bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Schlieren imaging investigation of the hydrodynamics of atmospheric helium plasma jets
Authors: Zheng Yashuang , Wang Lijun , Ning Wenjun , Jia Shenli
Published: March 2016

This work investigates the hydrodynamic characteristics of a coaxial double-ring electrode helium plasma jet by means of a “Z-type” Schlieren imaging system. The Schlieren images and visual optical photographs made show that a transition point from a laminar region to a turbulent region exists for gas flow without plasma when the helium flow rate exceeds a certain value. After plasma ignition, the laminar region shrinks with voltage increases, and the maximum length of the plasma plume is confined to the laminar region. The heat transfer equation and the spectral broadening of the He I 667.8 nm were used to estimate the increased gas temperature in the plasma jet, and the change in gas velocity by ionic momentum transfer was found by application of a double sphere collision model. As a result, gas heating is considered to be the dominant factor for the earlier onset of turbulence after plasma ignition, whereas the role of ion momentum transfer to neutral gas molecules is comparatively weak. The hydrodynamic behaviors of the plasma jet at the impact region for organic glass and silicon substrates are also researched. The ionization front propagates along the organic glass surface and contracts at the impact point on the silicon surface. More visible vortices are observed from Schlieren images with silicon substrates than with organic glass substrates. Possible mechanisms related to the different treatment effects are discussed.
Giant spontaneous magnetization jumps in LaFe12B6
Authors: Diop L. V. B. , Isnard O.
Published: March 2016

Unexpected giant metamagnetic transitions consisting of a succession of extremely sharp magnetization steps separated by plateaus are reported at low temperature in LaFe12B6. Under certain combinations of the external parameters (temperature and magnetic field), the time dependence of the magnetization displays an unusual step-like feature. It is demonstrated that this giant spontaneous jump in magnetization takes place after a silent time and shows a striking resemblance with the phenomenon of an “incubation time” found in martensitic-like transformations.
Improvement of sprayed CuZnS/In2S3 solar cell efficiency by making multiple band gap nature more prominent
Authors: Sreejith M. S. , Deepu D. R. , SudhaKartha C. , Rajeevkumar K. , Vijayakumar K. P.
Published: March 2016

CuZnS is a new promising material in thin film photovoltaics which is earth abundant and eco-friendly. Its electrical and optical properties can be controlled by varying atomic ratios of Copper and Zinc, so as to use it as absorber or window layers. Type of conductivity of this material can also be changed from n to p by adjusting Cu/Zn value. In the present work, we report improvement of cell parameters of CuZnS/In2S3 hetero junction considerably from our own earlier reported values just by increasing Cu to Zn ratio in CuZnS. Current density increased from 5.4 mA/cm2 to 10.7 mA/cm2, thereby enhancing conversion efficiency from 1% to 1.95%. Results are explained on the basis of improvement of multiple band structure.
Voltage equalization control algorithm for monitoring and balancing of series connected lithium-ion battery
Authors: Hoque M. M. , Hannan M. A. , Mohamed A.
Published: March 2016

Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries are commonly used as automobile energy storage systems for powering applications due to their lucrative features. However, a battery management system with individual cell monitoring and balancing of Li-Ion batteries for long use and casualties' protection are still major issues in electric vehicle applications. This paper deals with the development of a voltage equalization control algorithm for individual cell monitoring and balancing of series connected Li-Ion battery cells. The developed states and sequences of the control algorithm manage the whole processes of battery cell monitoring, charging, and discharging, respectively. A charge equalization model is implemented with series connected 10 Li-Ion battery cells utilizing the developed control algorithm. Results show that charging and discharging, and cell balancing performance of the control algorithm are capable of quickly responding to reach the state of charge difference of 2.5% among all cells, defending the existing anomaly, providing tolerable stress to components and operating at a higher efficiency of 84.9%.
Simulations and experiments of heat loss from a parabolic trough absorber tube over a range of pressures and gas compositions in the vacuum chamber
Authors: Vinuesa R. , Fdez. de Arévalo L. , Luna M. , Cachafeiro H.
Published: March 2016

A new simulation tool aimed at characterizing the thermal behavior of parabolic trough collectors over a wide range of pressures and gas mixtures in the vacuum chamber is presented in this study. The model is able to accurately predict overall efficiency and heat losses obtained in a number of experimental sources based on both on-sun and off-sun testing, with vacuum in the annulus and no hydrogen. Excellent agreement of the simulations with experiments including different gas compositions, especially with high hydrogen concentrations, is achieved through the use of molecular dynamics results for the determination of the accommodation coefficient of the mixture. Additional experiments were carried out to validate the accuracy of the model over a range of pressures between 10−4 and 130 mbar. The accurate modelling of rarefied gas dynamics presented here also leads to an excellent agreement between simulations and experiments over the whole pressure range. An accurate determination of the performance in such extreme conditions is critical for an adequate Operation & Maintenance strategy, as well as the development of effective predictive and preventives plans.
Physiological flow of Carreau fluid due to ciliary motion
Authors: Nadeem S. , Munim A. , Shaheen A. , Hussain S.
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we have explained the ciliary motion of a Carreau fluid inside a symmetrical channel with ciliated walls. Carreau fluid equations for the two dimensional channel are interpreted by employing the low Reynolds number and long wave-length approximations. The analytical series solutions are found by employing the Homotopy perturbation method. Solutions are presented through graphs. The results for the distinct values of the constants are described by generating graphs of velocity, pressure gradient, pressure rise and stream lines.
Sophie Dumont: Mastering the uncanny mechanics of living systems
Authors: Powell Kendall
Published: March 2016

