bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary Care of Women Aging with HIV
Authors: Womack Julie A. , Brandt Cynthia A. , Justice Amy C.
Published: March 2015

Women are living longer with HIV infection, but their life expectancy remains shorter than for women in the general population. How best to manage the multiple comorbidities and polypharmacy that are common in individuals wtih HIV has not been studied. This article explores areas where the primary care of women with HIV may differ from that of aging women in the general population. We also discuss aspects of care that may not commonly be considered in those under the age of 65, specifically multimorbidity and polypharmacy. Incorporating a gerontologic approach in the care of these women may optimize outcomes until research provides more definitive answers for how best to collaborate with women with HIV in order to provide them with optimal care.
Factors Associated with Young Adults’ Pregnancy Likelihood
Authors: Kornides Melanie L. , Kitsantas Panagiota , Lindley Lisa L. , Wu Huichuan
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Although progress has been made to reduce adolescent pregnancies in the United States, rates of unplanned pregnancy among young adults aged (aged 18‐29 years) remain high. In this study, we assessed factors associated with perceived likelihood of pregnancy (likelihood of getting pregnant/getting partner pregnant in the next year) among sexually experienced young adults who were not trying to get pregnant and had previously used contraceptives.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of 660 young adults, aged 18 to 29 years in the United States, from the cross‐sectional National Survey of Reproductive and Contraceptive Knowledge. Logistic regression and classification tree analyses were conducted to generate profiles of young adults most likely to report anticipating a pregnancy in the next year.

Results

Nearly one‐third (32%) of young adults indicated that they believed they had at least some likelihood of becoming pregnant in the next year. Young adults who believed that avoiding pregnancy was not very important were most likely to report pregnancy likelihood (odds ratio [OR], 5.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.80‐9.69), as were young adults who considered avoiding a pregnancy to be important but who were not satisfied with their current contraceptive method (OR, 3.93; 95% CI, 1.67‐9.24) and who attended religious services frequently (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.52‐5.94), were uninsured (OR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.31‐5.26), and were likely to have unprotected sex in the next 3 months (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.04‐3.01).

Discussion

These results may help guide future research and the development of pregnancy‐prevention interventions targeting sexually experienced young adults.
A Temporal Approach to Retrenchment and Successful Turnaround in Declining Firms
Authors: Tangpong Chanchai , Abebe Michael , Li Zonghui
Published: March 2015

This study extends current understanding of the retrenchment–turnaround relationship in declining firms by introducing a temporal approach and arguing that the effectiveness of retrenchment as a strategy is contingent on its adoption early in turnaround attempts. Drawing from the two‐stage turnaround model and insights from the literature on downward spirals in organizations, we develop and test a theoretical model that explains how temporal considerations in retrenchment influence the likelihood of successful turnaround. Using a matched pair sample of 96 US firms, we find that declining firms that implement retrenchment actions early have a higher likelihood of successful turnaround. The findings also indicate that while two specific retrenchment actions, early divestments and early geographic market exits, significantly contribute to the likelihood of successful turnaround, early layoffs do not. Overall, the findings shed some light on the importance of timing strategic actions in organizational turnarounds. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
STRUCTURAL STYLE AND KINEMATIC EVOLUTION OF THE HIGH ZAGROS, IRAN
Authors: Tavakoli‐Shirazi S. , Leturmy P. , Frizon de Lamotte D. , Ringenbach J.‐C.
Published: March 2015

The High Zagros in Iran, the most internal zone of the Zagros fold‐and‐thrust belt, is discontinuous and is only present in two mountainous areas located in the central and eastern parts of the belt respectively. Compared to other zones of the Zagros fold‐and‐thrust belt, the High Zagros has been relatively poorly studied. We present here new maps of these regions together with six new cross‐sections and two associated kinematic models. In addition to the well‐known basal décollement level located in the Upper Proterozoic Hormuz Formation, there is evidence for the existence of a deep intermediate décollement located within the Ordovician‐Silurian shale succession. From a geometric point of view, activation of this detachment and of the basal detachment has caused the development of duplexes which are confined within the cores of anticlines. From a kinematic point of view, a two‐phase history is suggested. During the first thin‐skinned phase, large detachment folds developed over the Hormuz salt and different intermediate décollements were activated together with fore‐ and back‐thrusts. This was followed by a thick‐skinned phase marked by the activation of major out‐of‐sequence basement thrusts, partly inherited from old basement faults. This final and still active phase of deformation is responsible for the exhumation of the Lower Palaeozoic succession. Finally, this kinematic model is integrated into a general tectonic scenario for the Zagros fold‐and‐thrust belt.
PALAEO‐EXPOSURE SURFACES IN CENOMANIAN – SANTONIAN CARBONATE RESERVOIRS IN THE DEZFUL EMBAYMENT, SW IRAN
Authors: Rahimpour‐Bonab H. , Mehrabi H. , Navidtalab A. , Omidvar M. , Enayati‐Bidgoli A. H. , Sonei R. , Sajjadi F. , Amiri‐Bakhtyar H. , Arzani N. , Izadi‐Mazidi E.
Published: March 2015

