bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermophysiological, haematological, biochemical and behavioural stress responses of sheep transported on road
Authors: Pascual‐Alonso M. , Miranda‐de la Lama G. C. , Aguayo‐Ulloa L. , Villarroel M. , Mitchell M. , María G. A.
Published: April 2016

The study was conducted to evaluate the thermophysiological, haematological, biochemical and behavioural stress responses of sheep transported on road. A total of 44 Chamarita breed adult ewes were randomly allotted to one of two groups, one control group (untransported) and transported group (journey of 4 h), and blood stress indicators were measured 1 day before transport and at four time points post‐transport (0, 4 and 24 h). Thermophysiological profiles of ewes were measured by temperature buttons (iButton Thermochron®) and placed in intravaginal sponges. Direct observations, with a combination of scan and behaviour sampling, were carried out to collect information on individual behaviour and the time it took the ewes to drink water, eat and rest after returning to their pen respectively. Transported ewes lost approximately 1 kg live weight compared to controls and had higher body temperatures until 12 h post‐transport. Cortisol, glucose, non‐esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations as well as the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (N/L) and other physiological indicators were higher immediately after unloading in transported ewes but mostly returned to normal after 4 h, with complete recovery after 24 h. Behavioural analysis post‐transport demonstrated that transported ewes chose to eat before drinking and spent less time resting than controls in the first 3 h after unloading. The study demonstrates that transportation even under short‐journey conditions induced behavioural, physiological and thermophysiological responses indicative of the induction of significant stress, leading to live weight shrinkage that may jeopardize farmer's incomes. Finally, results of this study validated the use of iButton Thermochron® data loggers for monitoring the stress response during transport.
Effect of dietary α‐tocopherol on the bioavailability of lutein in laying hen
Authors: Islam K. M. S. , Khalil M. , Männer K. , Raila J. , Rawel H. , Zentek J. , Schweigert F. J.
Published: April 2016

Lutein and its isomer zeaxanthin have gained considerable interest as possible nutritional ingredient in the prevention of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) in humans. Egg yolk is a rich source of these carotenoids. As an oxidative sensitive component, antioxidants such as α‐tocopherol (T) might contribute to an improved accumulation in egg yolk. To test this, chickens were fed lutein esters (LE) with and without α‐tocopherol as an antioxidant. After depletion on a wheat–soya bean‐based lutein‐poor diet for 21 days, laying hens (n = 42) were equally divided into three groups and fed the following diets for 21 days: control (basal diet), a LE group (40 mg LE/kg feed) and LE + T group (40 mg LE plus 100 mg T/kg feed). Eggs and blood were collected periodically. Carotenoids and α‐tocopherol in yolk and blood plasma were determined by HPLC. Egg yolk was also analysed for total carotenoids using a one‐step spectrophotometric method (iCheck(™)). Lutein, zeaxanthin, α‐tocopherol and total carotenoids in egg yolk were highest after 14 days of feeding and decreased slightly afterwards. At the end of the trial, eggs of LE + T group contained higher amount of lutein (13.72), zeaxanthin (0.65), α‐tocopherol (297.40) and total carotenoids (21.6) compared to the LE group (10.96, 0.55, 205.20 and 18.0 mg/kg, respectively, p < 0.05). Blood plasma values of LE + T group contain higher lutein (1.3), zeaxanthin (0.06) and tocopherol (20.1) compared to LE group (1.02, 0.04 and 14.90 mg/l, respectively, p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary α‐tocopherol enhances bioavailability of lutein reflecting higher content in egg yolk and blood plasma. Improved bioavailability might be due to increased absorption of lutein in the presence of tocopherol and/or a greater stability of lutein/zeaxanthin due to the presence of α‐tocopherol as an antioxidant.
Effects of a blend of garlic oil, nitrate and fumarate on in vitro ruminal fermentation and microbial population
Authors: Mbiriri D. T. , Cho S. , Mamvura C. I. , Choi N. J.
Published: April 2016

Although garlic oil and nitrate can effectively suppress ruminal methane (CH4) production in vitro, the application of these compounds is associated with suppressed total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration. On the other hand, the effectiveness of fumarate as a ruminal CH4 mitigating agent is variable but its application increases total VFA concentration. We therefore hypothesized that the different characteristics of the compounds can compensate for the shortcomings of the other. The objective of this study was to develop an optimal blend of garlic oil, nitrate and fumarate that can suppress in vitro ruminal CH4 without affecting total VFA concentration. Three ruminal in vitro fermentation experiments were carried out. The first one, a one factor at a time experiment was employed to investigate the effective concentration of each of the compounds on CH4 and VFA production by ruminal bacteria. We then applied the fractional factorial design and response surface methodology in the second experiment to determine optimal concentrations of the compounds in the blend. The optimal blending of garlic oil, fumarate and nitrate was determined to be 50 mg/l, 15 mm and 20 mm, respectively. This simulated optimal blend was verified in a 48 h in vitro batch fermentation experiment. The blend achieved the intended goal of suppressing CH4 whilst maintaining total VFA concentration. The blend and nitrate suppressed archaea populations (p < 0.001) but did not affect the total microbial population (p = 0.945). The observed results could be explained by additive effects of the agents making up the blend. Supplementing a high concentrate diet with the blend can significantly decrease ruminal CH4 and maintain total VFAin vitro. These findings however, need to be verified in vivo using the optimized ratio of combining the three methane inhibitors as a guide.
Effects of the Affordable Care Act's Dependent Coverage Mandate on Private Health Insurance Coverage in Urban and Rural Areas
Authors: Look Kevin A. , Kim Nam Hyo , Arora Prachi
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) dependent coverage mandate on insurance coverage among young adults in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis was conducted using data from 2006‐2009 and 2011 waves of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. A difference‐in‐difference analysis was used to compare changes in full‐year private health insurance coverage among young adults aged 19‐25 years with an older cohort aged 27‐34 years. Separate regressions were estimated for individuals in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas and were tested for a differential impact by area of residence.