Dumont brings biophysics to decode spindle architecture and dynamic function.
The single transmembrane segment determines the modulatory function of the BK channel auxiliary γ subunit
Authors: Li Qin , Guan Xin , Yen Karen , Zhang Jiyuan , Yan Jiusheng
Published: March 2016

The large-conductance, calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels consist of the pore-forming, voltage- and Ca2+-sensing α subunits (BKα) and the tissue-specific auxiliary β and γ subunits. The BK channel γ1 subunit is a leucine-rich repeat (LRR)–containing membrane protein that potently facilitates BK channel activation in many tissues and cell types through a vast shift in the voltage dependence of channel activation by ∼140 mV in the hyperpolarizing direction. In this study, we found that the single transmembrane (TM) segment together with its flanking charged residues is sufficient to fully modulate BK channels upon its transplantation into the structurally unrelated β1 subunit. We identified Phe273 and its neighboring residues in the middle of the TM segment and a minimum of three intracellular juxtamembrane Arg residues as important for the γ1 subunit’s modulatory function and observed functional coupling between residues of these two locations. We concluded that the TM segment is a key molecular determinant for channel association and modulation and that the intracellular positively charged cluster is involved mainly in channel association, likely through its TM-anchoring effect. Our findings provide insights into the structure–function relationship of the γ1 subunit in understanding its potent modulatory effects on BK channels.
Colletotrichum orbiculare WHI2, a Yeast Stress-Response Regulator Homolog, Controls the Biotrophic Stage of Hemibiotrophic Infection Through TOR Signaling
Authors: Harata Ken , Nishiuchi Takumi , Kubo Yasuyuki
Published: March 2016

The hemibiotrophic fungus Colletotrichum orbiculare first establishes a biotrophic infection stage in cucumber (Cucumber sativus) epidermal cells and subsequently transitions to a necrotrophic stage. Here, we found that C. orbiculare established hemibiotrophic infection via C. orbiculare WHI2, a yeast stress regulator homolog, and TOR (target of rapamycin) signaling. Plant defense responses such as callose deposition, H2O2, and antimicrobial proteins were strongly induced by the C. orbiculare whi2Δ mutant, resulting in defective pathogenesis. Expression analysis of biotrophy-specific genes evaluated by the promoter VENUS fusion gene indicated weaker VENUS signal intensity in the whi2Δ mutant, thereby suggesting that C. orbiculare WHI2 plays a key role in regulating biotrophic infection of C. orbiculare. The involvement of CoWHI2 in biotrophic infection was further explored with a DNA microarray. In the Cowhi2Δ mutant, TOR-dependent ribosomal protein–related genes were strikingly upregulated compared with the wild type. Moreover, callose deposition in the host plant after inoculation with the Cowhi2Δ mutant treated with rapamycin, which inhibits TOR activity, was reduced, and the mutant remained biotrophic in contrast to the untreated mutant. Thus, regulation of TOR by Whi2 is apparently crucial to the biotrophic stage of hemibiotrophic infection in C. orbiculare.
Differentiation Among Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici Isolates Originating from Wild Versus Domesticated Triticum Species in Israel
Authors: Ben-David Roi , Parks Ryan , Dinoor Amos , Kosman Evsey , Wicker Thomas , Keller Beat , Cowger Christina
Published: March 2016

Israel and its vicinity constitute a center of diversity of domesticated wheat species (Triticum aestivum and T. durum) and their sympatrically growing wild relatives, including wild emmer wheat (T. dicoccoides). We investigated differentiation within the forma specialis of their obligate powdery mildew pathogen, Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici. A total of 61 B. graminis f. sp. tritici isolates were collected from the three host species in four geographic regions of Israel. Genetic relatedness of the isolates was characterized using both virulence patterns on 38 wheat lines (including 21 resistance gene differentials) and presumptively neutral molecular markers (simple-sequence repeats and single-nucleotide polymorphisms). All isolates were virulent on at least some genotypes of all three wheat species tested. All assays divided the B. graminis f. sp. tritici collection into two distinct groups, those from domesticated hosts and those from wild emmer wheat. One-way migration was detected from the domestic wheat B. graminis f. sp. tritici population to the wild emmer B. graminis f. sp. tritici population at a rate of five to six migrants per generation. This gene flow may help explain the overlap between the distinct domestic and wild B. graminis f. sp. tritici groups. Overall, B. graminis f. sp. tritici is significantly differentiated into wild-emmer and domesticated-wheat populations, although the results do not support the existence of a separate f. sp. dicocci.
Kenyan Isolates of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici from 2008 to 2014: Virulence to SrTmp in the Ug99 Race Group and Implications for Breeding Programs
Authors: Newcomb Maria , Olivera Pablo D. , Rouse Matthew N. , Szabo Les J. , Johnson Jerry , Gale Sam , Luster Douglas G. , Wanyera Ruth , Macharia Godwin , Bhavani Sridhar , Hodson David , Patpour Mehran , Hovmøller Mogens S. , Fetch Thomas G. , Jin Yue
Published: March 2016