Cretaceous carbonates host major hydrocarbon reserves in SW Iran and elsewhere in the Arabian Plate. Tectonic activity combined with eustatic sea‐level changes resulted in periodic exposure of these carbonates which were subsequently modified by meteoric diagenesis under a warm and humid climate. Long‐term exposure led to the formation of several disconformity surfaces within the middle Cretaceous succession which had important effects on the interval's reservoir characteristics. These disconformity surfaces in the Dezful Embayment were investigated using microfacies, diagenetic and geochemical studies at five subsurface sections. Facies differences across these boundaries, together with features such as karstification, palaeosol development and collapse‐dissolution breccias, were used to identify emergent surfaces. Stable oxygen and carbon isotope ratios and trace element profiles indicate intense meteoric diagenesis. Disconformities were dated using biostratigraphic studies. The results indicate the presence of two major erosional disconformities: one is located at the Cenomanian – Turonian boundary separating the middle Sarvak Formation from its upper part; and the other is in the mid‐Turonian at the boundary between the Sarvak and Ilam Formations. The latter disconformity is correlatable throughout the Arabian Plate.
CHARGING OF ORDOVICIAN RESERVOIRS IN THE HALAHATANG DEPRESSION (TARIM BASIN, NW CHINA) DETERMINED BY OIL GEOCHEMISTRY
Authors: Xiangchun Chang , Wang T.‐G. , Qiming Li , Guangxi Ou
Published: March 2015

Petroleum at Halahatang oilfield in the Halahatang Depression (Tabei Uplift, Tarim Basin, NW China) occurs within calcarenites and bioclastic limestones in the Middle Ordovician Yijianfang Formation (O2yj). The petroleum is sourced from intervals in the Upper Ordovician Lianglitage Formation (O3l), and reservoirs are sealed by Upper Ordovician – Silurian argillaceous limestones and marls. The charging history of Halahatang oilfield is however poorly understood. For this study, the geochemical characteristics of 17 oils from Ordovician reservoir rocks at Halahatang field were investigated by GC and GC‐MS. Oil‐oil correlation studies indicate that all the oils belong to a single mature oil population. Based on the co‐occurrence of an intact n‐alkanes series together with an unresolved complex mixture (UCM) and fully‐developed 25‐norhopanes in the same oil samples, as well as a bimodal distribution of homogenisation temperatures of aqueous fluid inclusions, it was concluded that the reservoir experienced two separate oil charge events. 1D basin modelling indicates that the early phase of charging occurred from about 412 to 409 Ma and the later phase from 11 to 9 Ma. Using molecular parameters as tracing indicators, the general direction of oil charging was deduced to be from south to north. The source kitchen is therefore inferred to be located to the south of the Halahatang oilfield, probably in the Shuntuoguole Uplift between the Awati and Manjiaer Depressions.
Fat Perception: How Sensitive are We?
Authors: Le Calvé B. , Saint‐Léger C. , Babas R. , Gelin J.‐L. , Parker A. , Erni P. , Cayeux I.
Published: March 2015

We evaluate how perceptual discrimination depends on fat content for a range of liquid and semi‐liquid foods. We also investigate the role played in fat discrimination by olfaction, vision and taste and how sensory results can be related to physicochemical characteristics. The food matrices under investigation were all made of a continuous water phase containing various amounts of fat (sunflower oil‐in‐water emulsions, flavored and unflavored milk, stirred yoghurt and emulsified white sauce). We find that the sensory fat discrimination varies strongly depending on the food and the tasting conditions. Here, the fat content of low viscosity samples could be reduced or increased by 50%, without significantly impacting fat perception. However, the fat difference threshold is much lower for high viscosity samples. We also found that our sensory results are not related to the rheological properties. However, tribology data on stirred yoghurts were found to be valuable instrumental parameters for the study of the interactions between food composition and sensory perception.

Practical Applications

Fat content reduction in foods is required to reduce daily fat intake. However, this involves changes in the global perception of products. This work evaluates the ability to discriminate fat content for diverse food matrices and components which could impact it (ingredients or physicochemical characteristics). Managing the impact of these different factors on fat perception may help to develop reduced fat products with optimized sensory properties.
Past climate change drives current genetic structure of an endangered freshwater mussel species
Authors: Inoue Kentaro , Lang Brian K. , Berg David J.
Published: March 2015

