bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The diagnosis and management of inpatient hyponatraemia and SIADH
Authors: Grant Paul , Ayuk John , Bouloux Pierre‐Marc , Cohen Mark , Cranston Iain , Murray Robert D. , Rees Aled , Thatcher Nicholas , Grossman Ashley
Published: May 2015

Background

Hyponatraemia is a very common medical condition that is associated with multiple poor clinical outcomes and is often managed suboptimally because of inadequate assessment and investigation. Previously published guidelines for its management are often complex and impractical to follow in a hospital environment, where patients may present to divergent specialists, as well as to generalists.

Design

A group of senior, experienced UK clinicians, met to develop a practical algorithm for the assessment and management of hyponatraemia in a hospital setting. The latest evidence was discussed and reviewed in the light of current clinical practicalities to ensure an up‐to‐date perspective. An algorithm was largely developed following consensus opinion, followed up with subsequent additions and amendments that were agreed by all authors during several rounds of review.

Results

We present a practical algorithm which includes a breakdown of the best methods to evaluate volume status, simple assessments for the diagnosis of the various causes and a straightforward approach to treatment to minimise complexity and maximise patient safety.

Conclusion

The algorithm we have developed reflects the best available evidence and extensive clinical experience and provides practical, useable guidance to improve patient care.
Non‐host plant essential oil volatiles with potential for a ‘push‐pull’ strategy to control the tea green leafhopper, Empoasca vitis
Authors: Zhang Zhengqun , Chen Zongmao
Published: May 2015

The tea green leafhopper, Empoasca vitis Göthe (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is an economically important pest of tea crops, Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze (Theaceae), in China. The use of non‐host plant essential oils for manipulation of E. vitis was investigated for potential incorporation into a ‘push‐pull’ control strategy for this pest. The effectiveness of 14 plant essential oils in repelling E. vitis was investigated in laboratory assays. Rosemary oil, geranium oil, lavender oil, cinnamon oil, and basil oil repelled leafhoppers in a Y‐shaped olfactometer. We also compared the efficacy of these five plant essential oils to repel E. vitis in the presence of a host plant volatile‐based leafhopper attractant, (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate, in a tea plantation. In the treatment combination, four plates (north, south, east, and west) treated with an essential oil surrounded a central sticky plate treated with (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate. Fewer E. vitis were found on the plates treated with rosemary oil (12.5% reduction) than on the four water‐sprayed control treatment plates surrounding a central plate with (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate. We compared the distribution of E. vitis on the plates, and the relative numbers of E. vitis on each plate were compared with similar plates in the control treatment. When four plates treated with rosemary oil surrounded a central (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate‐treated plate, the distribution of E. vitis on the different plates changed significantly compared with that of the control. Relatively fewer E. vitis were found on the east (13.0% reduction) rosemary oil‐treated plates and more E. vitis (11.3% increase) were found on the central attractant‐treated plate. Our findings indicate that rosemary oil is a promising leafhopper repellent that should be tested further in a ‘push‐pull’ strategy for control of E. vitis.
Long‐term follow‐up study of porcine anti‐human thymocyte immunoglobulin therapy combined with cyclosporine for severe aplastic anemia
Authors: Chen Miao , Liu Chao , Zhuang Junling , Zou Nong , Xu Ying , Zhang Wei , Li Jian , Duan Minghui , Zhu Tienan , Cai Huacong , Cao Xinxin , Wang Shujie , Zhou Daobin , Han Bing
Published: May 2015

Immunosuppressive therapy with antithymocyte immunoglobulin (ATG) and cyclosporine A is the first treatment option for severe aplastic anemia (SAA) patients without transplantation. HorseATGis not marketed in China. Because the price of porcineATG(pATG) is only about one‐third of the price of rabbitATG(rATG), long‐term follow‐up studies ofpATG's efficacy will help provide valuable insights into the treatment ofSAA. Retrospective studies were performed to analyze the clinical information of 102SAApatients treated withpATGand cyclosporine A from 1999 to 2014 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The median age was 29 years old (range 12–72). Median follow‐up time was 59.6 months (0.2–176.8). The overall response rate was 74.5% (CR42.1%,PR32.4%). The recurrence rate was 9.9%. The mortality rate was 16.7%. The median survival time has not been reached, and the 5‐year survival rate was 81.8%. Other hematologic abnormalities were observed in 7.8% of patients, including symptomaticPNH,MDS, andAML. Multivariate analysis revealed there was no significant effect on survival by factors such as gender, age, severity of disease, treatment time, andPNHclone (P > 0.05). These data have indicatedpATGtherapy combined with cyclosporine A has significant long‐term efficacy and high overall survival in SAA.
Age‐related changes in mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme Trx2 and TXNIP–Trx2–ASK1 signal pathways in the auditory cortex of a mimetic aging rat model: changes to Trx2 in the auditory cortex
Authors: Sun Hai‐Ying , Hu Yu‐Juan , Zhao Xue‐Yan , Zhong Yi , Zeng Ling‐Ling , Chen Xu‐Bo , Yuan Jie , Wu Jing , Sun Yu , Kong Wen , Kong Wei‐Jia
Published: May 2015