Findings

Full‐year private health insurance coverage significantly increased by 9.2 percentage points for young adults compared to the older cohort after the ACA mandate (P = .00). When stratifying the regression model by residence area, insurance coverage among young adults significantly increased by 9.0 percentage points in metropolitan areas (P = .00) and 10.1 percentage points in nonmetropolitan areas (P = .03). These changes were not significantly different from each other (P = .82), which suggests the ACA mandate's effects were not statistically different by area of residence.

Conclusions

Although young adults in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas experienced increased access to private health insurance following the ACA's dependent coverage mandate, it did not appear to directly impact rural‐urban disparities in health insurance coverage. Despite residents in both areas gaining insurance coverage, over one‐third of young adults still lacked access to full‐year health insurance coverage.
Everyday Life in Social Psychology
Authors: Emiliani Francesca , Passini Stefano
Published: April 2016

In the field of psychology, the topic of everyday life as a specific subject of inquiry has been afforded little attention. Indeed, everyday life has recently been analyzed mainly in psychological studies that examine people's ways of behaving and thinking when they act in situations termed as mundane and ordinary. These studies are mainly carried out in two fields of social psychology which we refer to in general terms as Social Cognition and Social Representation Theory. The aim of this paper is to examine how both these fields treat some of the features commonly attributed to everyday life. In particular, the features of familiarization, continuity and stability over time and automaticity are discussed in order to try to figure out meeting points between the two fields mentioned.
Soil degradation and feedback processes affect long‐term recovery of tropical secondary forests
Authors: Chua Siew Chin , Ramage Benjamin S. , Potts Matthew D.
Published: April 2016

Questions

What processes govern the long‐term recovery of tropical secondary forests? Specifically, how are seedling species density, stem density and functional groups in older regenerating forests affected by existing trees, the regeneration environment and distance to seed sources?

Location

Central Catchment Nature Reserve, Singapore.

Methods

We investigated three primary forest plots and nine 60‐yr‐old secondary forest plots varying in their degree of recovery. We analysed seedling parameters as a function of the abiotic and biotic regeneration environment as well as distance to primary and mature secondary forests.

Results

The secondary forest plots had functional composition distinct from, and Chao‐estimated species richness and stem density lower than the primary forest plots. Seedling communities were most strongly associated with the mature tree communities within each plot; associations with other intra‐plot variables and distance to potential seed sources were lower but still highly significant. Overall, aside from the mature tree community, the most significant predictors of seedling species composition were fern cover, VPD, soil Al, available P and C:N ratio. Primary forest species were associated with low light environments, low macronutrients and low Al saturation. Secondary forest species were associated with high P, low soil pH and low total exchangeable bases. Long‐lived pioneers differed from short‐lived pioneers in their association with high soil C:N ratio, low Al saturation, low P and tolerance of a wider light range. Overall, improved seedling recruitment was associated with decreasing fern cover, thinner layer of leaf litter and higher light. At the landscape level, species density was inversely related to distance to potential seed sources.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that historical soil degradation and subsequent feedback processes among the adult trees, seedling communities and the regeneration environment strongly affect forest succession. Nutrient‐efficient and Al‐tolerant pioneers, such as the fern Dicranopteris linearis, were probably initial colonizers. Chance dispersal and recovery of the regeneration environment subsequently affected the establishment of long‐lived or short‐lived pioneers. Persistence of D. linearis and long‐lived pioneers slowed forest recovery, while short‐lived pioneers improved nutrient recovery and ameliorated the above‐ground conditions to facilitate subsequent succession, provided that seeds of primary forest species were present.
Mending a broken heart but breaking the kidney
Authors: Mazzone Annette L , Baker Robert A , Gleadle Jonathan M
Published: April 2016

The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent and serious complication of cardiac surgery. In 2013, 95% of cardiac surgical procedures performed in Australia and New Zealand used cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). AKI following CPB is well known, yet the perioperative factors contributing to its development are incompletely understood. AKI following CPB has significant implications on both short‐term and long‐term outcomes. The techniques for conducting CPB have evolved, moving towards evidence‐based practice; however, there is still no generally accepted definition of optimal perfusion and its conduct. This review examines the current incidence of AKI following cardiac surgery and the short‐term and longer‐term effects of AKI on morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this review is to discuss the perioperative risk factors related to CPB and their contribution to the development of AKI. This review will also discuss outcomes in regard to off‐pump cardiac surgery, the role of remote ischaemic preconditioning on AKI and outcomes in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing cardiac surgery.
What Affects Korea–US Relations?
Authors: Kim Hayam , Heo Uk
Published: April 2016

Despite a plethora of studies on ROK–US relations, few have systematically examined the factors that have caused changes in the relationship between the two states. To fill this gap in the literature, this article investigates the factors that have caused the fluctuation in the relationship between South Korea and the United States in recent years. The authors argue that three factors have affected ROK–US relations in recent decades: (i) domestic politics; (ii) the international factor; and (iii) a series of incidents that contributed to the rise of anti‐US sentiments in South Korea. These changes in the internal and external political environment have altered the relationship between Seoul and Washington and have caused considerable friction between the two countries.
Using Analytical Eclecticism for Improved Policy Relevance: Is There a Case for South Korean Support of Abenomics?
Authors: Kelly Robert E.
Published: April 2016

Peter Katzenstein's “analytic eclecticism” argues for problem‐driven, policy‐relevant international relations, where “messy” problems in the world encourage creative recombinations of theory and sidestep paradigmatic debates. Ideally, the rigor of theory and originality springing from atypical reconfigurations improve policy recommendations. This paper applies this approach to South Korea and Abenomics. Seoul's elites have generally opposed Abenomics, but my eclectic approach argues for six theoretically informed but practically relevant ways in which Japan's reflation is, in fact, in the national interest: First, as a “responsible middle power” in the G‐20, “Global Korea” is expected to act with a wider view of its national interest in support of global institutions. Second, as a major trading partner, Japan's reflation is good for Korean growth. Third, an appreciated won is good for heavily indebted Korean consumers. Fourth, a normally growing Japan is good for Korean security. Fifth, a normalized Japan is more likely to deal calmly with Korea on history issues. Sixth, a normalized Japan is likelier to contribute to the costs of eventual unification. Per the eclectic approach, these arguments, first, are not selected for paradigmatic commensurability, but rather for problem/policy‐relevance. Second, they leverage international relations theory to enrich the menu of options in the ROK policy space.
The Strategic Balance in East Asia and the Small Powers: The Case of the Philippines in the Face of the South China Sea Dispute
Authors: De Castro Renato Cruz
Published: April 2016

How does a small power respond and adjust to a fluid and potentially dangerous strategic balancing by major powers generated by a territorial dispute? This paper observes that notwithstanding the major powers’ mistrust, suspicion, and rivalry, such precarious stability in the South China Sea dispute is sustained by a balance‐of‐power system. This system is an offshoot of the small littoral states’ (in this case, the Philippines’) policy of engaging the external maritime powers (the United States and Japan) to counter China's heavy‐handedness in dealing with this territorial row. Apprehensive of China's claim of sovereignty over the South China Sea, the United States and Japan are increasing their strategic involvement in the maritime territorial row. These developments have transformed the dispute into a case of conflict irresolution. To cope with China's heavy‐handedness, the Philippines builds up the deterrence capability of its armed forces and forges security partnerships with the United States and Japan. The Philippines hopes that this move will ensure the maintenance of the status quo in the regional balance of power. In conclusion, the paper considers the Philippines’ policy as myopic, since it overlooks the fact that the volatile balance of power situation in the South China Sea might be the proverbial “calm before the storm.” It is crucial that the Philippines puts its house in order, economically keeps pace with its more dynamic Southeast Asian neighbors, increases its defense spending, formulates a coherent national security strategy, and concentrates on building a credible armed forces to avoid free‐riding on its allies, and more importantly, to enable the country to weather the approaching storm.
Use of Fentanyl Patch for Treatment of Moderate‐to‐severe Chronic Noncancer Pain: Postmarketing Surveillance of Medical Practice in Japan Using a Risk Minimization Action Plan
Authors: Kawai Koji , Yoshizawa Kazutake , Fujie Motoko , Kobayashi Hisanori , Ogawa Yoshimasa , Yajima Tsutomu
Published: April 2016

Objective

The purpose of this study was to discuss the safety, treatment profile, and clinical effectiveness of 12‐month treatment with fentanyl patch (FP), a strong opioid, in medical practice in Japan under the risk minimization action plan (RMAP).

Methods

Patients with moderate‐to‐severe chronic noncancer pain who had switched to FP from another opioid were registered to take this survey to assess adverse drug reactions (ADRs), therapeutic effect, and pain intensity for up to 12 months.

Results

A total of 517 patients were enrolled, and 499 patients (male, 50.9%; mean [SD] age, 63.0 [15.4] years) were included in the safety population. During the 12‐month observation period, an ADR occurred in 262 patients (52.5%); most frequent ADRs included nausea (24.2%), somnolence (22.4%), constipation (18.2%), vomiting (9%), and dizziness (4.6%). The prespecified priority survey items, including respiratory depression, drug dependence, and drug withdrawal syndrome, occurred in 2 (both nonserious), 3 (all serious), and 9 (all serious) patients, respectively. In 418 patients from the efficacy population, the response rate was 77.3%, the rate of achievement of the therapeutic goal was 64.5%, and the visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain severity decreased by 22.3 (26.9) mm.

Conclusion

Our results identified a reasonable risk–benefit profile for the management of moderate‐to‐severe chronic noncancer pain in patients previously treated with opioids under long‐term treatment with FP under the RMAP. Respiratory depression, drug dependency, and drug withdrawal were rarely observed even under the RMAP in Japan.
Cytochrome c, a hub linking energy, redox, stress and signaling pathways in mitochondria and other cell compartments
Authors: Welchen Elina , Gonzalez Daniel H.
Published: April 2016

Cytochrome c (CYTc) is a soluble redox‐active heme protein that transfers electrons from complex III to complex IV in the cyanide‐sensitive mitochondrial respiratory pathway. CYTc biogenesis is a complex process that requires multiple steps until the mature active protein is obtained. CYTc levels and activity are finely regulated, revealing the importance of this protein not only as electron carrier but also in many other processes. In this article, we describe the role of CYTc in mitochondrial respiration, from its canonical role as electron carrier for ATP production to its involvement in protein import and the stabilization of respiratory complexes and supercomplexes. In plants, CYTc is connected to the synthesis of the antioxidant ascorbate and the detoxification of toxic compounds. Finally, CYTc is also a multi‐functional signaling molecule that influences the balance between life and death, acting in energy provision for cellular functions or triggering programmed cell death. The confluence of several metabolic routes into a single protein that links redox reactions with energy producing pathways seems logical from the point of view of cellular economy, control and organization.
Theta EEG neurofeedback benefits early consolidation of motor sequence learning
Authors: Rozengurt Roman , Barnea Anat , Uchida Sunao , Levy Daniel A.
Published: April 2016

Procedural learning is subject to consolidation processes believed to depend on the modulation of functional connections involved in representing the acquired skill. While sleep provides the most commonly studied framework for such consolidation processes, posttraining modulation of oscillatory brain activity may also impact on plasticity processes. Under the hypothesis that consolidation of motor learning is associated with theta band activity, we used EEG neurofeedback (NFB) to enable participants to selectively increase either theta or beta power in their EEG spectra following the acquisition phase of motor sequence learning. We tested performance on a motor task before and after training, right after the NFB session to assess immediate NFB effects, 1 day after NFB to assess interaction between NFB effects and overnight sleep‐dependent stabilization, and 1 week after the initial session, to assess the effects of NFB on long‐term stabilization of motor training. We also explored the extent of the influence of single‐electrode NFB on EEG recorded across the scalp. Results revealed a significantly greater improvement in performance immediately after NFB in the theta group than in the beta group. This effect continued for testing up to 1 week following training. Across participants, post‐NFB improvement correlated positively with theta/beta ratio change achieved during NFB. Additionally, NFB was found to cause widespread band‐power modulation beyond the electrode used for feedback. Thus, upregulating postlearning theta power may yield contributions to the immediate performance and subsequent consolidation of an acquired motor skill.
Preejection period can be calculated using R peak instead of Q
Authors: Seery Mark D. , Kondrak Cheryl L. , Streamer Lindsey , Saltsman Thomas , Lamarche Veronica M.
Published: April 2016

Preejection period (PEP) is a common measure of sympathetic nervous system activation in psychophysiological research, which makes it important to measure reliably for as many participants as possible. PEP is typically calculated as the interval between the onset or peak of the electrocardiogram Q wave and the impedance cardiography B point, but the Q wave can lack clear definition and even its peak is not visible for all participants. We thus investigated the feasibility of using the electrocardiogram R wave peak (Rpeak) instead of Q because it can be consistently identified with ease and precision. Across four samples (total N = 408), young adult participants completed a variety of minimally metabolically demanding laboratory tasks after a resting baseline. Results consistently supported a close relationship between absolute levels of the Rpeak‐B interval and PEP (accounting for approximately 90% of the variance at baseline and 89% during task performance, on average), but for reactivity values, Rpeak‐B was practically indistinguishable from PEP (accounting for over 98% of the variance, on average). Given that using Rpeak rather than the onset or peak of Q saves time, eliminates potential subjectivity, and can be applied to more participants (i.e., those without a visible Q wave), findings suggest that Rpeak‐B likely provides an adequate estimate of PEP when absolute levels are of interest and clearly does so for within‐person changes.
We Lower Blood Flow for Intradialytic Hypotension
Authors: Sherman Richard A.
Published: April 2016

Whether hemodialysis is performed through a fistula, graft, or a dialysis catheter, it is a common practice to lower the dialyzer blood flow in patients who develop intradialytic hypotension. Lowering dialyzer blood flow is assumed to reduce AV access blood flow and thus increase peripheral vascular resistance tending to raise blood pressure. As a general rule, however, such a reduction in dialyzer blood flow does not lower access flow; only in the case of an intra‐access stenosis could this be the case. Reducing access blood flow (in both catheter and AV accesses) did ameliorate a number of potential contributors to intradialytic hypotension when older dialysis technologies were routinely used. A lower dialyzer blood flow reduced acetate influx, decreased extracorporeal blood volume, and decreased the release of vasodilatory products of blood‐membrane interactions. However, none of these considerations are applicable to current dialysis practice.
We Offer Renal Replacement Therapy to Patients Who Are Not Benefitted by It
Authors: Holley Jean L.
Published: April 2016

Nephrologists offer renal replacement therapy (RRT) to patients who are unlikely to benefit in part because of our discomfort discussing goals of care in the setting of an uncertain prognosis for a given individual. Permanent neurological impairment, terminal illness (life expectancy <6 months), medical conditions precluding the safe delivery of dialysis, elderly patients with poor prognosis, and those who begin “early” RRT are categories of patients for whom dialysis may not be beneficial. Successful use of time‐limited trials of dialysis may reduce the number of patients who are started on RRT without significant benefit. However, clear achievable milestones and goals need to be incorporated into plans for time‐limited trials to ensure that continuing RRT beyond the trial period is appropriate. The lack of information on outcomes and symptom management using a “palliative approach” to dialysis suggests this should not be a clinical option until additional study is done and efficacy data available. Clinical practice guidelines are available to assist nephrologists in the appropriate withholding of RRT.
We Underdose Antibiotics in Patients on CRRT
Authors: Shaw Alexander R. , Chaijamorn Weerachai , Mueller Bruce A.
Published: April 2016

Appropriate antibiotic dosing in critically ill, infected, patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is crucial to improve patient outcomes. Severe sepsis and septic shock result in changes in pharmacokinetic parameters, including increased volume of distribution, hypoalbuminemia, and changes in renal and nonrenal clearances. The lack of CRRT standardization, nonrecognition of how CRRT variability affects antibiotic removal, fear of antibiotic toxicity, and limited drug dosing resources all contribute to suboptimal antibiotic therapy. Even when antibiotic CRRT pharmacokinetic studies are available, they are often based on old CRRT methodologies that do not exist in contemporary CRRT practice, resulting in unhelpful/inaccurate dosing recommendations. Application of these older doses in Monte Carlo simulation studies reveals that many of the recommended dosing regimens will never attain pharmacodynamic targets. In this review, using cefepime as an example, we illustrate whether clinicians are likely to achieve pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic targets when the recommended dosing regimens are prescribed in this patient population. We encourage clinicians to aggressively dose antibiotics with large loading dose and higher maintenance doses to reach the targets.
We Do Too Many Parathyroidectomies for Calciphylaxis
Authors: Nigwekar Sagar U. , Sprague Stuart M.
Published: April 2016

Calciphylaxis, a disorder of dermal arteriolar calcification with a distinct predilection for patients with advanced kidney disease, remains an enigmatic condition that challenges clinicians. Observations regarding positive associations between levels of circulating parathyroid hormone (PTH) and the risk of calciphylaxis, combined with experimental data suggesting a pathogenic role of secondary hyperparathyroidism in vascular calcification, have led to the assumption that reducing PTH levels will improve the outcomes in patients with calciphylaxis. This editorial communicates the contemporary data regarding surgical parathyroidectomy as a treatment option for these patients. We raise concerns regarding the quality of available data and discuss the direction of future comparative effectiveness research in this field.
An Observable Delay Game with Unionised Managerial Firms
Authors: Fanti Luciano
Published: April 2016

The endogenous order of moves is analysed in a unionised Cournot duopoly with managerial delegation and firm‐specific unions, where firms choose whether to set quantities sequentially or simultaneously. It is shown that, in contrast to the standard duopoly with profit‐maximising firms where both firms prefer to be the leader and thus simultaneously chosen quantities emerge as an endogenous equilibrium, a rich set of equilibrium outcomes may occur. In particular, the result of sequential choices, which reverses the conventional wisdom in regard to Cournot duopolies, emerges as the endogenous equilibrium when the union's wage orientation is sufficiently high.
Apathy and Antipathy: Media Coverage of Restrictive Immigration Legislation and the Maintenance of Symbolic Boundaries
Authors: Estrada Emily P. , Ebert Kim , Lore Michelle Halla
Published: April 2016

Although the government no longer explicitly establishes boundaries of whiteness, it continues to play a central role in shaping symbolic boundaries between immigrants and nonimmigrants through immigration lawmaking. However, the salience of these boundaries may depend on how the media disseminate them to the public. In this study, we investigate media framing of immigration lawmaking using an original data set of news coverage of six of the most widely recognized exclusionary immigration bills and laws at different levels of government. Two patterns emerged from an iterative frame analysis. First, in their coverage of frames critical of these bills and laws, outlets devoted more attention to the effects of exclusionary legislation for nonimmigrants. Second, in their coverage of frames supportive of the restrictive legislation, outlets provided more space to those who openly associated immigrants with criminality and terrorism. Regardless of outlets’ seemingly neutral stance toward restrictive legislation, their disparate coverage of exclusionary lawmaking demonstrates apathy and antipathy toward immigrants, which has repercussions for the maintenance of inequality.
Alignment in Syntax: Quotative Inversion in English
Authors: Bruening Benjamin
Published: April 2016

This paper explores the idea that many languages have a phonological Align(ment) constraint that requires alignment between the tensed verb and C. This Align constraint is what is behind verb‐second and many types of inversion phenomena generally. Numerous facts about English subject–auxiliary inversion and French stylistic inversion fall out from the way this Align constraint is stated in each language. The paper arrives at the Align constraint by way of a detailed reexamination of English quotative inversion. The syntactic literature has overwhelmingly accepted Collins & Branigan's (1997) conclusion that the subject in quotative inversion is low, within the VP. This paper reexamines the properties of quotative inversion and shows that Collins & Branigan's analysis is incorrect: quotative‐inversion subjects are high, in Spec,TP, and what moves is a full phrase, not just the verb. The constraints on quotative inversion, including the famous transitivity constraint, fall out from two independently necessary constraints: (1) a constraint on what can be stranded by phrasal movement like VP fronting, and (2) the aforementioned Align constraint, which requires alignment between V and C. This constraint can then be seen to derive numerous seemingly unrelated facts in a single language, as well as across languages.
Compound heterozygosity of two novel RHAG alleles leads to a considerable disruption of the Rh complex
Authors: Polin Helene , Pelc‐Klopotowska Monika , Danzer Martin , Suessner Susanne , Gabriel Christian , Wilflingseder Julia , Żmudzin Alicja , Orzińska Agnieszka , Guz Katarzyna , Michalewska Bogumila , Brojer Ewa
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

The Rhesus (Rh) complex consists of a core comprising the Rh proteins (RhD/RhCE) and the Rh‐associated glycoprotein (RhAG) with accessory chains (GPB, LW, CD47). Molecular defects of the RHAG gene may cause a regulator Rhnull phenotype without Rh antigen expression or a Rhmod phenotype with decreased Rh antigen expression.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Blood samples of a donor with strongly diminished Rh antigens and five family members were analyzed by serological phenotyping, flow cytometry, molecular testing, and gene expression analysis of Rh complex candidate genes.

RESULTS

RHAG sequencing identified a missense mutation, c.241G>C (p.Gly81Arg) and a splice site mutation, c.640 + 3del14, among the cohort. Compound heterozygosity of these novel alleles identified in the propositus and two siblings gave rise to a strongly diminished expression of RhAG, Rh, and CD47 antigens on the RBC surface.

CONCLUSION

The Rhmod phenotype was caused by a novel RHAG splice site mutation in association with a non‐functional allele. The primary depression of RhAG is most likely due to posttranslational events that affect the interaction and processing of the RhAG glycoprotein and gave rise to a secondary depression of RhD, RhCE, and CD47, the major members of the Rh complex.
Characterization of mesenchymal stromal cells: potency assay development
Authors: Hematti Peiman
Published: April 2016

Based on their many different mechanisms of action, presumed immune‐privileged status, and relative ease of production, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are under intensive clinical investigation for treating a wide range of degenerative, inflammatory, and immunologic disorders. Identification of relevant and robust potency assays is not only a regulatory requirement, but it is also the basis for producing and delivering a product that is consistent, safe, and ultimately an effective therapy. Although development of an appropriate potency assay is one of the most challenging issues in cell‐based therapies, it is of paramount importance in the process of developing and testing cellular products. Regardless of the many different tissue sources and methods used in culture expansion of MSCs, they possess many of the same morphologic, cell surface markers, and differentiation characteristics. However, MSC products with similar phenotypic characteristics could still have major differences in their biologic and functional attributes. Understanding the different mechanisms of action and establishment of relevant potency assays is of pivotal importance in allowing investigators and regulatory agencies to compare MSCs used in different clinical trials.
Plerixafor is safe and efficacious for mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells in pediatric patients
Authors: Teusink Ashley , Pinkard Susan , Davies Stella , Mueller Mark , Jodele Sonata
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy followed by filgrastim is the most common strategy used to mobilize autologous peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) for high‐dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. Unfortunately, this method does not always lead to adequate PBSC collection in heavily treated patients with relapsed malignancies or if multiple transplants are required. Plerixafor, a hematopoietic stem cell mobilizer that inhibits the CXCR4 chemokine receptor and blocks binding of its cognate ligand, stromal cell–derived factor‐1α (SDF‐1α), has been shown to be safe and efficacious in the mobilization of autologous PBSC in adults. Despite its use in adults, little evidence exists to support its use in children.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We report a retrospective review of 16 consecutive pediatric patients receiving plerixafor as part of their mobilization regimen at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. All patients but one were given 0.24 mg/kg dose of plerixafor and the median number of plerixafor doses received was two (range, one to four doses). One patient received higher doses of plerixafor.