Historical‐to‐recent climate change and anthropogenic disturbance affect species distributions and genetic structure. The Rio Grande watershed of the United States and Mexico encompasses ecosystems that are intensively exploited, resulting in substantial degradation of aquatic habitats. While significant anthropogenic disturbances in the Rio Grande are recent, inhospitable conditions for freshwater organisms likely existed prior to such disturbances. A combination of anthropogenic and past climate factors may contribute to current distributions of aquatic fauna in the Rio Grande basin. We used mitochondrial DNA and 18 microsatellite loci to infer evolutionary history and genetic structure of an endangered freshwater mussel, Popenaias popeii, throughout the Rio Grande drainage. We estimated spatial connectivity and gene flow across extant populations of P. popeii and used ecological niche models (ENMs) and approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) to infer its evolutionary history during the Pleistocene. structure results recovered regional and local population clusters in the Rio Grande. ENMs predicted drastic reductions in suitable habitat during the last glacial maximum. ABC analyses suggested that regional population structure likely arose in this species during the mid‐to‐late Pleistocene and was followed by a late Pleistocene population bottleneck in New Mexico populations. The local population structure arose relatively recently, perhaps due to anthropogenic factors. Popenaias popeii, one of the few freshwater mussel species native to the Rio Grande basin, is a case study for understanding how both geological and anthropogenic factors shape current population genetic structure. Conservation strategies for this species should account for the fragmented nature of contemporary populations.
Genetically distinct populations of northern shrimp, Pandalus borealis, in the North Atlantic: adaptation to different temperatures as an isolation factor
Authors: Jorde Per Erik , Søvik Guldborg , Westgaard Jon‐Ivar , Albretsen Jon , André Carl , Hvingel Carsten , Johansen Torild , Sandvik Anne Dagrun , Kingsley Michael , Jørstad Knut Eirik
Published: March 2015

The large‐scale population genetic structure of northern shrimp, Pandalus borealis, was investigated over the species’ range in the North Atlantic, identifying multiple genetically distinct groups. Genetic divergence among sample localities varied among 10 microsatellite loci (range: FST = −0.0002 to 0.0475) with a highly significant average (FST = 0.0149; P < 0.0001). In contrast, little or no genetic differences were observed among temporal replicates from the same localities (FST = 0.0004; P = 0.33). Spatial genetic patterns were compared to geographic distances, patterns of larval drift obtained through oceanographic modelling, and temperature differences, within a multiple linear regression framework. The best‐fit model included all three factors and explained approximately 29% of all spatial genetic divergence. However, geographic distance and larval drift alone had only minor effects (2.5–4.7%) on large‐scale genetic differentiation patterns, whereas bottom temperature differences explained most (26%). Larval drift was found to promote genetic homogeneity in parts of the study area with strong currents, but appeared ineffective across large temperature gradients. These findings highlight the breakdown of gene flow in a species with a long pelagic larval phase (up to 3 months) and indicate a role for local adaptation to temperature conditions in promoting evolutionary diversification and speciation in the marine environment.
Genomic evidence for role of inversion 3RP of Drosophila melanogaster in facilitating climate change adaptation
Authors: Rane Rahul V. , Rako Lea , Kapun Martin , Lee Siu F. , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: March 2015

Chromosomal inversion polymorphisms are common in animals and plants, and recent models suggest that alternative arrangements spread by capturing different combinations of alleles acting additively or epistatically to favour local adaptation. It is also thought that inversions typically maintain favoured combinations for a long time by suppressing recombination between alternative chromosomal arrangements. Here, we consider patterns of linkage disequilibrium and genetic divergence in an old inversion polymorphism in Drosophila melanogaster (In(3R)Payne) known to be associated with climate change adaptation and a recent invasion event into Australia. We extracted, karyotyped and sequenced whole chromosomes from two Australian populations, so that changes in the arrangement of the alleles between geographically separated tropical and temperate areas could be compared. Chromosome‐wide linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis revealed strong LD within the region spanned by In(3R)Payne. This genomic region also showed strong differentiation between the tropical and the temperate populations, but no differentiation between different karyotypes from the same population, after controlling for chromosomal arrangement. Patterns of differentiation across the chromosome arm and in gene ontologies were enhanced by the presence of the inversion. These data support the notion that inversions are strongly selected by bringing together combinations of genes, but it is still not clear if such combinations act additively or epistatically. Our data suggest that climatic adaptation through inversions can be dynamic, reflecting changes in the relative abundance of different forms of an inversion and ongoing evolution of allelic content within an inversion.
The AreA transcription factor mediates the regulation of deoxynivalenol (DON) synthesis by ammonium and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signalling in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Hou Rui , Jiang Cong , Zheng Qian , Wang Chenfang , Xu Jin‐Rong
Published: March 2015

Deoxynivalenol (DON), a trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Fusarium graminearum, is harmful to humans and animals. Because different nitrogen sources are known to have opposite effects on DON production, in this study, we characterized the regulatory mechanisms of the AREA transcription factor in trichothecene biosynthesis. The ΔareA mutant showed significantly reduced vegetative growth and DON production in cultures inoculated with hyphae. Suppression of TRI gene expression and DON production by ammonium were diminished in the ΔareA mutant. The deletion of AREA also affected the stimulatory effects of arginine on DON biosynthesis. The AreA‐green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion complemented the ΔareA mutant, and its localization to the nucleus was enhanced under nitrogen starvation conditions. Site‐directed mutagenesis showed that the conserved predicted protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation site S874 was important for AreA function, indicating that AreA may be a downstream target of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)‐PKA pathway, which is known to regulate DON production. We also showed that AreA interacted with Tri10 in co‐immunoprecipitation assays. The interaction of AreA with Tri10 is probably related to its role in the regulation of TRI gene expression. Interestingly, the ΔareA mutant showed significantly reduced PKA activity and expression of all three predicted ammonium permease (MEP) genes, in particular MEP1, under low ammonium conditions. Taken together, our results show that AREA is involved in the regulation of DON production by ammonium suppression and the cAMP‐PKA pathway. The AreA transcription factor may interact with Tri10 and control the expression and up‐regulation of MEP genes.
Evidence for different, host‐dependent functioning of Rx against both wild‐type and recombinant Pepino mosaic virus
Authors: Duff‐Farrier Celia R. A. , Candresse Thierry , Bailey Andy M. , Boonham Neil , Foster Gary D.
Published: March 2015