Age‐associated degeneration in the central auditory system, which is defined as central presbycusis, can impair sound localization and speech perception. Research has shown that oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathological process of central presbycusis. Thioredoxin 2 (Trx2), one member of thioredoxin family, plays a key role in regulating the homeostasis of cellular reactive oxygen species and anti‐apoptosis. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between Trx2 and the phenotype of central presbycusis using a mimetic aging animal model induced by long‐term exposure to d‐galactose (d‐Gal). We also explored changes in thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP), apoptosis signal regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) and phosphorylated ASK1 (p‐ASK1) expression, as well as the Trx2–TXNIP/Trx2–ASK1 binding complex in the auditory cortex of mimetic aging rats. Our results demonstrate that, compared with control groups, the levels of Trx2 and Trx2–ASK1 binding complex were significantly reduced, whereas TXNIP, ASK1 p‐ASK1 expression, and Trx2–TXNIP binding complex were significantly increased in the auditory cortex of the mimetic aging groups. Our results indicated that changes in Trx2 and the TXNIP–Trx2–ASK1 signal pathway may participate in the pathogenesis of central presbycusis.
Climate change‐induced vegetation change as a driver of increased subarctic biogenic volatile organic compound emissions
Authors: Valolahti Hanna , Kivimäenpää Minna , Faubert Patrick , Michelsen Anders , Rinnan Riikka
Published: May 2015

Emissions of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) have been earlier shown to be highly temperature sensitive in subarctic ecosystems. As these ecosystems experience rapidly advancing pronounced climate warming, we aimed to investigate how warming affects the BVOC emissions in the long term (up to 13 treatment years). We also aimed to assess whether the increased litterfall resulting from the vegetation changes in the warming subarctic would affect the emissions. The study was conducted in a field experiment with factorial open‐top chamber warming and annual litter addition treatments on subarctic heath in Abisko, northern Sweden. After 11 and 13 treatment years, BVOCs were sampled from plant communities in the experimental plots using a push–pull enclosure technique and collection into adsorbent cartridges during the growing season and analyzed with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Plant species coverage in the plots was analyzed by the point intercept method. Warming by 2 °C caused a 2‐fold increase in monoterpene and 5‐fold increase in sesquiterpene emissions, averaged over all measurements. When the momentary effect of temperature was diminished by standardization of emissions to a fixed temperature, warming still had a significant effect suggesting that emissions were also indirectly increased. This indirect increase appeared to result from increased plant coverage and changes in vegetation composition. The litter addition treatment also caused significant increases in the emission rates of some BVOC groups, especially when combined with warming. The combined treatment had both the largest vegetation changes and the highest BVOC emissions. The increased emissions under litter addition were probably a result of a changed vegetation composition due to alleviated nutrient limitation and stimulated microbial production of BVOCs. We suggest that the changes in the subarctic vegetation composition induced by climate warming will be the major factor indirectly affecting the BVOC emission potentials and composition.
Raffinose family oligosaccharides in seed of Glycine max cv. Chiang Mai60 and potential source of prebiotic substances
Authors: Wongputtisin Pairote , Ramaraj Rameshprabu , Unpaprom Yuwalee , Kawaree Rungthip , Pongtrakul Nongkran
Published: May 2015

Raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) content in Glycine max seed of cultivar Chiang Mai60, a local soybean of Thailand, was investigated. RFOs and other low molecular weight sugars were extracted by 50% (v/v) ethanol and quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The prebiotic property of this extract was subsequently studied by in vitro method. The results showed that the concentrations of raffinose, stachyose and verbascose were 6.74 ± 1.62, 145.32 ± 18.74 and 1.60 ± 0.52 mg g−1 dry seed, respectively, while glucose and sucrose were detected at 10.73 ± 1.35 and 13.28 ± 2.16 mg g−1 dry seed, respectively. The growth of four Lactobacilli probiotics were increased significantly in a basal liquid medium supplemented with this ethanolic extract as carbon source compared to glucose supplementation. Subsequently, defined mixed culture was studied and it was found that growth stimulation of total Lactobacilli by extracted sugars resulted in the suppression of Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium growth. It could be concluded that this cultivar showed the RFOs‐rich content and a potential to be a source of an effective prebiotic substance for food application.
Rapid and non‐invasive evaluation of pork meat quality during storage via impedance measurement
Authors: Nguyen Han B. , Nguyen Loc T.
Published: May 2015

In this study, the evolutions of impedance and bio‐indicators (total aerobic count (TAC), total volatile base nitrogen (TVB‐N) and pH) of meat freshness during storage at 4 °C were investigated and compared. The influence of electrode configurations, frequencies and directions of applied electric fields on impedance measurement was considered. Good relationships between measured impedance and bio‐indicators were obtained, with R2 ranging from 0.758 to 0.992, RMSE from 0.11 to 0.57 for TAC and R2 ranging from 0.636 to 0.989, RMSE from 0.29 to 1.68 for TVB‐N. Bar and ring electrodes had better performance as compared to needle electrodes. Effects of frequency on impedance were important from 20 Hz to 200 kHz and diminished in the higher ranges. Impedance generally exhibited better correlations with TAC, TVB‐N at high frequency than at low frequency. The findings demonstrated that impedance measurement could be a viable, rapid method to assess the quality of stored pork meat.
Studies on the mashing conditions of teff (Eragrostis tef) malt as a raw material for lactic acid‐fermented gluten‐free beverage
Authors: Gebremariam Mekonnen M. , Abegaz Kebede , Zarnkow Martin , Becker Thomas
Published: May 2015

