bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How does a local initiative contribute to social inclusion and promote sustainable food practices? Focus on the example of social cooking workshops
Authors: Dyen Margot , Sirieix Lucie
Published: March 2016

Initiatives from food system players closer to citizens are currently valorized to promote sustainability. Based on TCR and on the practice theories, this research aims at studying the impacts of a local initiative on two aspects: social inclusion and sustainable food practices. To do so, we chose the example of cooking classes for people in social instability. Cooking classes may contribute to fight against social exclusion through two factors: first the group dynamic and then the value‐creation for participants. Besides, cooking classes may drive towards sustainable food practices on the basis of advice about new skills. Cooking classes in three different social service structures were observed: a Social Centre; a social service structure hosting young people suffering from homophobia; and, a hosting centre for people with disabilities. To complete these observations, semi‐directive one‐hour interviews were conducted with three participants from the different groups. This information was analyzed with thematic analysis and practice theories tools. Results show that the main factor of social inclusion is the value‐creation, with two factors contributing to people's self‐esteem: (re)teach them how to cook; and offer them the opportunity to cook and eat good food. The cooking classes are efficient to promote sustainable food practices, promoting at the same time the interest in shared‐eating, shared‐cooking, and new skills. Nevertheless, it is not enough for the people to adopt new practices because of material and logistical barriers. As such, our findings are important for policy makers tasked with promoting sustainable consumption and social insertion within vulnerable population.
Green consumers and their identities: how identities change the motivation for green consumption
Authors: Costa Pinto Diego , Nique Walter Meucci , Maurer Herter Marcia , Borges Adilson
Published: March 2016

This research aims to fill the gap in green consumption literature from the perspective of values as types of intentions and identity‐based motivation. In two studies, we examine how the salience of personal and social identities can change the relationship between types of intentions and green consumption. The results demonstrate that when personal identity is salient, self‐transcendence intentions influence green consumption more than self‐enhancement intentions. This is because personal identity (compared with social identity) increases the positive effect of congruent intentions (self‐transcendence) on green consumption. However, when social identity is salient, self‐transcendence and self‐enhancement intentions have a similar impact on green consumption. This is because social identity (compared with personal identity) reduces the negative effect of self‐enhancement intentions on green consumption. Finally, we discuss theoretical and managerial implications for values as types of intentions, identity‐based motivation and green consumption.
Evaluation of mechanical and water barrier properties of transglutaminase cross‐linked zein films incorporated with oleic acid
Authors: Masamba Kingsley , Li Yue , Hategekimana Joseph , Zehadi Muhammad , Ma Jianguo , Zhong Fang
Published: March 2016

In this study, four concentrations of transglutaminase were used in zein films incorporated with four oleic acid concentrations, and subsequently, the mechanical and water barrier properties were evaluated. Enzyme concentration significantly affected mechanical and barrier properties of the films. Transglutaminase concentration at 1% improved tensile strength of control sample from 17.5 to 26.9 MPa while solubility decreased from 6.4% to 4.4%. Incorporation of oleic acid into transglutaminase‐treated zein films irrespective of enzyme concentration decreased water vapour permeability and solubility with the 1% transglutaminase‐treated zein films incorporated with 3% oleic acid registering the lowest permeability (0.37 g mm m−2 h−1 kPa−1) and solubility (2.8%) values while elongation at break was not significantly improved. The use of transglutaminase at 1% concentration in cross‐linking zein films coupled with incorporation of controlled concentrations of oleic acid can be an effective approach in improving mechanical and water barrier properties of zein‐based films.
First breeding and hand rearing of the New Zealand lesser short‐tailed bat Mystacina tuberculata at Auckland Zoo
Authors: Searchfield D.
Published: March 2016

Auckland Zoo maintains the only captive New Zealand lesser short‐tailed bats Mystacina tuberculata in the world. These animals came to the Zoo in 2007 following a wild translocation attempt managed by the New Zealand Department of Conservation. Affected by a disease of unknown origin which damaged their ear pinnae, the bats were considered unsuitable for release. The colony has provided an excellent opportunity to develop the husbandry protocols required for the management and successful reproduction of these bats at the Zoo. Our knowledge has increased significantly with the successful breeding and hand rearing of two pups. While parent rearing would be preferred for future breeding events, the experience has confirmed the ability to rear pups if intervention is ever required. The work being carried out at Auckland Zoo contributes to the national efforts to conserve these threatened mammals.
Berberine activates peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma to increase atherosclerotic plaque stability in Apoe−/− mice with hyperhomocysteinemia
Authors: Li Hongjun , He Chengyan , Wang Jingying , Li Xiaoou , Yang Zhaowei , Sun Xiaoying , Fang Ling , Liu Ning
Published: March 2016

Aims/Introduction

An elevated level of plasma homocysteine has long been suspected as a metabolic risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic vascular diseases in diabetes. Berberine (BBR) has several preventive effects on cardiovascular diseases. The effects of BBR on atherosclerotic plaque stability increased by homocysteine thiolactone (HTL) remain unknown.

Materials and Methods

The model of atherosclerotic vulnerable plaque was induced by placing a collar around the carotid artery in Apoe−/− mice. Endothelium‐dependent relaxation was assayed by organ chamber.