The potato Rx gene provides resistance against Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) in tomato; however, recent work has suggested that the resistance conferred may not be durable. Resistance breaking can probably be attributed to multiple mutations observed to accumulate in the capsid protein (CP) region of resistance‐breaking isolates, but this has not been confirmed through directed manipulation of an infectious PepMV clone. The present work describes the introduction of two specific mutations, A‐T78 and A‐T114, into the coat protein minimal elicitor region of an Rx‐controlled PepMV isolate of the EU genotype. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and phenotypic evaluation were conducted in three Rx‐expressing and wild‐type solanaceous hosts: Nicotiana benthamiana, Nicotiana tabacum and Solanum lycopersicum. Mutation A‐T78 alone was sufficient to confer Rx‐breaking activity in N. benthamiana and S. lycopersicum, whereas mutation A‐T114 was found to be associated, in most cases, with a secondary A‐D100 mutation to break Rx‐mediated resistance in S. lycopersicum. These results suggest that the need for a second, fitness‐restoring mutation may be dependent on the PepMV mutant under consideration. Both mutations conferred Rx breaking in S. lycopersicum, whereas neither conferred Rx breaking in N. tabacum and only A‐T78 allowed Rx breaking in N. benthamiana, suggesting that Rx may function in a different manner depending on the genetic background in which it is present.
Randomized crossover trial of endotracheal tube suctioning systems use in newborns
Authors: Cardoso Jaqueline M , Kusahara Denise M , Guinsburg Ruth , Pedreira Mavilde LG
Published: March 2015

Background

Maintaining endotracheal tube patency is critical for neonates receiving mechanical ventilation. Endotracheal tube suctioning removes accumulated secretions preventing potential adverse events, however is also potentially hazardous to the patient.

Objective

To compare respiratory rate, arterial blood oxygen saturation, heart rate and pain in newborns undergoing endotracheal tube suctioning with closed (CS) and open (OS) systems.

Methods

Randomized crossover trial with 13 newborns from two Brazilian hospitals. The respiratory rate, arterial blood oxygen saturation, heart rate and pain (Premature Infant Pain Profile) were analysed: immediately before (T1), during (T2), immediately after (T3), 10 min after (T4) and 30 min (T5) after endotracheal suctioning.

Results

The majority (11/85·0%) of the newborns were premature and 45% weighed less than 1000 g. No statistically significant difference was identified according to the use of CS or OS to all the parameters investigated. The main results demonstrated that in T2 arterial blood oxygen saturation was higher with CS (CS 93·0%; OS 89 · 0%; p = 0·561). In T3 there was an increase in respiratory rate average only with the use of OS (T1 50·0; T3 56·0). The pain score in T2 and heart rate in T3 were higher with OS without significant differences (p = 0·114; p = 0·479, respectively).

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in the studied clinical parameters or presence and intensity of pain according to the two investigated techniques of endotracheal tube suctioning.

Relevance to clinical practice

This research can provide support for clinical practice regarding endotracheal tube suctioning of newborns describing that the use of closed systems was similar to the open system regarding pain presence and intensity, as well as, in the clinical effects analysed, in accordance with other studies produced in this field.
Evidence of a role for GTP cyclohydrolase‐1 in visceral pain
Authors: Bulmer D. C. , Botha C. A. , Wheeldon A. , Grey K. , Mein C. A. , Lee K. , Knowles C. H. , Winchester W. J. , Aziz Q.
Published: March 2015

Background

The enzyme guanosine triphosphate‐cyclohydrolase‐1 (GCH‐1) is a rate limiting step in the de novo synthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) a co‐factor in monoamine synthesis and nitric oxide production. GCH‐1 is strongly implicated in chronic pain based on data generated using the selective GCH‐1 inhibitor 2,4‐diamino‐6‐hydroxypyrimidine (DAHP), and studies which have identified a pain protective GCH‐1 haplotype associated with lower BH4 production and reduced pain.

Methods

To investigate the role for GCH‐1 in visceral pain we examined the effects of DAHP on pain behaviors elicited by colorectal injection of mustard oil in rats, and the pain protective GCH‐1 haplotype in healthy volunteers characterized by esophageal pain sensitivity before and after acid injury, and assessed using depression and anxiety questionnaires.

Key Results

In rodents pretreatment with DAHP produced a substantial dose related inhibition of pain behaviors from 10 to 180 mg/kg i.p. (p < 0.01 to 0.001). In healthy volunteers, no association was seen between the pain protective GCH‐1 haplotype and the development of hypersensitivity following injury. However, a substantial increase in baseline pain thresholds was seen between first and second visits (26.6 ± 6.2 mA) in subjects who sensitized to esophageal injury and possessed the pain protective GCH‐1 haplotype compared with all other groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore the same subjects who sensitized to acid and possessed the haplotype, also had significantly lower depression scores (p < 0.05).