Formation of extracts and fermentable sugars during mashing can be limited by incomplete starch gelatinisation. The aim of this research was to develop mashing programme for 100% teff malt as a potential raw material for gluten‐free lactic acid‐fermented beverage. Isothermal mashing at temperatures ranging between 60 and 84 °C was conducted, and the highest extract (85%) was observed for the wort samples produced at temperatures higher than 76 °C. Sixty‐minute rest at 71 °C resulted in higher fermentable sugars than other tested conversion rest temperatures. Inclusion of lower mashing‐in temperature in the mashing programme also substantially improved the concentrations of free amino nitrogen (128 mg L−1) and fermentable sugar (58 g L−1) in the final wort. Therefore, 30‐min rest at 40 °C followed by 60‐min rest at 71 °C and 10‐min rest at 78 °C was found to be a suitable mashing programme for teff malt.
Non-Citizen Mexican Youth in US Higher Education: A Closer Look at the Relationship between State Tuition Policies and College Enrollment
Authors: Bozick Robert , Miller Trey , Kaneshiro Matheu
Published: May 2015

This paper examines state policies that extend or deny in-state tuition to children of undocumented immigrants in the United States. Using the Current Population Survey (1997–2010), we assess changes in college enrollment among Mexican-born non-citizens — a proxy for the undocumented population. In contrast to previous analyses, we find that policies extending in-state tuition to undocumented youth do not directly affect rates of college enrollment. However, we find that Mexican-born non-citizen youth residing in states that deny in-state tuition have a 12.1 percentage point lower probability of being enrolled in college than their peers living in states with no such policies.
Comparing Immigration Policies: An Overview from the IMPALA Database
Authors: Beine Michel , Boucher Anna , Burgoon Brian , Crock Mary , Gest Justin , Hiscox Michael , McGovern Patrick , Rapoport Hillel , Schaper Joep , Thielemann Eiko
Published: May 2015

This paper introduces a method and preliminary findings from a database that systematically measures the character and stringency of immigration policies. Based on the selection of that data for nine countries between 1999 and 2008, we challenge the idea that any one country is systematically the most or least restrictive toward admissions. The data also reveal trends toward more complex and, often, more restrictive regulation since the 1990s, as well as differential treatment of groups, such as lower requirements for highly skilled than low-skilled labor migrants. These patterns illustrate the IMPALA data and methods but are also of intrinsic importance to understanding immigration regulation.
Evaluation of a Fluorochlorozirconate Glass‐Ceramic Storage Phosphor Plate for Gamma‐Ray Computed Radiography
Authors: Leonard Russell L. , Gray Sharon K. , Alvarez Carlos J. , Moses Alex K. , Arrowood Lloyd F. , Lubinsky Anthony R. , Petford‐Long Amanda K. , Johnson Jacqueline A.
Published: May 2015

A fluorochlorozirconate (FCZ) glass‐ceramic containing orthorhombic barium chloride crystals doped with divalent europium was evaluated for use as a storage phosphor in gamma‐ray imaging. X‐ray diffraction and phosphorimetry of the glass‐ceramic sample showed the presence of a significant amount of orthorhombic barium chloride crystals in the glass matrix. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to identify crystal size, structure, and morphology. The size of the orthorhombic barium chloride crystals in the FCZ glass matrix was very large, ~0.5–0.7 μm, which can limit image resolution. The FCZ glass‐ceramic sample was exposed to 1 MeV gamma rays to determine its photostimulated emission characteristics at high energies, which were found to be suitable for imaging applications. Test images were made at 2 MeV energies using gap and step wedge phantoms. Gaps as small as 101.6 μm in a 440 stainless steel phantom were imaged using the sample imaging plate. Analysis of an image created using a depleted uranium step wedge phantom showed that emission is proportional to incident energy at the sample and the estimated absorbed dose. The results showed that the sample imaging plate has potential for gamma‐ray‐computed radiography and dosimetry applications.
Preparation and Enhanced Luminescence of Au Nanoparticles Including SiO2:Tb3+ Three‐Dimensional Ordered Macroporous Films
Authors: Yang Jianzhi , Yang Zhengwen , Wang Yida , Li Jun , Shao Bo , Qiu Jianbei , Song Zhiguo
Published: May 2015

Novel photoluminescent films consisting of three‐dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) SiO2:Tb3+ and Au nanoparticles were prepared by template assisted method, and their luminescence properties were investigated. The results show that Au nanoparticles have significant influence on luminescence property of SiO2:Tb3+ 3DOM materials. The Au nanoparticles embedded in the skeleton of SiO2:Tb3+ 3DOM materials could strongly improve their luminescence properties. The enhancement mechanism was discussed and demonstrated, which is attributed to the increasing of radiative decay rates of Tb3+ induced by surface plasmon effects of Au nanoparticles.
Resistivity Enhancement and Transport Mechanisms in (1 − x)BaTiO3–xBi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 and (1 − x)SrTiO3–xBi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3
Authors: Kumar Nitish , Cann David P.
Published: May 2015