Results

Homocysteine thiolactone (50 mg/kg/day, 8 weeks) reduced the atherosclerotic plaque stability in the carotid artery of Apoe−/− mice, which was reversed by BBR administration (1.0 g/kg/day). In vivo and ex vivo experiments showed that HTL dramatically reduced acetylcholine‐induced endothelium‐dependent relaxation and superoxide dismutase activity, and increased malondialdehyde content, which were inhibited by BBR. Importantly, all effects induced by BBR were abolished by GW9662, an antagonist of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ. Incubation of cultured endothelial cells with HTL significantly reduced cell viabilities and enhanced production of reactive oxygen species. Pretreatment of cells with BBR dose‐dependently reversed HTL‐induced detrimental effects, which were GW9662‐reversible.

Conclusions

Berberine increases atherosclerotic plaque stability in hyperhomocysteinemia mice, which is related to the activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ and subsequent suppression of oxidative stress in endothelial cells.
Thermal interaction of middle and upper crust during gneiss dome formation: example from the Montagne Noire (French Massif Central)
Authors: Fréville K. , Cenki‐Tok B. , Trap P. , Rabin M. , Leyreloup A. , Régnier J.‐L. , Whitney D. L.
Published: March 2016

This paper aims to decipher the thermal evolution of the Montagne Noire Axial Zone (MNAZ, southern French Massif Central) gneiss core and its metasedimentary cover through determination of P–T paths and temperature gradients. Migmatitic gneiss from the core of the dome record a clockwise evolution culminating at 725 ± 25 °C and 0.8 ± 0.1 GPa with partial melting, followed by a decompression path with only minor cooling to 690 ± 25° C and 0.4 ± 0.1 GPa. Field structural analyses as well as detailed petrological observations indicate that the cover sequence experienced LP‐HT metamorphism. Apparent thermal gradients within the cover were determined with garnet–biotite thermometry and Raman Spectroscopy on Carbonaceous Matter. High‐temperature apparent gradients (e.g. ∼530 °C km−1 along one transect) are explained by late brittle–ductile extensional shearing evidenced by phyllonites that post‐date peak metamorphism. In areas where normal faults are less abundant and closely spaced, gradients of ∼20 to 50 °C km−1 are calculated. These gradients can be accounted for by a combination of dome emplacement and ductile shearing (collapse of isotherms), without additional heat input. Finally, the thermal evolution of the MNAZ is typical for many gneiss domes worldwide as well as with other LP‐HT terranes in the Variscides.
The origin of chloritoid – 3‐mica pseudomorph growth in staurolite–muscovite schist, Bangriposi (Eastern India)
Authors: Prabhakar N. , Bhattacharya A. , Mukherjee P. K.
Published: March 2016

At Bangriposi, variable stages in replacement of staurolite by chloritoid – Na–K–Ca mica shimmer aggregates in muscovite schists provides insight into the complex interplay between fluid flow, mass transfer, and dissolution–precipitation during pseudomorph growth. Idioblastic chloritoid growing into mica caps without causing visible deformation, and monomineralic chloritoid veins (up to 300 μm wide) within shimmer aggregates replacing staurolite attest to chloritoid nucleation in fluid‐filled conduits along staurolite grain boundaries and crystallographic planes. The growth of shimmer aggregates initiated along staurolite margins, and advanced inwards into decomposing staurolite along networks of crystallographically controlled fluid‐filled conduits. Coalescence among alteration zones adjacent to channel fills led to dismemberment and the eventual demise of staurolite. Mass balance calculation within a volume‐fixed, silica‐conserved reference frame indicate the shimmer aggregates grew via precipitation from fluids in response to mass transport that led to the addition of H2O, K2O, Na2O and CaO in the reaction zone, and Al2O3 was transported outward from the inward‐retreating margin of decomposing staurolite. This aided precipitation of chloritoid in veins and in the outer collars, and as disseminated grains in the shimmer aggregates at mid‐crustal condition (~520 ± 20 °C, 5.5 ± 2.0 kbar). Computation using one‐dimensional transport equation suggests that staurolite decomposition involved advection dominating over diffusive transport; the permeation of externally derived H2O caused flattening of chemical potential gradients in H2O and aqueous species, for example, and , computed using the Gibbs method. This suggests that staurolite decomposition was promoted by the infiltration of a large volume of H2O that flattened existing chemical potential gradients. In the initial stages of replacement, chloritoid super‐saturation in fluid caused preferential nucleation and growth of chloritoid at staurolite grain boundaries and in crystallographic planes. As reaction progressed, further chloritoid nucleation was halted, but chloritoid continued to grow as the 3‐mica aggregates continued to replace the remaining staurolite in situ, while the chloritoid‐compatible elements were transported in the water‐rich phase facilitating continued growth of the existing chloritoid grains.
Conduct, Oversight, and Ethical Considerations of Clinical Trials in Companion Animals with Cancer: Report of a Workshop on Best Practice Recommendations
Authors: Page R. , Baneux P. , Vail D. , Duda L. , Olson P. , Anestidou L. , Dybdal N. , Golab G. , Shelton W. , Salgaller M. , Hardy C.
Published: March 2016