Conclusions & Inferences

The data generated indicate that GCH‐1 plays a role in visceral pain processing that requires more detailed investigation.
Isotope‐ratio infrared spectroscopy: a reliable tool for the investigation of plant‐water sources?
Authors: Martín‐Gómez Paula , Barbeta Adrià , Voltas Jordi , Peñuelas Josep , Dennis Kate , Palacio Sara , Dawson Todd E. , Ferrio Juan Pedro
Published: March 2015

Stable isotopes are extensively used as tracers for the study of plant‐water sources. Isotope‐ratio infrared spectroscopy (IRIS) offers a cheaper alternative to isotope‐ratio mass spectroscopy (IRMS), but its use in studying plant and soil water is limited by the spectral interference caused by organic contaminants. Here, we examine two approaches to cope with contaminated samples in IRIS: on‐line oxidation of organic compounds (MCM) and post‐processing correction.

We assessed these methods compared to IRMS across 136 samples of xylem and soil water, and a set of ethanol– and methanol–water mixtures.

A post‐processing correction significantly improved IRIS accuracy in both natural samples and alcohol dilutions, being effective with concentrations up to 8% of ethanol and 0.4% of methanol. MCM outperformed the post‐processing correction in removing methanol interference, but did not effectively remove interference for high concentrations of ethanol.

By using both approaches, IRIS can overcome with reasonable accuracy the analytical uncertainties associated with most organic contaminants found in soil and xylem water. We recommend the post‐processing correction as the first choice for analysis of samples of unknown contamination. Nevertheless, MCM can be more effective for evaluating samples containing contaminants responsible for strong spectral interferences at low concentrations, such as methanol.
Hydrogen sulfide signaling: interactions with nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species
Authors: Hancock John T. , Whiteman Matthew
Published: March 2015

Signaling in cells involving reactive compounds is well established. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) are known to be extremely influential in the control of a range of physiological responses in many organisms, from animals to plants. Often, their generation is triggered in reaction to stress, and it is common for ROS and NO metabolism to interact to give a coordinated response. Recently, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has also been found to be an important signaling molecule, being shown to be involved in vascular tone in animals. Of relevance to respiration, in plants, H2S has been shown to affect stomatal apertures and the transpiration stream, while, in animals, H2S has been shown to be a source of electrons for ATP synthesis in mitochondria. However, in signaling, H2S does not work in isolation, and it is likely that it will interact with both ROS and NO. This may occur at a variety of levels, from influencing the generation of such molecules, interacting directly, or competing for control of downstream signaling events. A full understanding of the impact of this toxic molecule in the control of cells requires all these factors to be taken into account.
The significance of allergic contact urticaria to milk in children with cow's milk allergy
Authors: Schichter‐Konfino Vered , Almog Meital , Bamberger Ellen , Berkowitz Drora , Kessel Aharon
Published: March 2015

Background

Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is the most common food allergy in infancy. Food allergy is generally triggered through ingestion, but can also be triggered through skin contact. We investigated the incidence and the clinical significance of cow's milk protein (CMP)‐induced contact urticaria in individuals with CMA with and without atopic dermatitis (AD).

Methods

A total of 157 children of whom 133 were diagnosed with CMA were participated. The study was based on observational data gathered in the course of patient care, including a skin prick test and a ‘finger test’, in which cow's milk is applied on the cheek by a physician's finger to detect contact urticaria.

Results

Eighty nine of 133 patients (66.9%) had IgE‐mediated CMA. Forty of these 89 (44.9%) tested positive in the finger test. Family atopy was higher in those with positive contact urticaria [21/40 (52.5%) vs. 14/49 (28.5%), p = 0.029]. Patients with positive vs. negative CMP contact urticaria had higher incidence of multiple food allergies [20 of 40 (50%) vs. 7/49 (14.3%), p < 0.004]. IgE‐mediated CMA patients with AD had statistically higher CMP allergic contact urticaria compared to patients without AD [71% (15/21) vs. 37% (25/68), p = 0.0064]. Children with non‐IgE milk allergy and healthy control group did not have contact urticaria to CMP.

Conclusion

CMP contact urticaria exists only in patients with IgE‐mediated CMA. A ‘finger test’ to CMP should be part of the evaluation of CMA patients, and positivity suggests the potential for multiple food allergies, especially to sesame and egg.
Functional neuroanatomy on the working memory under emotional distraction in patients with generalized anxiety disorder
Authors: Moon Chung‐Man , Jeong Gwang‐Woo
Published: March 2015

Aims

Patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) suffer the symptoms of psychological distress, including excessive and uncontrollable anxiety. Until now, the functional neuroanatomy for working memory (WM) in conjunction with the major anxiety symptoms in GAD patients has not yet been clearly identified. This study investigated the neural activation patterns associated with the effect of neutral and anxiety‐inducing distractors during the delayed‐response WM task in GAD patients.

Methods

Eighteen patients with GAD and 18 age‐matched healthy controls participated in this study. The functional magnetic resonance images were obtained while the subjects performed a delayed‐response WM task with neutral and anxiety‐inducing distractors.