Ceramics of composition (1−x)BaTiO3–xBi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 (BT‐BZT) were prepared by solid‐state synthesis; they have been shown to exhibit excellent properties suited for high‐temperature dielectric applications. The X‐ray diffraction data showed a single‐phase perovskite structure for all the compositions prepared (x ≤ 0.1 BZT). The compositions with less than 0.075 BZT exhibited tetragonal symmetry at room temperature and pseudo‐cubic symmetry above it. Most notably, a significant improvement in insulation properties was measured with the addition of BZT. Both low‐field AC impedance and high‐field direct DC measurements indicated an increase in resistivity of at least two orders of magnitude at 400°C with the addition of just 0.03 BZT (~107 Ω‐cm) into the solid solution as compared to pure BT (~105 Ω‐cm). This effect was also evident in dielectric loss data, which remained low at higher temperatures as the BZT content increased. In conjunction with band gap measurements, it was also concluded that the conduction mechanism transitioned from extrinsic for pure BT to intrinsic for 0.075 BZT suggesting a change in the fundamental defect equilibrium conditions. It was also shown that this improvement in insulation properties was not limited to BT‐BZT, but could also be observed in the paraelectric SrTiO3–BZT system.
Characterizations of Fe Doping on B‐Site of (La0.8Ca0.2)(Cr0.9Co0.1)O3−δ Interconnect Materials for SOFCs
Authors: Fu Yen‐Pei , Wang Hsin‐Chao , Weng Ching‐Sui , Hu Shao‐Hua , Liu Yen‐Chun
Published: May 2015

The microstructure, lattice parameters, and electrical conductivity mechanisms for Fe doping on B‐site of (La0.8Ca0.2)(Cr0.9Co0.1)O3−δ were systematically investigated. The oxygen nonstoichiometry was measured by means of thermogravimetry as a function of oxygen partial pressure. In this study, the concept of defect chemistry is used to explain the relationship between the concentration of electron hole with the electrical conductivity. Based on the result of electrical conductivity in air, it is concluded that the concentration of electron hole at high oxygen activity is larger than that at low oxygen activity. This is due to the fact that (La0.8Ca0.2)CrO3−δ‐based ceramics are p‐type conductors, the electrical conductivity is dominated by the concentration of hole. At higher Fe‐doping level, the compensation mechanism at high oxygen activity is significantly dominated by the formation of oxygen vacancy, that is, ionic compensation. The compensation mechanism at low oxygen activity is significantly dominated by the formation of the formation of Cr4+, that is, electrical compensation at lower Fe‐doping level. Based on oxygen nonstoichiometry data, it is found that with increasing Fe‐doping amount on B‐site of (La0.8Ca0.2)(Cr0.9Co0.1)O3−δ specimens, the initial weight‐stable temperature shifted to lower temperature which might be highly related with the change in compensation mechanism at the temperature.
A pilot randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of a ‘lung age’ intervention on smoking cessation: study protocol
Authors: Muhammad Imran , Mok Wenqi , Toh Hai Moy , Sii Daniel , Wang Wenru
Published: May 2015

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of the ‘lung age’ intervention on smoking cessation rates, smoking abstinence self‐efficacy, nicotine dependence and behavioural change among the smoking population in Singapore.

Background

Tobacco use has been linked to several preventable chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, stroke, cancers and respiratory diseases. Despite numerous health education attempts to promote smoking cessation, there has been a sustained increase in smoking rates worldwide, including in Singapore.

Design

A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Methods

A convenience sample of 108 smoking individuals will be recruited from population health screenings conducted by a tertiary public hospital in Singapore, with 54 participants in the experimental group and 54 in the control group. Participants in the experimental group will receive a lung age intervention, consisting of lung age determination and education as well as smoking cessation advice, while the researchers will provide those in the control group with the usual smoking education. Outcome measures include smoking cessation rates, smoking abstinence self‐efficacy, nicotine dependence and assessment of the stages of behavioural change. Data will be collected at the baseline and again at the 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐ups.

Discussion

This study offers an additional intervention to improve smoking cessation rates in Singapore. It aims to reduce or delay the onset of smoking‐related chronic diseases such as coronary heart diseases and cancer, which would eventually reduce the healthcare burden in an increasingly ageing society.

Trial registration number: ISRCTN15839687.
Microglia in the spinal cord and neuropathic pain
Authors: Tsuda Makoto
Published: May 2015

In contrast to physiological pain, pathological pain is not dependent on the presence of tissue‐damaging stimuli. One type of pathological pain – neuropathic pain – is often a consequence of nerve injury or of diseases such as diabetes. Neuropathic pain can be agonizing, can persist over long periods and is often resistant to known painkillers. A growing body of evidence shows that many pathological processes within the central nervous system are mediated by complex interactions between neurons and glial cells. In the case of painful peripheral neuropathy, spinal microglia react and undergo a series of changes that directly influence the establishment of neuropathic pain states. After nerve damage, purinergic P2X4 receptors (non‐selective cation channels activated by extracellular adenosine triphosphate) are upregulated in spinal microglia in a manner that depends on the transcription factors interferon regulatory factor 8 and 5, both of which are expressed in microglia after peripheral nerve injury. P2X4 receptor expression on the cell surface of microglia is also regulated at the post‐translational level by signaling from CC chemokine receptor chemotactic cytokine receptor 2. Furthermore, spinal microglia in response to extracellular stimuli results in signal transduction through intracellular signaling cascades, such as mitogen‐activated protein kinases, p38 and extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase. Importantly, inhibiting the function or expression of these microglial molecules suppresses the aberrant excitability of dorsal horn neurons and neuropathic pain. These findings show that spinal microglia are a central player in mechanisms for neuropathic pain, and might be a potential target for treating the chronic pain state.
Conceptual decomposition of complex health care interventions for evidence synthesis: a literature review
Authors: Kühne Franziska , Ehmcke Rebecca , Härter Martin , Kriston Levente
Published: May 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

The clarity of pivotal concepts is an important prerequisite for the development, evaluation and exchange of scientific ideas. The term ‘complex intervention’ is increasingly used in the health care literature, although it often remains unclear what is actually meant by this concept. Therefore, our aim was to analyse the literature regarding definitions of the terms ‘complex intervention’ and ‘components’ of such interventions.

Method

To identify the methodological publications, systematic and snowballing techniques were combined for the literature search. Relevant units of meaning were extracted from 68 included publications. Afterwards, we deduced categories and related frequencies by inductive and quantitative content analysis techniques.

Results

Several types of complexity were distinguished in the literature. Most authors viewed complex interventions as multicomponent interventions that are characterized by interactions between the components themselves, with the context or as systemic interventions. Components of complex interventions were described in the publications as having the potential to causally influence outcomes, thus being essential for achieving an effect. Other definitions and inconsistencies among the definitions are highlighted and discussed.

Conclusions

From our synthesis, we derived definitions of the central health care‐related concepts ‘complex intervention’ and ‘components’ of an intervention. Although we found numerous diverse definitions, they could be reduced to a defined number of core characteristics. These characteristics may facilitate communication regarding complex interventions and enable the deduction of methodological approaches for evidence synthesis.
Brewing Jujube Brandy with Daqu and Yeast by Solid‐State Fermentation
Authors: Li Shu‐gang , Mao Zhi‐yang , Wang Ping , Zhang Ye , Sun Pan‐pan , Xu Qian , Yu Jun
Published: May 2015

Chinese Junzao jujube in Xinjiang is a high‐quality brew resource because of its high sugar content. Jujube paste was hydrolyzed by a multi‐enzyme and then fermented with Daqu and yeast through a solid‐state fermentation process. After distilling and aging, the final product has a typical characteristic of brandy. The optimal hydrolysis conditions were a mixture of pectinase and cellulase with a ratio of 1:3, a dosage of multi‐enzyme of 0.75% (w/w), an enzymolysis pH of 3.5–4.0, a temperature of 50C and a time of 3 h. The optimal fermentation process was as follows: active dry wine yeast‐SY yeast strain, dosage of yeast of 0.5%, dosage of Daqu of 18%, fermentation temperature of 25C and fermentation time of 21 days. After distilling and aging, the alcohol content was 51.5% (v/v) and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis demonstrated that the final product has rich, unique flavor characteristics. The results indicated that Daqu and solid‐state fermentation can promote and enrich the flavor formation of jujube brandy.

Practical Applications

Jujube output increases rapidly in China, especially in the Xinjiang area, but the development of process technology and high value‐added products of jujube is lacking. The present study provides a new process of brewing brandy with jujube. The results indicated that the enzymatic hydrolysis of raw jujube before fermentation was beneficial for its utilization. The solid‐state fermentation process was feasible for brewing jujube brandy; by combining a mixed strain of yeast and Daqu, a rich flavor of brandy was produced. This process should be a good example for brewing brandy products produced by other types of fruits.
How large are departures from lithostatic pressure? Constraints from host–inclusion elasticity
Authors: Angel R. J. , Nimis P. , Mazzucchelli M. L. , Alvaro M. , Nestola F.
Published: May 2015

Minerals trapped as inclusions within other host minerals will develop non‐lithostatic pressures during both prograde and retrograde metamorphism because of the differences between the thermoelastic properties of the host and inclusion phases. There is only a single possible path in P–T space, the entrapment isomeke, along which no residual pressure would be developed in a host–inclusion system; non‐lithostatic pressures are developed in inclusions as a result of the external pressure and temperature deviating from the isomeke that passes through the entrapment conditions. With modern equation of state and elasticity data for minerals now available, it is possible to perform precise calculations of the isomekes for mineral pairs. These show that isomeke lines are not straight lines in P–T space at metamorphic conditions. We show that silicate inclusions in silicate hosts tend to have flat isomekes, with small values of , because of the small range of thermal expansion coefficients of silicate minerals. As a consequence, the general behaviour under decompression is for soft silicate inclusions in stiffer hosts to develop excess pressures, whereas a stiff silicate inclusion in a softer matrix will experience lower pressures than lithostatic pressure. The opposite effects occur for compression after entrapment on the prograde path. The excess pressures in inclusions, including allowance for mutual elastic relaxation of the host and inclusion, are most easily calculated by using the isomeke as a basis. Analysis of the simplest possible model of a host–inclusion system indicates that deviations from lithostatic pressure in excess of 1 GPa can be readily produced in quartz inclusions within garnet in metamorphic rocks. For softer host minerals such as feldspar, the pressure deviations are smaller, because of greater elastic relaxation of the host. The maximum pressure deviation from lithostatic pressure in the host phase around the inclusion is one‐third of the pressure deviation in the inclusion. Routines for performing these calculations have been added to the EosFit7c software package.
Sexual Behaviors in Mexico: The Role of Values and Gender Across Adolescence
Authors: Espinosa‐Hernández Graciela , Vasilenko Sara A. , Bámaca‐Colbert Mayra Y.
Published: May 2015