RESULTS

An adequate number of CD34+ cells were obtained in 14 of 16 patients (87.5%). The median number of CD34+ cells collected for patients who reached collection goal was 6 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg (range, 1.6 × 106−12.4 × 106/kg). No acute adverse events were noted to be attributable to plerixafor administration.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that plerixafor use in children is safe and efficacious for the mobilization of autologous PBSCs in subjects with relapsed malignancies or requiring stem cells for multiple transplants.
Treatment of platelet concentrates with ultraviolet C light for pathogen reduction increases cytokine accumulation
Authors: Sandgren Per , Berlin Gösta , Tynngård Nahreen
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

Pathogen reduction technologies use photoactive substances in combination with ultraviolet (UV) light to inactivate pathogens. A new method uses only UVC light for pathogen reduction. This study assesses the effects of UVC light treatment on cytokine release in platelet (PLT) concentrates (PCs).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A PC with 35% plasma and 65% PLT additive solution (SSP+) was prepared from five buffy coats. Three such PCs were pooled and divided into 3 units. One unit was used as a nonirradiated control, the second was a gamma‐irradiated control, and the third unit was treated with UVC light technology. Ten units of each type were investigated. Cytokine release was analyzed on Days 1, 5, and 7 of storage. Correlation between cytokines, PLT surface markers, and hemostatic properties was investigated.

RESULTS

Swirling was well preserved and pH was above the reference limit of 6.4 during storage of PLTs in all groups. Cytokine levels increased during storage in all groups but to a larger degree in PCs treated with UVC light. Only weak correlation was found between cytokines and PLT surface markers (r < 0.5). However, several cytokines showed strong correlation (r > 0.6) with the PLTs' ability to promote clot retraction.

CONCLUSION

UVC treatment resulted in increased release from PLT alpha granules as evident by a higher cytokine release compared to nonirradiated and gamma‐irradiated PCs. The clinical relevance of these findings needs to be further evaluated.
Kloosterman paths and the shape of exponential sums
Authors: Kowalski Emmanuel , Sawin William F.
Published: April 2016

We consider the distribution of the polygonal paths joining partial sums of classical Kloosterman sums$\text{Kl}_{p}(a)$, as$a$varies over$\mathbf{F}_{p}^{\times }$and as$p$tends to infinity. Using independence of Kloosterman sheaves, we prove convergence in the sense of finite distributions to a specific random Fourier series. We also consider Birch sums, for which we can establish convergence in law in the space of continuous functions. We then derive some applications.
TRPA1 channels: molecular sentinels of cellular stress and tissue damage
Authors: Viana Félix
Published: April 2016

TRPA1 is a non‐selective cation channel expressed in mammalian peripheral pain receptors, with a major role in chemonociception. TRPA1 has also been implicated in noxious cold and mechanical pain sensation. TRPA1 has an ancient origin and plays important functions in lower organisms, including thermotaxis, mechanotransduction and modulation of lifespan. Here we highlight the role of TRPA1 as a multipurpose sensor of harmful signals, including toxic bacterial products and UV light, and as a sensor of stress and tissue damage. Sensing roles span beyond the peripheral nervous system to include major barrier tissues: gut, skin and lung. Tissue injury, environmental irritants and microbial pathogens are danger signals that can threaten the health of organisms. These signals lead to the coordinated activation of the nociceptive and the innate immune system to provide a homeostatic response trying to re‐establish physiological conditions including tissue repair. Activation of TRPA1 participates in protective neuroimmune interactions at multiple levels, sensing ROS and bacterial products and triggering the release of neuropeptides. However, an exaggerated response to danger signals is maladaptive and can lead to the development of chronic inflammatory conditions.

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Fishing effects on elasmobranchs from the Pacific Coast of Colombia
Authors: Navia Andrés Felipe , Mejía-Falla Paola Andrea
Published: April 2016

During 1995, 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2007; we studied the temporal variation in the structure of the elasmobranch assemblage along the Colombian Pacific coast using: the community index of diversity, heterogeneity, equitability, species composition, average catch sizes, and mean trophic levels. A total of 1 711 specimens from 19 species
(7 sharks and 12 rays) were collected during the 90 trawling operations. The number of species captured varied between 7 (1995) and 12 (2007) demonstrating a trend towards an imbalance in the assemblage attributes. In 1995, the mean trophic level (TLm) of the assemblage was 3.60, but in 2007 it decreased to 3.55 when the functional level of large predators was absent (TL ≥ 4). These results suggest changes in species composition, structural attributes, and a reduction of the highest functional level. Alterations to the catch proportions were also found: i.e. a greater abundance of rays of lower trophic levels. This study suggests an effect of trawling on the stability of this tropical coastal ecosystem.
Effectiveness of Coatings With Constant, Linearly, and Exponentially Varying Elastic Parameters in Heavily Loaded Line Elastohydrodynamically Lubricated Contacts
Authors: Kudish Ilya I. , Volkov Sergey S. , Vasiliev Andrey S. , Aizikovich Sergey M.
Published: April 2016

In contacts of functionally graded elastic solids, the conditions produced are significantly different from the ones in similar contacts of homogeneous elastic materials. Especially it is true for heavily loaded lubricated contacts. The situation is even more diverse due to different dependences of the material elastic parameters on material depth. In the previous papers, the cases of lubricated contacts with coatings made of homogeneous materials are considered using asymptotic and semi-analytical methods. The goal of the paper is to determine the behavior of the coating effectiveness criteria in heavily loaded elastohydrodynamically lubricated (EHL) contacts for coatings with elastic modulus varying linearly and exponentially across the coating thickness as well as to compare the results with the case of coatings made of homogeneous materials. The above criteria include the criteria on the lubrication film thickness and friction force. The approach used for analyzing the influence of functionally graded elastic materials on parameters of heavily loaded line EHL contacts is based on the asymptotic methods earlier developed by the authors. The analysis is based on splitting the problem into two distinct parts: the problem for dry (nonlubricated) contacts and a problem for lubricated contacts. The bridge between the two problems is the asymptotic behavior of pressure in the vicinity of the end points of the contacts. More specifically, in the central part of the contact the solution of the EHL problem for functionally graded materials is close to the one for the dry contact of these materials while in the narrow zones near the inlet and exit points of the contact the lubrication effects become comparable to the effects due to the elasticity of the solids. This approach to the EHL problem solution reveals its structure.
Systematical Analysis Method for the Mechanical Behaviors of Crankshaft-Bearing System
Authors: Gui Changlin , Sun Jun , He Zhixian , Li Zhen
Published: April 2016

Various mechanical behaviors will happen at the same time when an engine operates. Based on this concept, in this paper, a systematical analysis method is presented to analyze the multiple mechanical behaviors (tribology, dynamics, stiffness, and strength) of the crankshaft-bearing system in an engine. By this method, the analyses of the tribology of bearing, the dynamics of crankshaft-bearing system and the dynamic stress of crankshaft can be accomplished simultaneously. For example, the effect of the journal misalignment of crankshaft and the elastic deformation of bearing bush on the dynamics of crankshaft-bearing system, the tribological performances of main bearings and the dynamic stress of crankshaft are analyzed emphatically. The results show that the journal misalignment of crankshaft and the elastic deformation of bearing bush have remarkable effect on the tribological performances of main bearings and the dynamic stress of crankshaft, but have little effect on the dynamics of crankshaft-bearing system.
Dry Sliding Wear Behavior of Ti-6Al-4V Pin Against SS316L Disk at Constant Contact Pressure
Authors: J. Ashok Raj , Pottirayil Anirudhan , Kailas Satish V.
Published: April 2016

Ti-6Al-4V pins were slid against SS316L disks in pin-on-disk arrangement using pins of different diameters; with the contact pressure maintained the same for all experiments under ambient and vacuum conditions. Characterization of the tribological samples was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The tribological behavior was found to be governed by strain rate response (SRR), tribo-oxidation (TO), formation of a mechanically mixed layer (MML), and frictional heating which can affect each of the above factors. For a particular set of experiments (ambient/vacuum), variation of wear-rate with respect to sliding speed were found to follow the heat flux in each set. Propensity of this material to undergo softening due to frictional heating and strain rate effects is reflected in the tribological response.
Axial Flutter Effects on the Axisymmetric Turbulent Boundary Layer Along Long Thin Circular Cylinders
Authors: Jordan Stephen A.
Published: April 2016

Experimental observations of towed sonar arrays as characterized by long thin circular cylinders indicate transverse motions that are clearly identified by low-amplitudes, low-wavelengths, and low-frequencies. Although the cylinder length (L) to radius (a) is commonly large [L/a = O(103)] with high Reynolds numbers [O(104)], the corresponding length scale involving the average skin friction [CfL/a = O(10)] remains within the many experimental determinations of short to moderate length cylinders that experience oscillatory instabilities. Prior to the present investigation, any detrimental effects of these oscillatory instabilities on the thin cylinder flow physics that serve construction of the respective semi-empirical and semi-analytical models remained chiefly unknown. Herein, we began examining those turbulent statistics via fine-scale numerical simulations to critique the pragmatic adequacy of the representative design models. We were concerned in particular about the streamwise effects on the turbulent boundary layer (TBL), skin friction and wall pressure evolutions as well as the radial distributions of the leading normal and shear Reynolds stresses. Fortunately, no major deviations (within 10%) were discovered in the TBL statistics over a characteristic range of Reynolds numbers and TBL thicknesses as compared to the axisymmetric state. However, acute spikes (both subharmonics and harmonics) were detected in the wall pressure autospectra similar to that suspected in the towed cylinder experiments, which were conducted in large tow tanks and lake-type basins. These spikes are of paramount importance and should be explored further because they may lead to signal-to-noise ratios above acceptable limits.