Development of effective and safe treatments for companion animals with cancer requires the collaboration of numerous animal health professionals and the full engagement of animal owners. Establishing ‘Best Practice Recommendations’ for clinical trials in veterinary oncology represents an important step toward meeting the goal of rigorous clinical trial design and conduct that is required to establish valid evidence. Likewise, optimizing patient welfare and owner education and advocacy is crucial to meet the unique ethical obligations to both owners and animals enrolled in these clinical trials and to ensure trust in the team conducting the research. To date, ‘Best Practice Recommendations’ for clinical trial conduct have not been reported for veterinary oncology. This document summarizes the consensus of a workshop held in November, 2014 to identify relevant ethical principles and to ensure responsible conduct of clinical research in companion animals with cancer. It is intended as a working document that will be updated as advances in science and ethical considerations require. To the extent possible, existing guidelines for the conduct and oversight of clinical trials in humans have been adapted for veterinary trials to avoid duplicative effort and to facilitate integration of clinical trials such that translational research with benefits for both companion animals and humans are encouraged.
Risk Factors for Development of Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats
Authors: Finch N.C. , Syme H.M. , Elliott J.
Published: March 2016

Background

Identification of risk factors for development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats may aid in its earlier detection.

Hypothesis/objectives

Evaluation of clinical and questionnaire data will identify risk factors for development of azotemicCKDin cats.

Animals

One hundred and forty‐eight client‐owned geriatric (>9 years) cats.

Methods

Cats were recruited into the study and followed longitudinally for a variable time. Owners were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their pet at enrollment. Additional data regarding dental disease were obtained when available by development of a dental categorization system. Variables were explored in univariable and multivariable Cox regression models.

Results

In the final multivariable Cox regression model, annual/frequent vaccination (Pvalue, .003; hazard ratio, 5.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.83–17.64), moderate dental disease (Pvalue, .008; hazard ratio, 13.83; 95% confidence interval, 2.01–94.99), and severe dental disease (Pvalue, .001; hazard ratio, 35.35; 95% confidence interval, 4.31–289.73) predicted development of azotemicCKD.

Conclusion

Our study suggests independent associations between both vaccination frequency and severity of dental disease and development ofCKD. Further studies to explore the pathophysiological mechanism of renal injury for these risk factors are warranted.
Development of a Multiplex Microsatellite PCR Assay Based on Microsatellite Markers for the Mud Carp, Cirrhinus molitorella
Authors: Wang Yakun , Zhao Jian , Li Wei , Zhang Xincheng , Hong Xiaoyou , Zhu Xinping
Published: March 2016

In this study, we developed a multiplex microsatellite polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay that consisted of 13 pairs of primers selected from previously developed microsatellite markers in mud carp data obtained in our laboratory. We adjusted the number of cycles, the time of extension, and the primer ratios to make the multiplex PCR system as valuable as possible. Using this system, we performed a genetic analysis and parentage assignment for 2 male and 5 female mud carps and 146 of their progeny. The results showed a range of alleles of 2 < K < 5, with an average of 3.54. The polymorphism information content ranged from 0.271 to 0.697, with an average of 0.4954. The observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.183 to 0.810, with an average of 0.6008. The expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.324 to 0.741, with an average of 0.5572. The null allele frequency was 1.29–27.68%. The computer‐simulated identification was 99%, while the combined exclusion power using all loci was 100% for actual offspring. Thus, this multiplex PCR assay is a new technological tool for selective breeding and a genetic resource for studying the mud carp, Cirrhinus molitorella.
The impact on hospital resource utilisation of treatment of hepatic encephalopathy with rifaximin‐α
Authors: Orr James G. , Currie Craig J. , Berni Ellen , Goel Anurag , Moriarty Kieran J. , Sinha Ashish , Gordon Fiona , Dethier Anne , Dillon John F. , Clark Katie , Richardson Paul , Middleton Paul , Patel Vishal , Shawcross Debbie , Preedy Helen , Aspinall Richard J. , Hudson Mark
Published: March 2016

Background & Aims

Rifaximin‐α reduces the risk of recurrence of overt hepatic encephalopathy. However, there remain concerns regarding the financial cost of the drug. We aimed to study the impact of treatment with rifaximin‐α on healthcare resource utilisation using data from seven UK liver treatment centres.

Methods

All seven centres agreed a standardised data set and data characterising clinical, demographic and emergency hospital admissions were collected retrospectively for the time periods 3, 6 and 12 months before and following initiation of rifaximin‐α. Admission rates and hospital length of stay before and during therapy were compared. Costs of admissions and drug acquisition were estimated using published sources. Multivariate analyses were carried out to assess the relative impact of various factors on hospital length of stay.

Results

Data were available from 326 patients. Following the commencement of rifaximin, the total hospital length of stay reduced by an estimated 31–53%, equating to a reduction in inpatient costs of between £4858 and £6607 per year. Taking into account drug costs of £3379 for 1‐year treatment with rifaximin‐α, there was an estimated annual mean saving of £1480–£3228 per patient.