Adolescent sexuality research has expanded to include noncoital behaviors, but there is limited knowledge about individual factors such as cultural values associated with these sexual behaviors outside of industrialized nations. Thus, we examined associations between Latino values (familism, sexual guilt, and importance of female virginity) and three sexual behaviors (making out, oral sex, and vaginal sex), among adolescents ages 12–19 (53% female) in Mexico. Findings indicate that sexual guilt and importance of female virginity were consistently associated with all sexual behaviors. Some associations differed by gender and school level. For instance, sexual guilt was a better predictor of high school girls’ oral and vaginal sex. This study expands our understanding of adolescent sexuality in Mexico.
A BURNING QUESTION: DOES ARSON INCREASE WHEN LOCAL HOUSE PRICES DECLINE?
Authors: Eriksen Michael D. , Carson James M.
Published: May 2015

Abstract

We construct panel data on house prices and the determined cause of 4.8 million individual fires in the United States between 1986 and 2010 to test whether decreases in local housing market prices coincided with increases in arson. Since some insured homeowners may attempt to disguise the actual cause of fire as accidental, we also examine how decreases in local house prices are associated with changes in the total number of fires and the probability of determined causes of accidental fires. For the sample period, our results suggest that declines in local house prices coincided with increases in arson, the total number of fires, and the probability that fires were determined to occur due to arson and misuse. We provide further support for the existence of such an effect with empirical evidence that the relation between declines in house prices and arson is stronger in states that allow mortgage lender recourse.
Caldora penicillata gen. nov., comb. nov. (Cyanobacteria), a pantropical marine species with biomedical relevance
Authors: Engene Niclas , Tronholm Ana , Salvador‐Reyes Lilibeth A. , Luesch Hendrik , Paul Valerie J.
Published: May 2015

Many tropical marine cyanobacteria are prolific producers of bioactive secondary metabolites with ecological relevance and promising pharmaceutical applications. One species of chemically rich, tropical marine cyanobacteria that was previously identified as Symploca hydnoides or Symploca sp. corresponds to the traditional taxonomic definition of Phormidium penicillatum. In this study, we clarified the taxonomy of this biomedically and ecologically important cyanobacterium by comparing recently collected specimens with the original type material and the taxonomic description of P. penicillatum. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA gene and the 16S‐23S internal transcribed spacer regions showed that P. penicillatum formed an independent clade sister to the genus Symploca, and distantly related to Phormidium and Lyngbya. We propose the new genus Caldora for this clade, with Caldora penicillata comb. nov. as the type species and designate as the epitype the recently collected strain FK13‐1. Furthermore, the production of bioactive secondary metabolites among various geographically dispersed collections of C. penicillata showed that this species consistently produced the metabolite dolastatin 10 and/or the related compound symplostatin 1, which appear to be robust autapomorphic characters and chemotaxonomic markers for this taxon.
Lipid subclasses profiles and oxidative stress in aggressive periodontitis before and after treatment
Authors: Nibali L. , Rizzo M. , Li Volti G. , D'Aiuto F. , Giglio R. V. , Barbagallo I. , Pelekos G. , Donos N.
Published: May 2015

Background and Objective

Associations between dyslipidaemia, oxidative stress and periodontitis have emerged in recent years. However, there is a lack of studies investigating these associations in aggressive periodontitis (AgP) cases. The aim of this study was to investigate the lipid and oxidative stress profiles in patients with AgP, and to relate them to clinical variables and interleukin (IL)‐6 genetic variants.

Material and Methods

Twelve non‐smoking Caucasian patients with AgP selected based on their IL6 haplotypes underwent periodontal non‐surgical and surgical treatment. Peripheral blood samples taken at baseline and at six different time‐points after treatment were processed to determine IL‐6 circulating levels, lipid profiles (cholesterol, triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein [HDL] and low‐density lipoprotein [LDL] subclasses) and oxidative stress markers (glutathione and total lipid hydroperoxide levels).

Results

HDLs were the most prevalent lipoproteins, followed by intermediate‐density lipoprotein, very‐low‐density lipoprotein and LDL. The LDL subclasses consisted mainly of the less atherogenic large LDL. The lipid profile did not consistently change after treatment up to 3 mo after surgery. Periodontal disease severity was associated with LDL levels and size. The IL6 haplotypes were associated with total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL subclasses after adjusting for confounders. IL‐6 circulating levels were associated with both very‐low‐density lipoprotein and lipid hydroperoxide levels.