Frequent emergence of new variants in the Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici Ug99 race group in Kenya has made pathogen survey a priority. We analyzed 140 isolates from 78 P. graminis f. sp. tritici samples collected in Kenya between 2008 and 2014 and identified six races, including three not detected prior to 2013. Genotypic analysis of 20 isolates from 2013 and 2014 collections showed that the new races TTHST, TTKTK, and TTKTT belong to the Ug99 race group. International advanced breeding lines were evaluated against an isolate of TTKTT (Sr31, Sr24, and SrTmp virulence) at the seedling stage. From 169 advanced lines from Kenya, 23% of lines with resistance to races TTKSK and TTKST were susceptible to TTKTT and, from two North American regional nurseries, 44 and 91% of resistant lines were susceptible. Three lines with combined resistance genes were developed to facilitate pathogen monitoring and race identification. These results indicate the increasing virulence and variability in the Kenyan P. graminis f. sp. tritici population and reveal vulnerabilities of elite germplasm to new races.
Widespread natural variation of DNA methylation within angiosperms
Authors: Niederhuth Chad E. , Bewick Adam J. , Ji Lexiang , Alabady Magdy S. , Kim Kyung Do , Li Qing , Rohr Nicholas A. , Rambani Aditi , Burke John M. , Udall Josh A. , Egesi Chiedozie , Schmutz Jeremy , Grimwood Jane , Jackson Scott A. , Springer Nathan M. , Schmitz Robert J.
Published: March 2016

To understand the variation in genomic patterning of DNA methylation we compared methylomes of 34 diverse angiosperm species. By analyzing whole-genome bisulfite sequencing data in a phylogenetic context it becomes clear that there is extensive variation throughout angiosperms in gene body DNA methylation, euchromatic silencing of transposons and repeats, as well as silencing of heterochromatic transposons. The Brassicaceae have reduced CHG methylation levels and also reduced or loss of CG gene body methylation. The Poaceae are characterized by a lack or reduction of heterochromatic CHH methylation and enrichment of CHH methylation in genic regions. Reduced CHH methylation levels are found in clonally propagated species, suggesting that these methods of propagation may alter the epigenomic landscape over time. These results show that DNA methylation patterns are broadly a reflection of the evolutionary and life histories of plant species.
Korean word frequency and commonality study for augmentative and alternative communication
Authors: Shin Sangeun , Hill Katya
Published: March 2016

Background

Vocabulary frequency results have been reported to design and support augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions. A few studies exist for adult speakers and for other natural languages. With the increasing demand on AAC treatment for Korean adults, identification of high‐frequency or core vocabulary (CV) becomes essential.

Aims

The overall objective was to identify the frequency and commonality of spoken Korean words that occurred in spontaneous conversations for the development of AAC interventions. The specific aims were: (1) to generate a Korean CV list based on the conversations of Korean adults; (2) to address the characteristics of the identified words; and (3) to determine whether a quantitative data analysis procedure, based on a grouped frequency distribution, would support identifying high‐ and low‐frequency words.

Methods & Procedures

Language samples were collected from 12 native Korean‐speaking adults during conversation. CV words were identified based on a grouped frequency distribution analysis and a word commonality analysis.

Outcomes & Results

Results established a Korean CV list of 219 words with high frequency and commonality accounting for 60.82% of the total sample. Analysis of word types showed a wide range of particles and verb endings in the CV list. Finally, a distinct distribution pattern was identified from a frequency of 0.2‰ to support high‐frequency word selection.

Conclusions & Implications

The CV list and consideration of the linguistic characteristics of Korean are expected to be used to develop Korean AAC interventions. The grouped frequency distribution revealed a robust method to distinguish high‐frequency words and to improve AAC vocabulary selection and organization.
Dual language versus English‐only support for bilingual children with hearing loss who use cochlear implants and hearing aids
Authors: Bunta Ferenc , Douglas Michael , Dickson Hanna , Cantu Amy , Wickesberg Jennifer , Gifford René H.
Published: March 2016

Background

There is a critical need to understand better speech and language development in bilingual children learning two spoken languages who use cochlear implants (CIs) and hearing aids (HAs). The paucity of knowledge in this area poses a significant barrier to providing maximal communicative outcomes to a growing number of children who have a hearing loss (HL) and are learning multiple spoken languages. In fact, the number of bilingual individuals receiving CIs and HAs is rapidly increasing, and Hispanic children display a higher prevalence of HL than the general population of the United States. In order to serve better bilingual children with CIs and HAs, appropriate and effective therapy approaches need to be designed and tested, based on research findings.

Aims

This study investigated the effects of supporting both the home language (Spanish) and the language of the majority culture (English) on language outcomes in bilingual children with HL who use CIs and HAs as compared to their bilingual peers who receive English‐only support.

Methods & Procedures

Retrospective analyses of language measures were completed for two groups of Spanish‐ and English‐speaking bilingual children with HL who use CIs and HAs matched on a range of demographic and socio‐economic variables: those with dual‐language support versus their peers with English‐only support. Dependent variables included scores from the English version of the Preschool Language Scales, 4th Edition.

Outcomes & Results

Bilingual children who received dual‐language support outperformed their peers who received English‐only support at statistically significant levels as measured by Total Language and Expressive Communication as raw and language age scores. No statistically significant group differences were found on Auditory Comprehension scores.

Conclusions & Implications

In addition to providing support in English, encouraging home language use and providing treatment support in the first language may help rather than hinder development of both English and the home language in bilingual children with HL who use CIs and HAs. In fact, dual‐language support may yield better overall and expressive English language outcomes than English‐only support for this population.
The social dynamics of safe sex practices among Canadian sex industry clients
Authors: Atchison Chris , Burnett Patrick John
Published: March 2016

Much of what we know about the safe sex practices of people who pay for sexual services (clients) remains firmly grounded in empirical and interpretive tendencies to overemphasise the causal link between social, cultural or individual characteristics and sexual decision‐making. In this study we apply Adam Green's Bourdieu‐inspired sexual fields theory to examine the ways in which safe sex practices are interdependently shaped by social, personal and interpersonal forces. Using data from 697 questionnaires and 24 semi‐structured interviews with Canadian clients, we implemented a series of six additive logistic regression models and contextualised the results with the interview data to reveal the relational interdependencies of intra‐psychic, macro, meso and micro‐level factors related to safe sex practices. The questionnaire responses and interview data used in the study were gathered from a diverse sample of clients who were over the age of 19, had paid money for sexual services on one or more occasions during their lifetime and who resided in Canada at the time of participation. Our results illustrate the ways in which factors related to the venue where sexual acts take place, clients' relationships with commercial and non‐commercial partners and personal choices related to substance use interdependently inform safe sex practices.
The benefits of respectful interactions: fluid alliancing and inter‐occupational information sharing in primary care
Authors: DiCicco‐Bloom Barbara , DiCicco‐Bloom Benjamin
Published: March 2016

Though inter‐occupational interactions in health care have been the focus of increasing attention, we still know little about how such interactions shape information sharing in clinical settings. This is particularly true in primary care where research on teams and collaboration has been based on individual perceptions of work (using surveys and interviews) rather than observing the interactions that directly mediate the inter‐occupational flow of information. To explore how interactions shape information sharing, we conducted a secondary analysis of ethnographic data from 27 primary care practices. Ease of information sharing among nurses and doctors is linked to the degree to which practices feature respectful interactions, with practices in the sample falling into one of three categories (those with low, uneven, and high degrees of respectful interactions). Those practices with the highest degree of respectful interactions demonstrate what we describe as fluid‐alliancing: flexible interactions between individuals from different occupational groups in which bidirectional information sharing occurs for the benefit of patients and the efficacy of the practice community. We conclude by arguing that this process unlocks the strengths of all practice members, and that leadership should encourage respectful interactions to augment organisational efficacy and the ability of individual practice members to provide quality patient care.
Electrocardiographic Parameters Indicating Worse Evolution in Patients with Acquired Long QT Syndrome and Torsades de Pointes
Authors: Kukla Piotr , Jastrzębski Marek , Fijorek Kamil , Stec Sebastian , Bryniarski Leszek , Czarnecka Danuta , Baranchuk Adrian
Published: March 2016

Background

Acquired long QT syndrome (a‐LQTS) is associated with life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmias, mainly torsades de pointes (TdP). ECG parameters predicting evolving into ventricular fibrillation (VF) are ill defined.

Aims

To determine ECG parameters preceding and during TdP associated with higher risk of developing VF.

Methods

We analyzed 151 episodes of TdP, recorded in 28 patients with a‐LQTS (mean QTc 638 ms ± 57).

Results

All 28 patients had prolonged QT interval, (mean QTc 638 ms ± 57) ranging from 502 ms to 858 ms correcting by Bazett's formula. The mean TdP heart rate was 218 bpm ± 38 (mean cycle length of TdP 274 ± 47 ms). We classified TdPs episodes into “slower”‐TdP (s‐TdP) < 220 bpm (range from 145–220 bpm) observed in 81 (53.6%) episodes and “faster”‐TdP (f‐TdP) ≥ 220 bpm (ranged from 221–281 bpm) observed in 70 (46.4%) episodes. Among 151 episodes of TdP, 21 (13.9%) were unstable (converted into VF). Out of 81 episodes of “slower”‐TdP only 2 (2.5%) episodes converted into VF. The mean coupling interval (CI) of the PVC initiating TdP was 510 ms ± 118, the pause‐RR interval was 1147 ms ± 335, the prematurity index (PI) of PVC that initiated TdP was 0.45 ± 0.13. The mean cycle length variability of TdP (VRV‐TdP) was 30.79 ms ± 19.7. U wave was observed in 86 episodes (56.9%), among that in 69 episodes, the U/T wave ratio was > 1. Macro T wave alternans was observed in 4 patients. The QT interval was not different in patients with VF(+) and VF(−) episodes, 633 ± 60 and 639 ± 57, respectively.

Conclusions

Some electrocardiographic parameters can be helpful in determining the risk of TdP evolving into VF. The slower ventricular rate (< 220 bpm), the higher rate instability (VRV > 30 ms) and the short episodes < 20 beats could predict benign evolution.
Brugada Syndrome Unmasked by Heat Exhaustion
Authors: Canpolat Uğur , Bayazit Yesim , Aytemir Kudret
Published: March 2016

Brugada syndrome (BrS) as an established channelopathy can be unmasked by various triggers like drugs, fever, etc. Herein, we presented a female patient in whom type 1 Brugada pattern on admission electrocardiography might be unmasked by heat exhaustion.
The Role of Transmural Repolarization Gradient in the Inversion of Cardiac Electric Field: Model Study of ECG in Hypothermia
Authors: Arteyeva Natalia V. , Azarov Jan E.
Published: March 2016

Background

The changes in ventricular repolarization gradients lead to significant alterations of the electrocardiographic body surface T waves up to the T wave inversion. However, the contribution of a specific gradient remains to be elucidated. The objective of the present investigation was to study the role of the transmural repolarization gradient in the inversion of the body surface T wave with a mathematical model of the hypothermia‐induced changes of ventricular repolarization.

Methods

By means of mathematical simulation, we set the hypothermic action potential duration (APD) distribution on the rabbit ventricular epicardium as it was previously experimentally documented. Then the parameters of the body surface potential distribution were tested with the introduction of different scenarios of the endocardial and epicardial APD behavior in hypothermia resulting in the unchanged, reversed or enlarged transmural repolarization gradient.

Results

The reversal of epicardial repolarization gradients (apicobasal, anterior‐posterior and interventricular) caused the inversion of the T waves regardless of the direction of the transmural repolarization gradient. However, the most realistic body surface potentials were obtained when the endocardial APDs were not changed under hypothermia while the epicardial APDs prolonged. This produced the reversed and increased transmural repolarization gradient in absolute magnitude. The body surface potentials simulated under the unchanged transmural gradient were reduced in comparison to those simulated under the reversed transmural gradient.

Conclusions

The simulations demonstrated that the transmural repolarization gradient did not play a crucial role in the cardiac electric field inversion under hypothermia, but its magnitude and direction contribute to the T wave amplitude.
How we manage thrombotic microangiopathies in pregnancy
Authors: Thomas Mari R. , Robinson Susan , Scully Marie A.
Published: March 2016

Differentiation between the thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs) that present in pregnancy may be clinically challenging, but is critical to ensure correct management because of the impact on fetal and maternal outcomes. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) are medical/obstetric emergencies that require specialist input, both at the time of acute diagnosis and follow‐up in subsequent pregnancies. Features of preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome (haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) may precede or be present in evolving TTP or aHUS. Clinicians need to be mindful of how a presumed diagnosis of a specific TMA in pregnancy may evolve and be prepared to frequently reassess signs and symptoms and revise the diagnosis and management plan accordingly.
Glycosylation pattern of anti‐platelet IgG is stable during pregnancy and predicts clinical outcome in alloimmune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Sonneveld Myrthe E. , Natunen Suvi , Sainio Susanna , Koeleman Carolien A. M. , Holst Stephanie , Dekkers Gillian , Koelewijn Joke , Partanen Jukka , van der Schoot C. Ellen , Wuhrer Manfred , Vidarsson Gestur
Published: March 2016

Fetal or neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is a potentially life‐threatening disease where fetal platelets are destroyed by maternal anti‐platelet IgG alloantibodies. The clinical outcome varies from asymptomatic, to petechiae or intracranial haemorrhage, but no marker has shown reliable correlation with severity, making screening for FNAIT impractical and highly inefficient. We recently found IgG Fc‐glycosylation towards platelet and red blood cell antigens to be skewed towards decreased fucosylation, increased galactosylation and sialylation. The lowered core‐fucosylation increases the affinity of the pathogenic antibodies to FcγRIIIa and FcγRIIIb, and hence platelet destruction. Here we analysed the N‐linked glycans of human platelet antigen (HPA)‐1a specific IgG1 with mass spectrometry in large series of FNAIT cases (n = 166) including longitudinal samples (n = 26). Besides a significant decrease in Fc‐fucosylation after the first pregnancy (P = 0·0124), Fc‐glycosylation levels remained stable during and after pregnancy and in subsequent pregnancies. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified anti‐HPA‐1a –fucosylation (P = 0·006) combined with galactosylation (P = 0·021) and antibody level (P = 0·038) correlated with bleeding severity, making these parameters a feasible marker in screening for severe cases of FNAIT.
Toddlers’ Word Learning From Contingent and Noncontingent Video on Touch Screens
Authors: Kirkorian Heather L. , Choi Koeun , Pempek Tiffany A.
Published: March 2016

Researchers examined whether contingent experience using a touch screen increased toddlers’ ability to learn a word from video. One hundred and sixteen children (24–36 months) watched an on‐screen actress label an object: (a) without interacting, (b) with instructions to touch anywhere on the screen, or (c) with instructions to touch a specific spot (location of labeled object). The youngest children learned from contingent video in the absence of reciprocal interactions with a live social partner, but only when contingent video required specific responses that emphasized important information on the screen. Conversely, this condition appeared to disrupt learning by slightly older children who were otherwise able to learn words by passively viewing noninteractive video. Results are interpreted with respect to selective attention and encoding.
Effect of controlled human exposure to diesel exhaust and allergen on airway surfactant protein D, myeloperoxidase and club (Clara) cell secretory protein 16
Authors: Biagioni B. J. , Tam S. , Chen Y.‐W. R. , Sin D. D. , Carlsten C.
Published: March 2016

Background

Air pollution is a major cause of global morbidity and mortality. Air pollution and aeroallergens aggravate respiratory illness, but the variable effects of air pollutants and allergens in the lung are poorly understood.