Results

During the neutral distractor, GAD patients compared to controls showed significantly lower activities in the fusiform gyrus, superior parietal gyrus, precuneus, superior occipital gyrus, lingual gyrus, cuneus, calcarine gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus and cerebellar cortex. During the anxiety‐inducing distractor, GAD patients showed significantly higher activity in the hippocampus, whereas they showed lower activities in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, fusiform gyrus, superior parietal gyrus, precuneus, superior occipital gyrus and cerebellar cortex. The blood‐oxygen‐level dependent signal changes in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in GAD patients during the anxiety‐inducing distractor were negatively correlated with Anxiety Sensitivity Index‐Revised scores.

Conclusions

This study identified the specific brain areas associated with the interaction between emotional regulation and cognitive function associated with neutral and anxiety‐inducing distractors during WM maintenance in GAD patients. These findings will be helpful for understanding the neural mechanism on the WM‐related cognitive deficits and emotional dysfunction with typical anxiety symptoms in GAD.
Agminated Flexural Melanocytic Nevi: A Late Sequela of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis?
Authors: Feldstein Stephanie , Funk Tracy , Smith John C. , Bruckner Anna L.
Published: March 2015

Agminated flexural melanocytic nevi in children with a history of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) are rare and thought to be coincidental or related to systemic chemotherapy. We report on an 11‐year‐old boy in remission from LCH, treated with only topical steroids, who presented years later with an eruption of melanocytic nevi in the bilateral inguinal and axillary regions. Rather than coincidence, we hypothesize that agminated flexural melanocytic nevi are a late sequela of LCH, possibly resulting from immune tolerance or a reaction to local inflammation.
Enlargement of Eccrine Angiomatous Hamartoma Following Trauma
Authors: Hawryluk Elena B. , Schmidt Birgitta , Maguiness Sheilagh
Published: March 2015

Eccrine angiomatous hamartoma (EAH) is a rare, benign hamartoma of eccrine and vascular components that predominantly affects children. Growth is typically commensurate with the child's growth. Herein we report an additional case of this rare entity that enlarged after trauma in a 7‐year‐old girl.
Comparative pathogenicity of sexual and asexual spores of Zymoseptoria tritici (septoria tritici blotch) on wheat leaves
Authors: Morais D. , Laval V. , Sache I. , Suffert F.
Published: March 2015

Zymoseptoria tritici ascospores and pycnidiospores are considered the main forms of primary and secondary inoculum, respectively, in septoria tritici blotch epidemics. The pathogenicity of the two types of spores of the same genotypic origin were compared through a two‐stage inoculation procedure in controlled conditions. Adult wheat leaves were inoculated with ascospores collected from field sources, yielding 119 lesions; pycnidiospores collected from 12 lesions resulting from these ascospore infections were then used for inoculation. Lesion development was assessed for 5 weeks; latent period, lesion size, and pycnidium density were estimated for different isolates. The latent period was calculated as the maximum likely time elapsed between inoculation and either the appearance of the majority of the sporulating lesions (leaf scale) or the appearance of the first pycnidia (lesion scale). The latent period was significantly longer (c. 60 degree‐days, i.e. 3–4 days) after infection with ascospores than with pycnidiospores. No difference was established for lesion size and density of pycnidia. A comparison with other ascomycete fungi suggested that the difference in latent period might be related to the volume of spores and their ability to cause infection. Fungal growth before the appearance of lesions may be slower after inoculation with an ascospore than with a pycnidiospore. The mean latent period during the very beginning of epidemics, when first lesions are mainly caused by ascospores, may be longer than during spring, when secondary infections are caused by pycnidiospores. Disease models would be improved if these differences were considered.
The prevalence and patient characteristics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in non‐smokers in Vietnam and Indonesia: An observational survey
Authors: Nguyen Viet Nhung , Yunus Faisal , Nguyen Thi Phuong Anh , Dao Bich Van , Damayanti Triya , Wiyono Wiwien Heru , Billot Laurent , Jakes Rupert W. , Kwon Namhee
Published: March 2015

Background and objective

An estimated 25–40% of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have never smoked. We investigated the prevalence and patient characteristics of COPD in non‐smokers from Vietnam and Indonesia.

Methods

This population‐based cross‐sectional survey of participants from urban and rural Vietnam and Indonesia used a stratified multistage cluster sampling design, with sample and population weights applied to ensure representativeness. Participants were female or male (recruited in the ratio 2:1) non‐smokers, 40 years or older and able to perform a spirometry test. Spirometry was performed at a single study visit. Other clinical information was collected via standardized questionnaires.

Results

The 1506 evaluable participants were approximately equally distributed between Vietnam and Indonesia, and rural and urban areas. Overall prevalence of COPD was found to be 6.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 5.7–8.3), with almost three times higher prevalence in men than women (12.9% (95% CI: 9.1–18.0) vs 4.4% (95% CI: 3.0–6.5)). We found higher rates of COPD in Vietnam than Indonesia (8.1% (95% CI: 5.8–11.3) vs 6.3% (95% CI: 4.8–8.3)), with a particularly high prevalence in urban Vietnam (11.1% (95% CI: 8.1–15.1)). Very few participants (6%) diagnosed to have COPD during the study had been previously diagnosed with COPD. Respiratory symptoms and lower health‐related quality of life were more common in participants with COPD.

Conclusions

The prevalence of COPD in non‐smoking individuals from rural and urban Vietnam and Indonesia was 6.9%, of which a significant proportion (94%) were previously undiagnosed.
Reduction Methods and Chaos for Quadratic Systems of Differential Equations
Authors: Vakulenko S. , Grigoriev D. , Weber A.
Published: March 2015

We consider systems of differential equations with quadratic nonlinearities having applications for biochemistry and population dynamics, which may have a large dimension n. Due to the complexity of these systems, reduction algorithms play a crucial role in study of their large time behavior. Our approach aims to reduce a large system to a smaller one consisting of m differential equations, where . Under some restrictions (that allow us to separate slow and fast variables in the system) we obtain a new system of differential equations, involving slow variables only. This reduction is feasible from a computational point of view for large n that allows us to investigate sensitivity of dynamics with respect to random variations of parameters. We show that the quadratic systems are capable to generate all kinds of structurally stable dynamics including chaos.
Private Self‐consciousness and Gender Moderate How Adolescents' Values Relate to Aggression
Authors: Benish‐Weisman Maya , McDonald Kristina L.
Published: March 2015

The relationship between values and aggression and the moderating roles of gender and private self‐ consciousness (PSC) on these relations were examined. Participants were 642 Arabic and Jewish adolescents in Israel (M age = 13.79, SD = .51; 53.9 percent females). Values and PSC were measured by self‐reports and aggression was measured by peer nominations. Aggression was positively correlated with self‐enhancement and openness to change values, and negatively correlated with self‐transcendence and conservation values. The results also suggested that PSC and gender play an important role in moderating these relations. The study's contributions to value theory and its practical implications are discussed.
Immunological failure of first‐line and switch to second‐line antiretroviral therapy among HIV‐infected persons in Tanzania: analysis of routinely collected national data
Authors: Vanobberghen Fiona M. , Kilama Bonita , Wringe Alison , Ramadhani Angela , Zaba Basia , Mmbando Donan , Todd Jim
Published: March 2015

Objectives

Rates of first‐line treatment failure and switches to second‐line therapy are key indicators for national HIV programmes. We assessed immunological treatment failure defined by WHO criteria in the Tanzanian national HIV programme.

Methods

We included adults initiating first‐line therapy in 2004–2011 with a pre‐treatment CD4 count, and ≥6‐months of follow‐up. We assessed subhazard ratios (SHR) for immunological treatment failure, and subsequent switch to second‐line therapy, using competing risks methods to account for deaths.

Results

Of 121 308 adults, 7% experienced immunological treatment failure, and 2% died without observed immunological treatment failure, over a median 1.7 years. The 6‐year cumulative probability of immunological treatment failure was 19.0% (95% CI 18.5, 19.7) and of death, 5.1% (4.8, 5.4). Immunological treatment failure predictors included earlier year of treatment initiation (P < 0.001), initiation in lower level facilities (SHR = 2.23 [2.03, 2.45] for dispensaries vs. hospitals), being male (1.27 [1.19, 1.33]) and initiation at low or high CD4 counts (for example, 1.78 [1.65, 1.92] and 5.33 [4.65, 6.10] for <50 and ≥500 vs. 200–349 cells/mm3, respectively). Of 7382 participants in the time‐to‐switch analysis, 6% switched and 5% died before switching. Four years after immunological treatment failure, the cumulative probability of switching was 7.3% (6.6, 8.0) and of death, 6.8% (6.0, 7.6). Those who immunologically failed in dispensaries, health centres and government facilities were least likely to switch.

Conclusions

Immunological treatment failure rates and unmet need for second‐line therapy are high in Tanzania; virological monitoring, at least for persons with immunological treatment failure, is required to minimise unnecessary switches to second‐line therapy. Lower level government health facilities need more support to reduce treatment failure rates and improve second‐line therapy uptake to sustain the benefits of increased coverage.
Moderate Cyclic Tensile Strain Alters the Assembly of Cartilage Extracellular Matrix Proteins In Vitro
Authors: Bleuel Judith , Zaucke Frank , Brüggemann Gert-Peter , Heilig Juliane , Wolter Marie-Louise , Hamann Nina , Firner Sara , Niehoff Anja
Published: March 2015

Mechanical loading influences the structural and mechanical properties of articular cartilage. The cartilage matrix protein collagen II essentially determines the tensile properties of the tissue and is adapted in response to loading. The collagen II network is stabilized by the collagen II-binding cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), collagen IX, and matrilin-3. However, the effect of mechanical loading on these extracellular matrix proteins is not yet understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate if and how chondrocytes assemble the extracellular matrix proteins collagen II, COMP, collagen IX, and matrilin-3 in response to mechanical loading. Primary murine chondrocytes were applied to cyclic tensile strain (6%, 0.5 Hz, 30 min per day at three consecutive days). The localization of collagen II, COMP, collagen IX, and matrilin-3 in loaded and unloaded cells was determined by immunofluorescence staining. The messenger ribo nucleic acid (mRNA) expression levels and synthesis of the proteins were analyzed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blots. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that the pattern of collagen II distribution was altered by loading. In loaded chondrocytes, collagen II containing fibrils appeared thicker and strongly co-stained for COMP and collagen IX, whereas the collagen network from unloaded cells was more diffuse and showed minor costaining. Further, the applied load led to a higher amount of COMP in the matrix, determined by western blot analysis. Our results show that moderate cyclic tensile strain altered the assembly of the extracellular collagen network. However, changes in protein amount were only observed for COMP, but not for collagen II, collagen IX, or matrilin-3. The data suggest that the adaptation to mechanical loading is not always the result of changes in RNA and/or protein expression but might also be the result of changes in matrix assembly and structure.
Dynamic Modeling of Manufacturing Equipment Capability Using Condition Information in Cloud Manufacturing
Authors: Xu Wenjun , Yu Jiajia , Zhou Zude , Xie Yongquan , Pham Duc Truong , Ji Chunqian
Published: March 2015

There is a growing need of knowledge description of manufacturing equipment and their capabilities for users, in order to efficiently obtain the on-demand services of manufacturing equipment in cloud manufacturing, and the understanding of the manufacturing capability of equipment is the most important basis for optimizing the cloud service management. During the manufacturing processes, a number of uncertain incidents may occur, which could degrade the manufacturing system performance or even paralyze the production line. Hence, all aspects about the equipment should be reflected within the knowledge description, and the static and dynamic information are both included in the knowledge model of manufacturing equipment. Unification and dynamics are the most important characteristics of the framework of knowledge description. The primary work of this study is fourfold. First, three fundamental ontologies are built, namely, basic information ontology, functional ontology, and manufacturing process ontology. Second, the correlation between the equipment ontology and the fundamental ontology that forms the unified description framework is determined. Third, the mapping relationship between the real-time condition data and the model of manufacturing equipment capability ontology is established. On the basis of the mapping relationship, the knowledge structure of the manufacturing equipment capability ontology is able to update in real-time. Finally, a prototype system is developed to validate the feasibility of the proposed dynamic modeling method. The system implementation demonstrates that the proposed knowledge description framework and method are capable of reflecting the current conditions and the dynamic capability of manufacturing equipment.
Effect of Adhesive Nanoparticle Enrichment on Static Load Transfer Capacity and Failure Mode of Bonded Steel–Magnesium Single Lap Joints
Authors: Nassar Sayed A. , Wu Zhijun , Moustafa Kassem , Tzelepis Demetrios
Published: March 2015

An experimental procedure and test setup are used for investigating effect of using nanoparticle additives to the adhesive on the load transfer capacity (LTC) of bonded magnesium (Mg)–steel (St) single lap joints (SLJ). Investigated variables include the nanopowder material (alumina versus silica), particulate size (20 nm versus 80 nm), and concentration in the adhesive (2.5 wt.% versus 5.0 wt.%). Two different levels of surface roughness on the bonded area are used, namely, sanding the bond area with G60 or G180 sand paper. Test data and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) failure mode analysis are provided.
Conrod Bearings With an Optimized Narrow Circumferential Oil Groove: Simulated Durability Improvement for Heavy-Duty Applications
Authors: Kalogiannis Konstantinos , Merritt David R. , Mian Omar , Gibson Hugh
Published: March 2015

Under normal operating conditions, engine crankshaft bearings experience variations in oil film temperature due to shearing of the oil film. This can have a negative impact on the bearing operating life since the viscosity of the lubricant is temperature dependent. In the current study, a thermo-elastohydrodynamic lubrication (TEHL) analysis has been conducted using an in-house specialized simulation package called (software for analysis of bearings in reciprocating engines) SABRE-TEHL. This advanced simulation tool has been used to optimize a new bearing design feature leading to a significant temperature reduction, which in turn increases the robustness of the system.
The use of atlas registration and graph cuts for prostate segmentation in magnetic resonance images
Authors: Korsager Anne Sofie , Fortunati Valerio , van der Lijn Fedde , Carl Jesper , Niessen Wiro , Østergaard Lasse Riis , van Walsum Theo
Published: March 2015

Purpose:

An automatic method for 3D prostate segmentation in magnetic resonance (MR) images is presented for planning image‐guided radiotherapy treatment of prostate cancer.

Methods:

A spatial prior based on intersubject atlas registration is combined with organ‐specific intensity information in a graph cut segmentation framework. The segmentation is tested on 67 axial T2‐weighted MR images in a leave‐one‐out cross validation experiment and compared with both manual reference segmentations and with multiatlas‐based segmentations using majority voting atlas fusion. The impact of atlas selection is investigated in both the traditional atlas‐based segmentation and the new graph cut method that combines atlas and intensity information in order to improve the segmentation accuracy. Best results were achieved using the method that combines intensity information, shape information, and atlas selection in the graph cut framework.

Results:

A mean Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 0.88 and a mean surface distance (MSD) of 1.45 mm with respect to the manual delineation were achieved.

Conclusions:

This approaches the interobserver DSC of 0.90 and interobserver MSD 0f 1.15 mm and is comparable to other studies performing prostate segmentation in MR.