Conclusion

Based on these data, we conclude that both periodontal disease severity and IL6 haplotypes may influence lipid profiles in AgP.
Effect of Rheological Properties on Sensory Acceptance of Two‐Model Dysphagia‐Oriented Food Products
Authors: Zargaraan Azizollaah , Saghafi Zahra , Hasandokht Firouz Mahtab , Fadavi Ghasem , Ghorbani Gorji Sara , Mohammadifar Mohammad Amin
Published: May 2015

This paper aimed to investigate the effect of rheological properties on the sensory acceptance of two (Ferni and cocoa drink) model dysphagia‐oriented food products. The results showed that the cocoa drink with the highest viscosity had the maximum score in overall liking and ease of swallowing. Among the Ferni samples, the one with minimum viscosity had the highest score in overall liking and ease of swallowing. A negative correlation ratio was found between n (flow behavior index in power law model), n′ (viscoelastic nature of sample) and hysteresis area and ease of swallowing in the cocoa drink. The three mentioned parameters showed a positive correlation ratio with the ease of swallowing scores for the Ferni samples. These results recommended that, in nectar‐like products, higher viscosities might lead to ease of swallowing, but in the spoon‐thick category, higher viscosities did not necessarily result in the increased ease of swallowing.

Practical Applications

Most studies in the field of rheology–dysphagia have been only focused on the rheological experiments of dysphagia‐oriented food products (DOFPs) and do not deal with the sensory acceptance of these products. Moreover, developing clinically relevant criteria for classifying DOFPs is helpful for both food rheologists and healthcare teams. The present study provided additional evidence for the inadequacy of current classification strategies for DOFPs.
Design Issues and Inference in Experimental L2 Research
Authors: Hudson Thom , Llosa Lorena
Published: May 2015

Explicit attention to research design issues is essential in experimental second language (L2) research. Too often, however, such careful attention is not paid. This article examines some of the issues surrounding experimental L2 research and its relationships to causal inferences. It discusses the place of research questions and hypotheses, threats to internal and external validity, specific experimental designs, sample size, and the language used in discussing causal relationships. It is hoped that this discussion will bring design issues to the forefront in experimental L2 research.
Reporting and Interpreting Quantitative Research Findings: What Gets Reported and Recommendations for the Field
Authors: Larson‐Hall Jenifer , Plonsky Luke
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a set of guidelines for reporting on five types of quantitative data issues: (1) Descriptive statistics, (2) Effect sizes and confidence intervals, (3) Instrument reliability, (4) Visual displays of data, and (5) Raw data. Our recommendations are derived mainly from various professional sources related to L2 research but motivated by results from investigations into how well the field as a whole is following these guidelines for best methodological practices, and illustrated by L2 examples. Although recent surveys of L2 reporting practices have found that more researchers are including important data such as effect sizes, confidence intervals, reliability coefficients, research questions, a priori alpha levels, graphics, and so forth in their research reports, we call for further improvement so that research findings may build upon each other and lend themselves to meta‐analyses and a mindset that sees each research project in the context of a coherent whole.
Bayesian Approaches to Imputation, Hypothesis Testing, and Parameter Estimation
Authors: Ross Steven J. , Mackey Beth
Published: May 2015

This chapter introduces three applications of Bayesian inference to common and novel issues in second language research. After a review of the critiques of conventional hypothesis testing, our focus centers on ways Bayesian inference can be used for dealing with missing data, for testing theory‐driven substantive hypotheses without a default null hypothesis, and for extending the findings of meta‐analyses to Bayesian estimations of parameters hypothesized to be larger or smaller than those derived from earlier research summaries. Missing data is examined by taking a complete data set and decimating it to simulate a missing at random data set, one common in longitudinal research. Data imputation is then applied to replace the missing data. Comparisons of the full and replaced data sets are made to show that valid inferences about change are possible after imputation of missing data has taken place. The second application of Bayesian inference is demonstrated with the use of a confirmatory analysis of variance approach in which theory‐driven ordered prior hypotheses about mean differences are postulated before the means are compared. Posterior model probabilities and Bayes Factors are discussed as criteria for supporting or refuting the hypothesized mean differences. The third application of Bayesian analysis takes the results of a validity generalization meta‐analysis of aptitude for foreign language learning and tests if a median parameter estimate derived from the validity generalization will be corroborated against data from a language categorized as difficult to learn.
Accessory and opaque minerals in impact melt rocks of the Boltysh structure, Ukraine
Authors: Gurov E. P. , Shekhunova S. B. , Permyakov V. V.
Published: May 2015

Electron microprobe analyses of accessory and opaque minerals from the impact melt rocks of the Boltysh structure, in the central part of the Ukrainian Shield, are presented in this report. Our study establishes a variety of minerals represented by native metals, alloys, oxides, sulfides, phosphates, and silicates, formed during several stages of cooling and solidification of the thick impact melt sheet. Baddeleyite was determined to be the earliest high‐temperature mineral to occur in the impact melt rocks. Iron and titanium oxides crystallized earlier or simultaneously with the microliths of orthopyroxene and feldspars. High concentrations of TiO2, Al2O3, and Cr2O3 were identified in some hematite varieties. Cu‐ and Ni‐bearing pyrrhotites occur in impact melt rocks with a glassy matrix. Native metals—copper, platinum, and silver—were likely formed due to the hydrothermal alteration of the upper unit of the impact melt sheet. Zircon is the only accessory mineral found in impact melt rocks that is preserved from the basement granites of the Boltysh structure.
Different polyamine pathways from bacteria have replaced eukaryotic spermidine biosynthesis in ciliates Tetrahymena thermophila and Paramecium tetaurelia
Authors: Li Bin , Kim Sok Ho , Zhang Yang , Hanfrey Colin C. , Elliott Katherine A. , Ealick Steven E. , Michael Anthony J.
Published: May 2015

