bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Midwives and information on prenatal testing with focus on Down syndrome
Authors: Ternby Ellen , Ingvoldstad Charlotta , Annerén Göran , Axelsson Ove
Published: August 2015

What's already known about this topic?

Previous studies have reported insufficient knowledge and information about screening or diagnostic methods for Down syndrome (DS) among midwives.

What does this study add?

The present study focuses on knowledge about the condition screened for, Down syndrome, and shows that midwives in antenatal care have partially low knowledge about the syndrome. A minority felt they had complete or partial knowledge to inform about Down syndrome.
Ultrasound assessment of congenital fetal lung masses and neonatal respiratory outcomes
Authors: Feghali Maisa , Jean Katie M. , Emery Stephen P.
Published: August 2015

Objective

Fetal congenital lung masses generate concern for compromised postnatal respiratory function. Congenital pulmonary adenomatoid malformation volume ratio (CVR) has been used to predict the risk of hydrops fetalis and need for antenatal intervention. This study investigates whether CVR could be used to predict neonatal respiratory outcomes.

Methods

The ultrasounds of fetuses diagnosed with a lung mass between 2005 and 2013 were reviewed. CVR was calculated at each ultrasound using the formula for a prolate ellipse divided by head circumference. The pregnancy outcome and information about NICU admission for respiratory insufficiency were collected.

Results

Forty‐two fetuses were diagnosed with a lung mass during the study period. CVR prior to 24 weeks and between 24 and 32 weeks were associated with NICU admission (p < 0.0001 and <0.008, respectively). CVR increased up to 32 weeks and decreased thereafter for most subjects. The decrease in CVR beyond 32 weeks was larger for cases that required NICU admission (p = 0.002). For a CVR cut‐off of <0.5, the sensitivity was 100%, the specificity 85.7%, and negative predictive value was 100% for regular nursery care.

Conclusion

In pregnancies diagnosed with fetal lung masses, CVR predicted normal respiratory outcomes and need for NICU admission. This information may be helpful for delivery planning. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Allyl sulfides and α‐substituted acrylates as addition–fragmentation chain transfer agents for methacrylate polymer networks
Authors: Ligon Samuel Clark , Seidler Konstanze , Gorsche Christian , Griesser Markus , Moszner Norbert , Liska Robert
Published: August 2015

The rapid and uncontrolled nature of network formation from di(meth)acrylate monomers produces high shrinkage stress and results in polymers with oftentimes brittle mechanical properties. Methods for regulating polymerization and network formation are sought. One option is the use of addition–fragmentation chain transfer (AFCT) agents, which are well known to control molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of monofunctional (meth)acrylates. A series of novel and previously described AFCT reagents were synthesized and screened with laser flash photolysis to determine reactivity. Well‐performing AFCT reagents were then tested in polymerizations with monofunctional and difunctional methacrylates. With monofunctional monomers, the molecular weight and polydispersity of the resultant linear polymers tend to decrease with the addition of AFCT agent. In copolymerization with dimethacrylate monomers, the AFCT agents were found to substantially lower and sharpen the glass transition. Sharpness of the glass transition is here indicative of a more regular and homogenous network. After coupling of the instruments, photorheology was performed simultaneously with real‐time IR to show an increase in monomer conversion at the time of gelation, which appears to have a positive effect on reducing shrinkage stress. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 394–406
Novel reversible thermoresponsive nanogel based on poly(ionic liquid)s prepared via RAFT crosslinking copolymerization
Authors: Zuo Yong , Guo Na , Jiao Zhenqian , Song Pengfei , Liu Xiaojun , Wang Rongmin , Xiong Yubing
Published: August 2015