Objective

To determine the effects of diesel exhaust (DE) and bronchial allergen challenge as single and dual exposures on aspects of innate immunity in the airway as reflected by surfactant protein D (SPD), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and club (Clara) cell secretory protein 16 (CC16) in 18 atopic individuals.

Methods

In this double‐blind, randomized crossover study, atopic individuals were exposed to DE or filtered air, followed by endobronchial allergen or saline 1 hour after inhalational exposure. Bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial washings, nasal lavage and blood samples were obtained 48 hours after exposures and assayed for CC16, MPO and SPD by ELISA.

Results

In bronchial samples, the concentration of SPD increased from 53.3 to 91.8 ng/mL after endobronchial allergen, with no additional contribution from DE. MPO also increased significantly in response to allergen (6.8 to 14.7 ng/mL), and there was a small additional contribution from exposure to DE. The concentration of CC16 decreased from 340.7 to 151.0 ng/mL in response to DE, with minor contribution from allergen. These changes were not reflected in nasal lavage fluid or plasma samples.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

These findings suggest that allergen and DE variably influence different aspects of the innate immune response of the lung. SPD and MPO, known markers of allergic inflammation in the lung, are strongly increased by allergen while DE has a minor effect therein. DE induces a loss of CC16, a protective protein, while allergen has a minor effect therein. Results support site‐ and exposure‐specific responses in the human lung upon multiple exposures.
Asthma is associated with enhanced thrombin formation and impaired fibrinolysis
Authors: Bazan‐Socha S. , Mastalerz L. , Cybulska A. , Zareba L. , Kremers R. , Zabczyk M. , Pulka G. , Iwaniec T. , Hemker C. , Undas A.
Published: March 2016

Background

There is evidence that altered blood coagulation and fibrinolysis are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. Increased thromboembolic risk has been reported in asthmatics.

Objective

To investigate whether enhanced thrombin generation and impaired fibrinolysis occur in asthmatics.

Methods

Plasma thrombin generation profile together with a computational assessment of thrombin dynamics and fibrinolytic capacity expressed as clot lysis time (CLT) were determined in 164 consecutive patients with stable asthma and 72 controls matched for age, gender, weight and smoking.

Results

Asthma patients had 20.2% increased endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), 41.4% higher peak thrombin concentration, 61% higher maximal prothrombin conversion rate, 15.5% faster rate of thrombin formation (all, P < 0.0001) and 10% lower thrombin decay capacity (P = 0.0004) compared with controls. Asthmatics had also 14.4% longer CLT (P = 0.001) associated with 21.3% higher plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) (P < 0.0001), and 13% higher plasma α2‐macroglobulin (P = 0.0002). Using ETP and CLT above 75th percentile of the control values as the cut‐off levels, we found increased risks of enhanced thrombin generation and hypofibrinolysis in asthmatics, also after correction for potential confounders. ETP and CLT were associated inversely with forced expiratory volume in 1 s/vital capacity (FEV1/VC) index, after adjustment for age and body mass index. Non‐allergic asthma (n = 70, 42.6%) was characterized by 17.5% longer CLT (P = 0.02), which positively associated with PAI‐1. Thrombin generation profile was not affected by allergy.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Asthma is associated with enhanced thrombin generation and impaired fibrinolysis, which might contribute to thromboembolic events in this disease.
Effect of Wnt3a delivery on early healing events during guided bone regeneration
Authors: Moschouris P , Retzepi M , Petrie A , Donos N
Published: March 2016

Objective

To evaluate the effect of recombinant Wnt3a delivery on the bone regeneration potential following application of the guided bone regeneration (GBR) principle.

Materials and methods

A critical‐size calvarial defect was created on each parietal bone of 14 Wistar strain rats. One defect was used as the test side and was treated with a collagen sponge carrying 2.0 μg of recombinant Wnt3a protein, whereas the contralateral side served as sham‐operated control. Both defects were covered at both the extracranial and intracranial aspects with ePTFE non‐resorbable membranes, according to the GBR principle. Following healing periods of 4 and 7 days, qualitative histological and histomorphometric evaluation of undecalcified sections was performed in subgroups of seven animals. The primary outcome parameter was the mean percentage of defect closure in the test and control defects.

Results

At 4 days of healing, a network of coagulum and fibrin was observed and initial signs of granulation tissue formation were evident with no apparent differences between the test and control groups. At 7 days of healing, the test group presented newly formed woven bone, originating from the borders of the defect, as opposed to the control group, whereby woven bone formation was not observed in any of the specimens.

Conclusions

The delivery of mouse recombinant Wnt‐3a protein in combination with GBR may promote woven bone formation in critical‐size calvarial defects at 7 days of healing.
Bone loss at implants and teeth in the same segment of the dentition in partially dentate subjects
Authors: Cecchinato Denis , Marino Massimiliano , Lindhe Jan
Published: March 2016

Background

Some studies have indicated that marginal bone loss at implants and at teeth are similar, while results from other studies showed that implants lost more bone than teeth in the same dentition.

Aim

To determine the amount of progressive marginal bone loss that had occurred at implants and teeth in the same segment of the dentition following implant placement in partially dentate subjects.

Material and Methods

A total of 217 patients with a total of 573 implants and 318 teeth present in the same segments of the dentition were included. Radiographs were available from 1 year (baseline) and ≥3 years after loading.

Results

The mean bone loss that occurred between the two examinations was at implants 0.42 ± 0.68 mm and at teeth 0.44 ± 0.52 mm. Thirty‐eight subjects (18%) had ≥1 implant exhibiting >1 mm bone loss. Bone loss at the 148 implants in this category of patients was 1.30 ± 1.04 mm with a corresponding loss at the 69 teeth of 0.53 ± 0.62 mm. Eighteen subjects (8%) had ≥1 tooth that exhibited >1 mm bone loss. The mean amount of bone loss in this sample was 1.37 ± 0.87 mm (38 teeth) and 0.29 ± 0.31 mm (56 implants).

Conclusions

This study showed that marginal bone loss at implants and teeth in many partially dentate subjects might be independent phenomena.
Pain in Fabry Disease: Practical Recommendations for Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Politei Juan M. , Bouhassira Didier , Germain Dominique P. , Goizet Cyril , Guerrero‐Sola Antonio , Hilz Max J. , Hutton Elspeth J. , Karaa Amel , Liguori Rocco , Üçeyler Nurcan , Zeltzer Lonnie K. , Burlina Alessandro
Published: March 2016

Aims

Patients with Fabry disease (FD) characteristically develop peripheral neuropathy at an early age, with pain being a crucial symptom of underlying pathology. However, the diagnosis of pain is challenging due to the heterogeneous and nonspecific symptoms. Practical guidance on the diagnosis and management of pain in FD is needed.

Methods

In 2014, experts met to discuss recent advances on this topic and update clinical guidance.

Results

Emerging disease‐specific tools, including FabryScan, Fabry‐specific Pediatric Health and Pain Questionnaire, and Würzburg Fabry Pain Questionnaire, and more general tools like the Total Symptom Score can aid diagnosis, characterization, and monitoring of pain in patients with FD. These tools can be complemented by more objective and quantifiable sensory testing. In male and female patients of any age, pain related to FD can be an early indication to start disease‐specific enzyme replacement therapy before potentially irreversible organ damage to the kidneys, heart, or brain occurs.

Conclusion

To improve treatment outcomes, pain should be diagnosed early in unrecognized or newly identified FD patients. Treatment should include: (a) enzyme replacement therapy controlling the progression of underlying pathology; (b) adjunctive, symptomatic pain management with analgesics for chronic neuropathic and acute nociceptive, and inflammatory or mixed pain; and (c) lifestyle modifications.
Significance of a positive Clostridium difficile toxin test after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Akahoshi Yu , Kimura Shun‐ichi , Nakano Hirofumi , Harada Naonori , Kameda Kazuaki , Ugai Tomotaka , Wada Hidenori , Yamasaki Ryoko , Ishihara Yuko , Kawamura Koji , Sakamoto Kana , Ashizawa Masahiro , Sato Miki , Terasako‐Saito Kiriko , Nakasone Hideki , Kikuchi Misato , Yamazaki Rie , Kanda Junya , Kako Shinichi , Nishida Junji , Kanda Yoshinobu
Published: March 2016

Patients with hematological malignancies show a high prevalence of asymptomatic colonization with Clostridium difficile (CD colonization). Therefore, it is difficult to distinguish CD colonization with diarrhea induced by a conditioning regimen from true Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients. We retrospectively analyzed 308 consecutive patients who underwent a CD toxin A/B enzyme immunoassay test for diarrhea within 100 d after HSCT from November 2007 to May 2014. Thirty patients (9.7%) had positive CD toxin results, and 11 of these had positive results in subsequent tests after an initial negative result. Allogeneic HSCT, total body irradiation, stem cell source, acute leukemia, and the duration of neutropenia were significantly correlated with positive CD toxin results. In a logistic regression model, allogeneic HSCT was identified as a significant risk factor (odds ratio 18.6, p < 0.01). In an analysis limited to within 30 d after the conditioning regimen, the duration of neutropenia was the sole risk factor (odds ratio 10.4, p < 0.01). There were no distinctive clinical features for CDI, including the onset or duration of diarrhea. In conclusion, although CDI may be overdiagnosed in HSCT recipients, it is difficult to clinically distinguish between CDI and CD colonization.
Rentier Statebuilding in a Post‐Conflict Economy: The Case of Kosovo
Authors: Lemay‐Hébert Nicolas , Murshed Syed Mansoob
Published: March 2016

Kosovo has been under various forms of international administration since 1999. Although the political dimension of this international experience has been widely studied by scholars — especially those associated with the critical theory of liberal peacebuilding — the economic dimension of international rule has received less attention. This article explores the economic dimension by linking insights from rentier theory with critical approaches to liberal peacebuilding and statebuilding. The postulate informing this article is that the sources of a state's income have an impact on its institutional development. The article discusses liberal peacebuilding through the lens of rentier theory, it analyses the economic management in the early years of the international administration of Kosovo, and describes and explores some of the unintended consequences of this massive international presence in Kosovo for the local economy.
Reverse Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy following Exogenous Epinephrine Administration in the Early Postpartum Period
Authors: Belliveau Dan , De Sabe
Published: March 2016