Conclusions

Initiation of treatment with rifaximin‐α was associated with a marked reduction in the number of hospital admissions and hospital length of stay. These data suggest that treatment of patients with rifaximin‐α for hepatic encephalopathy was generally cost saving.
The Gravitation of Market Prices as A Stochastic Process
Authors: Fratini Saverio M. , Naccarato Alessia
Published: March 2016

The theory of value has been based ever since Adam Smith on the idea that the market prices of commodities, those at which actual trade takes place, gravitate around a central position known as natural prices. This article seeks to develop a statistical idea of the process in question and suggests in particular that market prices can be said to gravitate around natural prices if the probability of their means being very close to natural prices after t observations tends to 1 as t tends to infinity. A set of possible conditions leading to that result is also presented.
Homologous regulators, CnfR1 and CnfR2, activate expression of two distinct nitrogenase gene clusters in the filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis ATCC 29413
Authors: Pratte Brenda S. , Thiel Teresa
Published: March 2016

The cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis has two Mo‐nitrogenases that function under different environmental conditions in different cell types. The heterocyst‐specific nitrogenase encoded by the large nif1 gene cluster and the similar nif2 gene cluster that functions under anaerobic conditions in vegetative cells are under the control of the promoter for the first gene of each cluster, nifB1 or nifB2 respectively. Associated with each of these clusters is a putative regulatory gene called cnfR (patB) whose product has a C‐terminal HTH domain and an N‐terminal ferredoxin‐like domain. CnfR1 activates nifB1 expression in heterocysts, while CnfR2 activates nifB2 expression. A cnfR1 mutant was unable to make nitrogenase under aerobic conditions in heterocysts while the cnfR2 mutant was unable to make nitrogenase under anaerobic conditions. Mutations in cnfR1 and cnfR2 reduced transcripts for the nif1 and nif2 genes respectively. The closely related cyanobacterium, Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 has the nif1 system but lacks nif2. Expression of nifB2:lacZ from A. variabilis in anaerobic vegetative cells of Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 depended on the presence of cnfR2. This suggests that CnfR2 is necessary and sufficient for activation of the nifB2 promoter and that the CnfR1/CnfR2 family of proteins are the primary activators of nitrogenase gene expression in cyanobacteria.
Dividing the pie: differential dung pat size utilization by sympatric Haematobia irritans and Musca autumnalis
Authors: FOWLER F. E. , MULLENS B. A.
Published: March 2016

Horn flies [Haematobia irritans (Diptera: Muscidae) (L.)] and face flies [Musca autumnalis (Diptera: Muscidae) De Geer] use the same larval resource, but their interactions are poorly studied. Dung pats (n = 350) were core sampled in the summers of 2012 and 2013 from irrigated pastures in Pomona, California, U.S.A. (34°03′N, 117°48′W) and held for face fly and horn fly emergence. Surface areas and estimated weights were recorded for each whole pat. Almost half (42.0%) of the pat cores yielded neither fly, 29.7% yielded horn flies only, 12.9% yielded face flies only and 15.4% yielded both flies. Of the fly‐positive pats, surface area and mass were larger for face fly‐occupied pats, whereas horn fly‐occupied pats were smaller. Pats shared by the two species were intermediate. Horn flies per positive core were unaffected by the absence/presence of face flies, but half as many face flies emerged when pats were co‐inhabited by horn flies. Face flies inhabited larger pats, which might better resist heating and drying, to which they are susceptible; horn flies inhabited a broad pat size range. Horn fly tolerance of lower dung moisture probably allows horn flies to colonize and survive in a wide range of pats in dry areas like southern California.
Mutation in the caveolin‐3 gene causes asymmetrical distal myopathy
Authors: Chen Juanjuan , Zeng Wenshuang , Han Chunxi , Wu Jun , Zhang Haiou , Tong Xiaoxin
Published: March 2016

Mutations in the gene encoding caveolin‐3 (CAV3) can cause a broad spectrum of clinical phenotypes, including limb girdle muscular dystrophy, rippling muscle disease, distal myopathy (MD), idiopathic persistent elevation of serum creatine kinase and cardiomyopathy. MD is a relatively rare subtype of caveolinopathy. Here, we report a sporadic case of a middle‐aged female Chinese patient with MD in which a CAV3 mutation was identical to that previously reported in cases of rippling muscle disease. T1‐weighted enhanced skeletal muscle MRI of the lower limbs showed an abnormal signal in the distal and proximal muscles. A muscle biopsy revealed moderate dystrophic changes, and immunohistochemical staining showed reduced CAV‐3 expression in the plasmalemma. Genetic analysis revealed a heterozygous c.136G > A (p.Ala46Thr) CAV3 mutation that appeared to be de novo because it was absent from the patient's parents. This study suggested that the CAV3 c.136G > A (p.Ala46Thr) mutation can cause MD as well as different phenotypes in different individuals, suggesting that additional unknown loci must affect the disease phenotypes.
Validating endpoints for therapeutic trials in fecal incontinence
Authors: Noelting J. , Zinsmeister A. R. , Bharucha A. E.
Published: March 2016

Background

A 50% or greater reduction in the frequency of fecal incontinence (FI) recorded with daily bowel diaries is the primary endpoint in clinical trials of FI. Whether this difference is clinically important is unknown. The relationship between FI symptoms recorded with daily and weekly instruments is unknown. The contribution of psychological factors to quality of life (QOL) in FI is unclear.

Methods

Fecal incontinence severity was assessed with daily bowel diaries and periodic questionnaires (fecal incontinence severity score [FISS], FIQOL, 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey [SF‐36], and hospital anxiety and depression scales) for 4 weeks before and during double‐blind randomization to placebo or clonidine in 44 women with FI. The reduction in FI frequency was compared to the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) computed from the FISS. Endpoints of FI were compared between daily and weekly diaries.