The polyamine spermidine is absolutely required for growth and cell proliferation in eukaryotes, due to its role in post‐translational modification of essential translation elongation factor eIF5A, mediated by deoxyhypusine synthase. We have found that free‐living ciliates Tetrahymena and Paramecium lost the eukaryotic genes encoding spermidine biosynthesis: S‐adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (AdoMetDC) and spermidine synthase (SpdSyn). In Tetrahymena, they were replaced by a gene encoding a fusion protein of bacterial AdoMetDC and SpdSyn, present as three copies. In Paramecium, a bacterial homospermidine synthase replaced the eukaryotic genes. Individual AdoMetDC–SpdSyn fusion protein paralogues from Tetrahymena exhibit undetectable AdoMetDC activity; however, when two paralogous fusion proteins are mixed, AdoMetDC activity is restored and spermidine is synthesized. Structural modelling indicates a functional active site is reconstituted by sharing critical residues from two defective protomers across the heteromer interface. Paramecium was found to accumulate homospermidine, suggesting it replaces spermidine for growth. To test this concept, a budding yeast spermidine auxotrophic strain was found to grow almost normally with homospermidine instead of spermidine. Biosynthesis of spermidine analogue aminopropylcadaverine, but not exogenously provided norspermidine, correlated with some growth. Finally, we found that diverse single‐celled eukaryotic parasites and multicellular metazoan Schistosoma worms have lost the spermidine biosynthetic pathway but retain deoxyhypusine synthase.
Modelling non‐steady‐state isotope enrichment of leaf water in a gas‐exchange cuvette environment
Authors: Song Xin , Simonin Kevin A. , Loucos Karen E. , Barbour Margaret M.
Published: May 2015

The combined use of a gas‐exchange system and laser‐based isotope measurement is a tool of growing interest in plant ecophysiological studies, owing to its relevance for assessing isotopic variability in leaf water and/or transpiration under non‐steady‐state (NSS) conditions. However, the current Farquhar & Cernusak (F&C) NSS leaf water model, originally developed for open‐field scenarios, is unsuited for use in a gas‐exchange cuvette environment where isotope composition of water vapour (δv) is intrinsically linked to that of transpiration (δE). Here, we modified the F&C model to make it directly compatible with the δv–δE dynamic characteristic of a typical cuvette setting. The resultant new model suggests a role of ‘net‐flux’ (rather than ‘gross‐flux’ as suggested by the original F&C model)‐based leaf water turnover rate in controlling the time constant (τ) for the approach to steady sate. The validity of the new model was subsequently confirmed in a cuvette experiment involving cotton leaves, for which we demonstrated close agreement between τ values predicted from the model and those measured from NSS variations in isotope enrichment of transpiration. Hence, we recommend that our new model be incorporated into future isotope studies involving a cuvette condition where the transpiration flux directly influences δv.

There is an increasing popularity among plant ecophysiologists to use a gas‐exchange system coupled to laser‐based isotope measurement for investigating non‐steady state (NSS) isotopic variability in leaf water (and/or transpiration); however, the current Farquhar & Cernusak (F&C) NSS leaf water model is unsuited for use in a gas‐exchange cuvette environment due to its implicit assumption of isotope composition of water vapor (δv) being constant and independent of that of transpiration (δE). In the present study, we modified the F&C model to make it compatible with the dynamic relationship between δv and δE as is typically associated with a cuvette setting. Using an experiment conducted on cotton leaves, we show that the modified NSS model performed well in predicting the time constant for the exponential approach of leaf water toward steady state under cuvette conditions. Such a result demonstrates the applicability of this new model to gas‐exchange cuvette conditions where the transpiration flux directly influences δv, and therefore suggests the need to incorporate this model into future isotope studies that employ a laser‐cuvette coupled system.
Renal transplantation experience in a patient with factor V Leiden homozygous, MTHFR C677T heterozygous, and PAI heterozygous mutation
Authors: Gülhan Bora , Tavil Betül , Gümrük Fatma , Aki Tuncay F. , Topaloglu Rezan
Published: May 2015

Vascular complications are important causes of allograft loss in renal transplantation. A two and a half‐month‐old boy was diagnosed with posterior urethral valve and progressed to end‐stage renal disease at eight yr of age. During the HD period, a central venous catheter was replaced three times for repeated thrombosis. The boy was found to be homozygous for FVL and heterozygous for both MTHFR (C677T) and PAI. At the age of 12, renal transplantation was performed from a deceased donor. Postoperative anticoagulation therapy was initiated with continuous intravenous administration of heparin at the dose of 10 IU/kg/h. HD was performed for the first three days. By the fourth day of transplantation, his urine output had increased gradually. Heparin infusion was continued for 18 days during hospitalization at the same dosage. Thereafter, he was discharged with LMWH. On the third month after transplantation, his serum creatinine level was 1.1 mg/dL and eGFR was 75.7 mL/min/1.73 m2. He has still been using LMWH, and his eGFR was 78.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 eight months after transplantation. Postoperative low‐dose heparin treatment is a safe strategy for managing a patient with multiple thrombotic risk factors.