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is typically triggered by stress and can often mimic acute myocardial infarction. It is typically characterized by ballooning of the apex of the left ventricle following emotional or physical stress. Reverse TCM is a rare variant in which the cardiac apex is hyperkinetic and ballooning occurs at the base of the heart. We present a case of reverse TCM in the immediate postpartum period following an injection of local epinephrine, followed by spontaneous resolution within 24 hours.
High cumulative JC virus seroconversion rate during long‐term use of natalizumab
Authors: Vennegoor A. , van Rossum J. A. , Leurs C. , Wattjes M. P. , Rispens T. , Murk J. L. A. N. , Uitdehaag B. M. J. , Killestein J.
Published: March 2016

Background and purpose

John Cunningham virus (JCV) seropositivity is a risk factor for the development of natalizumab‐associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. When JCV seronegative patients seroconvert, their risk of developing PML increases. Limited longitudinal data exist about the seroconversion rate amongst natalizumab‐treated relapsing−remitting MS (RRMS) patients. Our objective was to evaluate the seroconversion rate in a large Dutch cohort of natalizumab‐treated RRMS patients. Seroconversion was defined as at least two consecutive seropositive serum samples (or cessation of therapy after a single seropositive sample because of seropositivity) after initial seronegative testing.

Methods and results

In our study of 179 patients for whom longitudinal blood samples were available over a long period (median 4.2 years), anti‐JCV antibody indices were measured in 933 available samples. Eighty‐six patients (48.0%) tested seronegative initially. Of these 86 seronegative patients, 23 patients (26.7%) seroconverted during follow‐up. The annualized seroconversion rate was 7.1%. Seroconversion occurred between 9 and 90 months (median 43 months) of treatment. The rate of seroconversion was independent of follow‐up duration. No significant increase was seen in the anti‐JCV antibody index in the non‐converting patients during the follow‐up.

Conclusion

The annualized seroconversion rate of 7.1% in patients using natalizumab, cumulatively leading to more than 25% of seronegative patients becoming seropositive in 4 years, is of clinical relevance and should be taken into account in the risk assessment when considering the start of natalizumab therapy.
Temporal Ordering of Supportive Dyadic Coping, Commitment, and Willingness to Sacrifice
Authors: Johnson Matthew D. , Horne Rebecca M.
Published: March 2016

Drawing from interdependence theory and focal participants (anchors) and their intimate partners who remained coupled at Waves 1, 3, and 5 of the German Family Panel (pairfam; N = 1,543), the authors examined the temporal ordering between anchor and partner supportive dyadic coping with anchor commitment and willingness to sacrifice for an intimate partner. Autoregressive cross‐lagged modeling analyses revealed that anchor and partner supportive dyadic coping predicted higher levels of commitment and willingness to sacrifice, and willingness to sacrifice predicted less supportive dyadic coping only for anchors. There were no longitudinal associations between commitment and willingness to sacrifice, and gender did not moderate associations among the variables.
Changes of telomere status with aging: An update
Authors: Ishikawa Naoshi , Nakamura Ken‐Ichi , Izumiyama‐Shimomura Naotaka , Aida Junko , Matsuda Yoko , Arai Tomio , Takubo Kaiyo
Published: March 2016

Accumulated data have shown that most human somatic cells or tissues show irreversible telomere shortening with age, and that there are strong associations between telomere attrition and aging‐related diseases, including cancers, diabetes and cognitive disorders. Although it has been largely accepted that telomere attrition is one of the major causes of aging‐related disorders, critical aspects of telomere biology remain unresolved, especially the lack of standardized methodology for quantification of telomere length. Another frustrating issue is that no potentially promising methods for safe prevention of telomere erosion, or for telomere elongation, have been devised. Here, we review several methods for quantification of telomere length currently utilized worldwide, considering their advantages and drawbacks. We also summarize the results of our recent studies of human cells and tissues, mainly using quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization and Southern blotting, including those derived from patients with progeria‐prone Werner syndrome and trisomy 21, and several strains of induced pluripotent stem cells. We discuss the possible merits of using telomere shortness as an indicator, or a new marker, for diagnosis of precancerous states and aging‐related disorders. In addition, we describe newly found factors that are thought to impact telomere dynamics, providing a new avenue for examining the unsolved issues related to telomere restoration and maintenance. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16 (Suppl. 1): 30–42.
“Who Are You?”: The Making of Korean “Illegal Entrants” in Occupied Japan 1945–1952
Authors: Park Sara
Published: March 2016

Recent progress in the study of migration history in Japan has cast new light on the influx of Koreans to Japan just after the end of the Second World War in August 1945. Both the Japanese Government and the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers called this migration illegal entry or smuggling, and tried to suppress it., One important question remains to be solved about this migration; namely; how was it prohibited? Before the Immigration Control Act (1951) was enshrined, and at a time when Koreans in Japan still held Japanese citizenship, how were the authorities able to regard Korean migration to Japan illegal? How did this migration became a political and social problem? Focusing on the legislation process and performance of the law, this article attempts to answer these questions. Politics, legislation, and social interaction all contributed to making the ethnic and legal category of Korean in postwar Japan.