Key Results

The FISS exceeded the MCID in 75% and 83% of patients in whom the FI frequency declined by 50–74% and ≥75% respectively. Parameters of FI measured with daily and weekly instruments were significantly correlated. The daily parameters explained 71% of the inter‐patient variation in the FISS. The SF‐36 health scores, rather than the FISS rating, explained a majority of the inter‐subject variation in FIQOL.

Conclusions & Inferences

Most patients who report a ≥50% reduction in FI frequency experience a clinically important improvement. Weekly questionnaires accurately assess the severity of FI. Self‐reported physical and mental health explained a greater proportion of the variance in FIQOL than FI symptom severity.
Evolutionary analysis of iron (Fe) acquisition system in Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Lo Jing‐Chi , Tsednee Munkhtsetseg , Lo Ying‐Chu , Yang Shun‐Chung , Hu Jer‐Ming , Ishizaki Kimitsune , Kohchi Takayuki , Lee Der‐Chuen , Yeh Kuo‐Chen
Published: March 2016

To acquire appropriate iron (Fe), vascular plants have developed two unique strategies, the reduction‐based strategy I of nongraminaceous plants for Fe2+ and the chelation‐based strategy II of graminaceous plants for Fe3+. However, the mechanism of Fe uptake in bryophytes, the earliest diverging branch of land plants and dominant in gametophyte generation is less clear.

Fe isotope fractionation analysis demonstrated that the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha uses reduction‐based Fe acquisition. Enhanced activities of ferric chelate reductase and proton ATPase were detected under Fe‐deficient conditions. However, M. polymorpha did not show mugineic acid family phytosiderophores, the key components of strategy II, or the precursor nicotianamine.

Five ZIP (ZRT/IRT‐like protein) homologs were identified and speculated to be involved in Fe uptake in M. polymorpha. MpZIP3 knockdown conferred reduced growth under Fe‐deficient conditions, and MpZIP3 overexpression increased Fe content under excess Fe.

Thus, a nonvascular liverwort, M. polymorpha, uses strategy I for Fe acquisition. This system may have been acquired in the common ancestor of land plants and coopted from the gametophyte to sporophyte generation in the evolution of land plants.
Innate lymphoid cells as novel regulators of obesity and its‐associated metabolic dysfunction
Authors: Yang D. , Yang W. , Tian Z. , van Velkinburgh J. C. , Song J. , Wu Y. , Ni B.
Published: March 2016

The increased prevalence of obesity worldwide has been accompanied by increases in risk and rates of obesity‐associated metabolic dysfunctions, such as insulin resistance. The chronic, low‐grade inflammatory condition of obesity highlights the pathophysiological link between the immune system and the metabolic system, which has yet to be fully understood. Recent studies of obesity have started to uncover potential regulatory roles for the innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), which under normal conditions serve to regulate development of lymphoid tissue and function of the mucosal immune system. The ILCs are a newly identified immune cell population with complicated composition and subsequently diverse and dynamic functions. Studies to determine the distribution profile of the various ILCs in adipose tissue provide intriguing clues as to their regulatory capacity in obesity and its associated metabolic dysfunctions. Here, we review the recent findings supporting a role for ILCs as regulators of obesity or its associated insulin resistance, and discuss the potential underlying molecular mechanism as well as its promise as a therapeutic target for clinical applications. © 2016 World Obesity
Neonatal risk factors of atopic dermatitis in Denmark – Results from a nationwide register‐based study
Authors: Egeberg Alexander , Andersen Yuki M. F. , Gislason Gunnar , Skov Lone , Thyssen Jacob P.
Published: March 2016

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with a multifactorial etiopathogenesis. Studies have suggested that several perinatal factors may influence the risk of AD in early childhood. We investigated possible neonatal risk factors such as jaundice, blue light phototherapy, birthweight, gestational age at birth, and season of birth on the risk of developing AD in the first 5 years of life.

Materials & Methods

Data were collected through Danish nationwide administrative registers. All newborn children between 1997 and 2007 (n = 673,614) were included in the cohort. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) by multivariate Poisson regression analyses.

Results

We identified a total of 85,743 children with AD in the first 5 years of life. The risk of AD was slightly increased in children with neonatal jaundice (IRR 1.13 [95% CI 1.06–1.21]). Preterm birth was inversely associated with the risk of AD (IRR 0.74, [95% CI 0.68–0.81]) as well as low birthweight (IRR 0.68, [95% CI 0.61–0.75]). Children born in fall and winter seasons had an increased risk of AD compared to spring and summer. No association between neonatal blue light therapy and the risk of AD was found.

Conclusions

Low birthweight and preterm birth were inversely associated with AD, while neonatal jaundice and cold seasons of birth were associated with an increased risk of AD.
Pediatric anesthesiology fellow education: is a simulation‐based boot camp feasible and valuable?
Authors: Ambardekar Aditee P. , Singh Devika , Lockman Justin L. , Rodgers David L. , Hales Roberta L. , Gurnaney Harshad G. , Nathan Aruna , Deutsch Ellen S.
Published: March 2016

Background

Pediatric anesthesiologists must manage crises in neonates and children with timely responses and limited margin for error. Teaching the range of relevant skills during a 12‐month fellowship is challenging. An experiential simulation‐based curriculum can augment acquisition of knowledge and skills.

Objectives

To develop a simulation‐based boot camp (BC) for novice pediatric anesthesiology fellows and assess learner perceptions of BC activities. We hypothesize that BC is feasible, not too basic, and well received by fellows.

Methods

Skills stations, team‐based in situ simulations, and group discussions of complex cases were designed. Stations were evaluated by anonymous survey; fellows rated usefulness in improving knowledge, self‐confidence, technical skill, and clinical performance using a Likert scale (1 strongly disagree to 5 strongly agree). They were also asked if stations were too basic or too short. Median and interquartile range (IQR) data were calculated and noted as median (IQR).

Results

Fellows reported the difficult airway station and simulated scenarios improved knowledge, self‐confidence, technical skill, and clinical performance. They disagreed that stations were too basic or too short with exception of the difficult airway session, which was too short [4 (4‐3)]. Fellows believed the central line station improved knowledge [4 (4‐3)], technical skills [4 (4‐4)], self‐confidence [4 (4‐3)], and clinical performance [4 (4‐3)]; scores trended toward neutral likely because the station was perceived as too basic [3.5 (4‐3)]. An interactive session on epinephrine and intraosseous lines was valued. Complicated case discussion was of educational value [4 (5‐4)], the varied opinions of faculty were helpful [4 (5‐4)], and the session was neither too basic [2 (2‐2)] nor too short [2 (2‐2)].

Conclusion

A simulation‐based BC for pediatric anesthesiology fellows was feasible, perceived to improve confidence, knowledge, technical skills, and clinical performance, and was not too basic.
MtVRN2 is a Polycomb VRN2‐like gene which represses the transition to flowering in the model legume Medicago truncatula
Authors: Jaudal Mauren , Zhang Lulu , Che Chong , Hurley Daniel G. , Thomson Geoffrey , Wen Jiangqi , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Putterill Joanna
Published: March 2016

Optimising the timing of flowering contributes to successful sexual reproduction and yield in agricultural plants. FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) genes, first identified in Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis), promote flowering universally, but the upstream flowering regulatory pathways can differ markedly among plants. Flowering in the model legume, Medicago truncatula (Medicago) is accelerated by winter cold (vernalisation) followed by long day (LD) photoperiods leading to elevated expression of the floral activator, FT‐like gene FTa1. However, Medicago, like some other plants, lacks the activator CONSTANS (CO) and the repressor FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) genes which directly regulate FT and are key to LD and vernalisation responses in Arabidopsis. Conversely, Medicago has a VERNALISATION2‐LIKE VEFS‐box gene (MtVRN2). In Arabidopsis AtVRN2 is a key member of a Polycomb complex involved in stable repression of Arabidopsis FLC after vernalisation. VRN2‐like genes have been identified in other eudicot plants, but their function has never been reported. We show that Mtvrn2 mutants bypass the need for vernalisation for early flowering in LD conditions in Medicago. Investigation of the underlying mechanism by transcriptome analysis reveals that Mtvrn2 mutants precociously express FTa1 and other suites of genes including floral homeotic genes. Double‐mutant analysis indicates that early flowering is dependent on functional FTa1. The broad significance of our study is that we have demonstrated a function for a VRN2‐like VEFS gene beyond the Brassicaceae. In particular, MtVRN2 represses the transition to flowering in Medicago by regulating the onset of expression of the potent floral activator, FTa1.
Canine cutaneous neosporosis in Brazil
Authors: Mann Thais R. , Cadore Gustavo C. , Camillo Giovana , Vogel Fernanda S. F. , Schmidt Claudete , Andrade Cinthia M.
Published: March 2016

The clinical signs of infection in dogs with Neospora caninum are usually associated with neurological disorders and are seen in young dogs. In this brief case report we observed multifocal ulcerative and exudative skin nodules on the neck and pelvic limbs of a 10‐year‐old cocker spaniel dog. Infection with N. caninum was diagnosed on the basis of cytology and examination of skin tissues by PCR. The dog initially responded to treatment with clindamycin and then relapsed; the dog died. Infection with N. caninum may have been due in part to immune suppression due to hyperadrenocorticism; which either allowed for the development of a primary infection or reactivation of a latent infection by N. caninum with the occurrence of skin lesions.
Low‐grade inflammation is associated with lower haemoglobin levels in healthy individuals: results from the Danish blood donor study
Authors: Kotzé S. R. , Pedersen O. B. , Petersen M. S. , Sørensen E. , Thørner L. W. , Sørensen C. J. , Rigas A. S. , Hjalgrim H. , Rostgaard K. , Ullum H. , Erikstrup C.
Published: March 2016

Background and Objectives

Chronic inflammation can lead to anaemia of chronic disease due to the sequestration of iron caused by inflammatory cytokines and the protein hepcidin. However, the effect of low‐grade inflammation (LGI) on haemoglobin among healthy individuals is not known. This study examines the effect of LGI on haemoglobin among Danish blood donors.

Materials and Methods

We performed multivariable linear regression to assess the effect of LGI (i.e. high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein above 3 mg/l but below 10 mg/l) on haemoglobin in 17 322 Danish blood donors. We also performed multivariable logistic regression to evaluate the effect of LGI on the risk of having low haemoglobin (below the 10th percentile among men and women, respectively). We adjusted for donation activity, age, sex, low ferritin, oral contraceptives and menopause. All analyses were stratified by current smoking status.

Results

LGI was associated with lower haemoglobin (0·08 mm lower [0·12 g/dl], 95% confidence interval (CI): −0·11–0·05) and increased risk of low haemoglobin (OR = 1·22, 95% CI: 1·05–1·43) in non‐smokers. Conversely, LGI was associated with higher haemoglobin in smokers (0·12 mm [0·19 g/dl], 95% CI: 0·06–0·18).

Conclusion

In this first study of LGI and haemoglobin in healthy individuals, there was a negative association between LGI and haemoglobin in non‐smokers. The association was positive in smokers, probably because smoking leads to both increased inflammation and increased haemoglobin through CO exposure.
THE EFFECT OF DEXMEDETOMIDINE ON RADIOGRAPHIC CARDIAC SILHOUETTE SIZE IN HEALTHY CATS
Authors: Zwicker Lesley A. , Matthews Andrea R. , Côté Etienne , Andersen Erin
Published: March 2016

Dexmedetomidine, an alpha2‐adrenergic agonist, may be used in companion animals for chemical restraint, including cardiac evaluation. Echocardiographic changes associated with alpha2‐adrenergic agonists have been described; however reports of radiographic changes in cats were not found at the time of this study. Aims of this observational, prospective, experimental study were to describe the effects of dexmedetomidine on the radiographic appearance of the cardiac silhouette in healthy, adult cats. Fourteen healthy adult cats received dexmedetomidine 40 mcg/kg IM. Right lateral, left lateral, ventrodorsal, and dorsoventral thoracic radiographs were obtained for each cat at three time points: presedation, intrasedation, and postsedation (≥ two hours after reversal with atipamezole). Radiographs were evaluated in a blinded, randomized fashion by two independent observers using the vertebral heart score on all four views, the number of intercostal spaces on lateral projections, and the percent width of thorax on ventrodorsal and dorsoventral projections. Median vertebral heart score on right lateral view was significantly increased intrasedation (median = 7.8; range = 7.25–8.25) compared to presedation (median = 7.5; range = 7–8 [P= 0.001]). Median percentage width was significantly higher intrasedation (70% on VD; range 65–80 [P= 0.001], and 75% on DV; range 65–80 [P= 0.006]) compared to presedation (65%; range 65–75 on both projections). Dexmedetomidine was associated with a small but significant increase in cardiac silhouette size on right lateral (vertebral heart score), ventrodorsal (percentage width), and dorsoventral (percentage width) radiographs in healthy adult cats. This effect should be taken into consideration for future interpretation of thoracic radiographs in dexmedetomidine‐sedated cats.
Design and Analysis of a Large-Scale Positive Displacement Vane Pump for Wind Tower Application
Authors: Rashidi Majid , Kadambi J. R. , Hanrahan Timothy
Published: March 2016

An innovative combined hydraulic and gear-train power transmissions system for Mega-Watt scale wind turbines is proposed herein. The proposed concept targets large-scale wind turbines for an efficient and reliable conversion of the mechanical power of the rotating blades to electrical power. The novel hybrid system presented in this approach takes advantage of the benefits of both hydraulic and conventional gearbox systems, without introducing their potential inherent undesirable attributes at large scale. The proposed design first converts the mechanical power of the turbine blades to hydraulic power at a relatively high-pressure (about 2,500 psi) under a relatively low-speed (about 4 in/sec). The hydraulic fluid exiting the discharge port of the low-speed hydraulic pump is branched out into plurality of hydraulic lines for the purpose of dividing the total mechanical power of the wind turbine into multitude of lower hydraulic power lines. Each hydraulic line then delivers its hydraulic power into the corresponding intake port of a hydraulic motor having a low-speed-high-torque output shaft. The output shaft of each of the hydraulic motors then drives the input shaft of a mechanically matched gearbox to increase the rotary speed. Finally, the high-speed output shaft of each gearbox (about 1800 RPM) drives a corresponding matched electric generator. A preliminary design for a variable displacement vane pump has been proposed in this paper. This work includes a theoretical analysis of the overall efficiency of the system. The combined volumetric, mechanical, and overall efficiency of a typical proposed system was shown to be about 98%.
Hyperelastic Multi-Scale Modeling of a Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomer Using Molecular Mechanics
Authors: Uddin Md Salah , Ju Jaehyung , Xia Zhenhai
Published: March 2016