In this study, a facile strategy for the preparation of thermo‐ and pH‐responsive nanogels through reversible addition–fragmentation transfer (RAFT) crosslinking copolymerization of ionic liquid‐based monomers is demonstrated. The use of chain transfer agents (CTAs) containing carboxyl group in the RAFT polymerizations is the key to producing highly thermoresponsive nanogels. Experimental results demonstrate that the critical gelation temperature of the as‐prepared nanogels can be tuned by adjusting the feed ratio of monomer and CTA. Variable temperature Fourier transform infrared measurements and control experiments indicate that hydrogen‐bonding interactions between the carboxyl groups of CTAs are responsible for the thermoresponsive behaviors of poly(ionic liquid) (PIL)‐based nanogels. Furthermore, PIL‐based nanogels are also found to be pH‐sensitive, and can be further decorated by poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) via surface grafting polymerization. PNIPAAm‐grafted nanogel aqueous solutions can be reversibly transformed into macrogels upon a change in temperature. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 169–178
Silicon‐based mercaptans: High‐performance monomers for thiol‐ene photopolymerization
Authors: Roth Meinhart , Oesterreicher Andreas , Mostegel Florian H. , Moser Andreas , Pinter Gerald , Edler Matthias , Piock Richard , Griesser Thomas
Published: August 2015

Ester‐free silane and siloxane‐based thiol monomers were successfully synthesized and evaluated for application in thiol‐ene resins. Polymerization reaction rates, conversion, network properties as well as degradation experiments of those thiol monomers in combination with triallyl‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)‐trione (TATT) as ene component were performed and compared with formulations containing the commercially available mercaptopropionic ester‐based thiol pentaerythritol tetra‐3‐mercaptopropionate. Kinetic analysis revealed appropriate reaction rates and conversions reaching 90% and higher. Importantly, storage stability tests of those formulations clearly indicate the superiority of the synthesized mercaptans compared with pentaerythritol tetra‐3‐mercaptopropionate/TATT resins. Moreover, photocured samples containing silane‐based mercaptans provide higher glass transition temperatures and withstand water storage without a significant loss in their network properties. This behavior together with the observed excellent degradation resistance of photocured silane‐based thiol/TATT formulations make these multifunctional mercaptans interesting candidates for high‐performance applications, such as dental restoratives and automotive resins. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 418–424
Classification of semiconducting polymeric mesophases to optimize device postprocessing
Authors: Snyder Chad R. , Kline R. Joseph , DeLongchamp Dean M. , Nieuwendaal Ryan C. , Richter Lee J. , Heeney Martin , McCulloch Iain
Published: August 2015

Semiconducting polymers form a variety of phases and mesophases that respond differently to postdeposition solvent or thermal treatments. Here it is shown that classification of these materials into their appropriate mesophases can be a useful tool to optimize their thermal postdeposition treatments. Calorimetry is used to quantify differences between materials having similar molecular structures, using a well‐established framework based on the kinetics and thermodynamics of phase changes. By way of example, this classification scheme is used to identify differences in three polymers, poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) and two isomeric bithiophene–thienothiophene copolymers. It is demonstrated that poly(3‐hexylthiophene) is a “normal” polymer crystal and that the two bithiophene–thienothiophene copolymers have liquid crystalline phases. The different phase structure is notable in light of the molecular similarity of the three polymers and has an impact on the thermal postprocessing conditions that maximize field effect charge carrier mobility in thin film transistor devices. Strong superheating effects are demonstrated for the two bithiophene–thienothiophene copolymers and the impact on annealing is demonstrated using grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction. Some suggestions are also put forth for what post‐processing should be employed for each class of polymer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 1641–1653
Random photografting of polymers to nanoparticles for well‐dispersed nanocomposites
Authors: Hauser Adam W. , Hayward Ryan C.
Published: August 2015

A simple method to achieve dispersion of nanoparticles (NPs) within polymer matrices by solution‐state photografting of benzophenone (BP)‐containing random copolymers is presented. A benzyl ether ligand that stabilizes NPs in solution while possessing selectivity toward hydrogen abstraction and subsequent coupling with BP was designed. This method for introducing grafts by ultraviolet (UV) light exposure affords control over the dispersion state in the resulting polymer films, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy and UV–visible spectroscopy. The evolution of the hydrodynamic sizes of particles as a function of UV dose suggests that the polymers “wrap” particles by forming multiple attachment points per chain because of the relatively rapid kinetics for the formation of subsequent attachments following the first grafting event for a given chain. In addition, the presence of unreacted BP groups allows for photolithographic patterning of well‐dispersed nanocomposite films. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 152–158
Effects of Ar and O2 Plasma Etching on Parylene C: Topography versus Surface Chemistry and the Impact on Cell Viability
Authors: Kontziampasis Dimitrios , Trantidou Tatiana , Regoutz Anna , Humphrey Eleanor J. , