlated with economic growth in developed countries. They underpin this by claiming that the only study in the survey to deviate from this consensus view, i.e. Colombier (2009), was rebutted by Bergh and Öhrn (2011). This comment shows that the claim by Bergh and Henrekson (2011) cannot be upheld because the analysis by Bergh and Öhrn (2011) is based on a flawed dataset. The re‐estimation of Colombier's (2009) regressions with time‐fixed effect does not reject his main findings. Moreover, it is demonstrated that recent empirical evidence on the growth impact of government size in rich countries is not as unanimous as the survey by Bergh and Henrekson (2011) suggests. Thus, the claim that a consensus view has been reached is premature.
Heart failure and Alzheimer′s disease
Authors: Cermakova P. , Eriksdotter M. , Lund L. H. , Winblad B. , Religa P. , Religa D. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIt has recently been proposed that heart failure is a risk factor for Alzheimer′s disease. Decreased cerebral blood flow and neurohormonal activation due to heart failure may contribute to the dysfunction of the neurovascular unit and cause an energy crisis in neurons. This leads to the impaired clearance of amyloid beta and hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, resulting in the formation of amyloid beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. In this article, we will summarize the current understanding of the relationship between heart failure and Alzheimer′s disease based on epidemiological studies, brain imaging research, pathological findings and the use of animal models. The importance of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, blood pressure and valve disease as well as the effect of relevant medications will be discussed.
THE GREAT RECESSION AND NONMETROPOLITAN AMERICA
Authors: Rickman Dan S. , Guettabi Mouhcine 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTThe influence of the housing market on U.S. business cycle dynamics during the previous decade has been well documented. Yet, little if anything is known about how nonmetropolitan areas fared. This study examines the association of regional housing market bubbles with relative nonmetropolitan economic performance during the business cycle phases of the decade. Among the primary findings, the study establishes the association of natural amenity attractiveness with nonmetropolitan housing market bubbles and growth during the expansion phase. During the Great Recession, industry composition best explained the pattern of employment declines and natural population growth differences best explained the variation of population growth, with amenity attractiveness waning in importance.
Interaction between amino acids on the performances of individually housed piglets
Authors: Millet S. , Aluwé M. , Ampe B. , De Campeneere S. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryDietary branched‐chain amino acid and tryptophan concentrations have been associated with effects on daily feed intake; this study is an extension of that research. We evaluated eight dietary treatments in a Latin square cross‐over design with 32 female piglets during 8 weeks (9.9 ± 0.6 kg to 44.9 ± 2.9 kg, mean ± SD). Treatments differed in dietary standardized ileal digestible leucine (10.8 and 21.3 g/kg), valine (7.0 and 7.8 g/kg), isoleucine (6.0 or 7.3 g/kg) and tryptophan (2.0 and 2.5 g/kg) content. A longitudinal model was fitted with the level of valine, leucine, isoleucine, tryptophan and the interactions leucine × tryptophan, valine × leucine, isoleucine × tryptophan as fixed effects. Increasing the dietary leucine content decreased feed intake (−169 g/day) and daily gain (−168 g/day) of the pigs and impaired the feed conversion ratio (+0.49 g/g) (p < 0.01 for all parameters). Adding valine to the high leucine diet counteracted the feed intake reduction partially, while effects on daily gain and feed conversion ratio were largely counteracted by adding extra valine. The positive effect on feed conversion ratio diminished over time (p = 0.001 for age × valine). Adding extra tryptophan to the high leucine diet tended to negatively affect daily gain (p = 0.081) and feed conversion ratio (p = 0.074). Adding extra dietary isoleucine together with extra valine did not further counteract the negative effects of excess dietary leucine. The present results confirmed that, with excess leucine, extra valine benefits performance. Further adding extra tryptophan or isoleucine did not improve performances.
Quantitative analysis of classical and new putative periodontal pathogens in subgingival biofilm: a case–control study
Authors: Al‐hebshi N. N. , Al‐Alimi A. , Taiyeb‐Ali T. , Jaafar N. 
Published: July 2014

Background and ObjectivesA number of species/phylotypes have been newly implicated as putative periopathogens. The objective of this study was to explore associations among classical and new pathogens in subgingival biofilm and to assess their relative importance to chronic periodontitis.Material and MethodsPooled subgingival biofilm samples were obtained from 40 patients with chronic periodontitis and 40 healthy controls. Taqman q‐PCR assays were used to determine the absolute and relative counts of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Parvimonas micra, Filifactor alocis, oral Synergistetes and oral TM7s. Microbial associations were assessed using cluster analysis. Different statistical models were used to explore associations between microbial parameters and periodontitis.ResultsThe median log and relative counts were lowest for TM7s (4.4 and 0.0016%, respectively) and highest for oral Synergistetes (7.2 and 1.4%, respectively). Oral Synergistetes clustered strongly with the red complex, particularly T. forsythia (100% rescaled similarity). All species/phylotypes except TM7s were significantly associated with periodontitis (Mann–Whitney test; p ≤ 0.005). However, P. gingivalis and F. alocis lost association after adjusting for confounders (ordinal regression). In receiving operator characteristic curve analysis, the log counts of oral Synergistetes were the best markers of periodontitis (82.5% sensitivity and specificity), followed by those of T. forsythia, P. micra and T. denticola. In prediction analysis, however, P. micra was the only microbial predictor of periodontal parameters.ConclusionsOral Synergistetes are presented here as new members of the red complex, with relative importance to periodontitis exceeding that of the classical members. P. micra is shown as an important periodontal pathogen warranting more attention.
Interferon–ribavirin therapy induces serum antibodies determining ‘rods and rings’ pattern in hepatitis C patients
Authors: Novembrino Cristina , Aghemo Alessio , Ferraris Fusarini Chiara , Maiavacca Rita , Matinato Caterina , Lunghi Giovanna , Torresani Erminio , Ronchi Mariangela , Garlaschi Maria Cristina , Ramondetta Miriam , Colombo Massimo 
Published: July 2014

SummaryA cytoplasmic antigen associated to inosine‐5'‐monophosphatedehydrogenase 2 eliciting specific antibodies (antirods and rings, RR) has been identified in patients with chronic hepatitis C who were exposed to pegylated interferon (PI) and ribavirin (RBV). The significance of anti‐RR in these patients merits to be investigated. Sera from 88 chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected patients undergoing PI‐RBV therapy were analysed for the presence of RR pattern by indirect immunofluorescence on HEp‐2 substrate (Inova Diagnostics, San Diego, CA, USA). Anti‐RR antibodies developed de novo in 32 patients independently of any demographic and virological feature, but with a significant association with cumulative exposure to PI‐RBV (P = 0.0089; chi‐square test). RR pattern was significantly more frequent in relapsers than in patients achieving sustained virological response (56% vs 30%; P = 0.0282, chi‐square test). Anti‐RR titre ranged from 1:80 to 1:1280, but significantly declined following treatment cessation. Anti‐RR develop de novo in a substantial proportion of patients exposed to PI‐RBV in relation to the duration of treatment exposure. Further investigations are necessary to unravel the mechanisms leading to the formation of these autoantibodies.
Antifibrotic effects of luteolin on hepatic stellate cells and liver fibrosis by targeting AKT/mTOR/p70S6K and TGFβ/Smad signalling pathways
Authors: Li Jie , Li Xingxia , Xu Weiheng , Wang Shaozhan , Hu Zhenlin , Zhang Qing , Deng Xing , Wang Jing , Zhang Junping , Guo Cheng 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsLuteolin has been reported to exert antifibrogenic effects in CCl4‐induced hepatic fibrosis in mice. However, limited information is available on the cellular and molecular events responsible for this effect. This study focused on the action of luteolin on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and the relevant signalling molecules and pathways as well as the antifibrotic efficacy in multiple models of fibrosis.MethodsThe in vitro effect of luteolin on rat HSCs and HSC‐T6 cells was assessed using proliferation assays, invasion chamber, quantitative real‐time PCR analysis and Western blotting. The in vivo effect of luteolin on progression of fibrosis was assessed in three experimental rat models induced by CCl4, dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) and bile duct ligation (BDL).ResultsLuteolin inhibited proliferation, migration, collagen synthesis as well as expression of fibrosis‐related genes in the activated HSCs and HSC‐T6 cells stimulated with or without transforming growth factor‐β1(TGFβ1) or platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF). Luteolin induced HSC apoptosis associated with the increased caspase 3 activity and p53 expression, and induced G1 arrest with the decreased expression of bcl‐2, Cyclin E and p‐Cdk‐2. Moreover, luteolin significantly inhibited PDGF and TGFβ1‐simulated phosphorylation of AKT and Smad pathway. In vivo study showed that luteolin administration markedly alleviated hepatic fibrosis along with reduced elevations of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. HSCs were found to undergo apoptosis and decreased expression of p‐Smad2 and p‐AKT in luteolin‐treated animals.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that luteolin prevents the progression of liver fibrosis through multiple mechanisms and indicates that luteolin has potential for effective treatment of liver fibrosis.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis increases the risk for pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
Authors: von Seth Erik , Arnelo Urban , Enochsson Lars , Bergquist Annika 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsPatients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) have an increased risk for adverse events following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), mainly caused by bacterial cholangitis. The risk of pancreatitis is less examined. Therefore, our aim was to study adverse events following ERCP and to evaluate if PSC is a risk factor for pancreatitis.MethodsData were collected through a Swedish nationwide quality registry comprising fifty‐one Swedish ERCP centres. The final study cohort consisted of 8932 adults who had undergone ERCP from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2009. A total of 141 patients had PSC. Variables of importance for adverse events were entered into a multivariate logistic regression model for risk factor analysis.ResultsThe following adverse events were increased in PSC as compared with non‐PSC patients: overall (18.4% vs. 7.3%), pancreatitis (7.8% vs. 3.2%, P = 0.002), cholangitis (7.1% vs. 2.1%, P < 0.001) and per‐operative extravasation of contrast (5.7% vs. 0.7%, P < 0.001). PSC was shown to be an independent risk factor for all of these adverse events: pancreatitis, OR 2.02 (95% CI, 1.04–3.92), cholangitis, OR 2.88 (95% CI, 1.47–5.65), and extravasation of contrast, OR 5.84 (95% CI, 2.24–15.23).ConclusionThe rate of adverse events overall following ERCP in PSC is 18% and PEP occurs in 8%. PSC is an independent risk factor for PEP and the risk is doubled. These findings underline the importance of a careful selection of PSC patients eligible for ERCP as well as a need for high competence of the treating team.