In an effort to explore a structure-property relationship of an elastomer, we develop a multi-scale model of a thermoplastic polyurethane (PU) elastomer. A hyperelastic nonlinear constitutive equation of PU is constructed from a molecular simulation and is implemented for obtaining macroscopic mechanical properties. A full-atomic model of the PU, whose polymeric chains consist of hard and soft segments, is built using a commercial molecular modeling code — Materials Studio. The long hard segments are decomposed again into two beads for a better coarse grained (CG) model. The probability distribution functions for bond lengths, angles, and pairs are found among the beads to derive the effective potential functions using Inverse Boltzmann Method (IBM). Using the effective potential functions, a CG Molecular Mechanics (MM) model of the PU is built and run in LAMMPS. Initial IBM-derived effective potentials are iterated through CGMD simulations along with pressure correction to keep the distribution functions, density, and thermodynamic states the same for both models at two different scales. The final model is run with iterated force-fields using isobaric-isochoric ensemble (constant pressure, constant temperature) and validated with six full-atomic radial distribution functions (RDFs) and density from experiment. After building a validated CG model, hyperelastic strain energy functions are constructed from the CGMM simulation results of the PU under volumetric and isochoric deformation at the molecular level in order to develop an equivalent continuum model. Considering energy equivalence between the molecular and continuum models, the material constants for a hyperelastic strain energy function of the PU are determined. The derived parameters are used to predict macroscopic properties; bulk, shear, and Young’s moduli, and Poisson’s ratio from volumetric and three-dimensional shear loadings using the multi-scale approach. A coupon test of the PU at a macroscopic level is followed for comparison with the CGMM simulation. By the end of the study, we may answer the following research question: how sensitive are the iterative processes and pressure correction while building the effective CG potentials through inverse Boltzmann method.
Water Desalination Using Direct Contact Membrane Distillation System
Authors: Ahmad Hafiz M. , Khalifa Atia E. , Antar Mohamed A.
Published: March 2016

Membrane distillation (MD) is a separation technique used for water desalination, which operates at low feed temperatures and pressures. Direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) is one of the common MD configurations where both the hot saline feed stream and the cold permeate stream are in direct contact with the two membrane surfaces. An experimental study was performed to investigate the effect of operating conditions such as feed temperature, feed flow rate, permeate temperature, and permeate flow rate on the system output flux. To check the effect of membrane degradation, the MD system was run continuously for 48 hours with raw seawater as feed and the reduction in system flux with time was observed. Results showed that increasing the feed temperature, decreasing the permeate temperature, increasing the feed and permeate flow rate yield an increase in flux. The effects of feed temperature and feed flow rate are the most significant parameters. After 48 hours of system continuous operation flux was reduced by 42.4 % but the quality of permeate (as measured by its TDS) is still very high with salt rejection factor close to 100 %. For the DCMD system under consideration, the GOR values remain between 0.8 and 1.2, for the tested range of operating temperatures.
An Experimental Investigation on the Shear Strength of Ferrocement Reinforced With Hexagonal Mesh
Authors: Al-Rifaie Wail , Ahmed Waleed K.
Published: March 2016

Ferrocement is characterized by fine diameter mesh reinforcement, and size of mesh opening, and the surface area per unit volume of mortar may be as much as ten times that in conventional reinforced concrete. The behavior of ferrocement is characterized by volume fraction of the fibers Vfx and Vfy in x and y directions and the specific surfaces of the mesh SLx and SLy. An experimental investigation on the shear strength of ferrocement plate reinforced with hexagonal mesh is carried out. Ferrocement square plate specimens were cast and tested. A total of 24 simply supported square plates (500×500mm) having mortar with cement/ sand proportions 1: 2 and 1: 3 by weight have been cast and tested under ‘patch’ load varying the number of mesh layers, the plate thickness, the size of the mesh opening and the arrangement and orientation of the mesh. Woven hexagonal mesh has been used. All plate specimens have been tested with their edges simply supported over a span of 450mm in two directions. During tests, central patch loads of size 100×100mm at the center of each plate specimens were applied to the models through a universal testing machine of 250 ton capacity. Having located the specimens within its support, series of patch load increments were then applied to the plate up to failure loads. The plate behavior has been presented in the form of the first cracking load Pcr and the ultimate load Pu which is the total patch load at failure. It was observed that the first cracking load is influenced by the ultimate mortar strength and not much affected by volume content of reinforcement. The slope of the curves at collapse indicates that the load carrying capacity is highly influenced by the steel volume content and the tensile strength of the mesh reinforcement while the contribution of mortar is negligible. The failure loads in the plates with closely spaced wires were higher as compared to the plates with widely spaced wires. There is an increase in the value of failure load Pu for the plate specimens with orthogonally oriented mesh layers as compared to the specimens with twin layers. An important conclusions regarding the plate behavior are drawn and expression to estimate the first cracking load is proposed. A comparison of the first cracking load values with those obtained using the proposed expression. It is seen that the proposed expression gives a reasonable estimate of the first cracking load.
Film Deposition in Non-Wetting Tubes: An Experimental Film Thickness Law
Authors: Herescu Alexandru , Allen Jeffrey S.
Published: March 2016

Deposition of a liquid film on non-wetting tubular surfaces gives rise to the unexpected behavior of simultaneously coexisting thick and thin films. Experiments show that a discontinuity in the film thickness, a jump between the thick and thin films being laid from the meniscus towards the bounding moving contact line, occurs after a considerably thicker than the expected Bretherton film is deposited. Bretherton assumed the film to be uniform and, unlike the case of a non-wetting surface, the visco-capillary deposition process was not affected by the presence of a contact line. In reality this phenomenon lies at the confluence between a dewetting process and the deposition itself, being the result of the influence claimed by the dynamics of the zone adjacent to the moving contact line. The film thickness is calculated directly from the experimental data and a correlation is obtained by matching the measured and the theoretical shock velocities associated with the hydraulic jump. The non-wetting film is significantly thicker than Bretherton’s prediction and follows in turn a different law which is determined experimentally. The non-wetting film thickness is found to vary as hR4/3, hR being the Ca-dependent non-dimensional Bretherton film thickness.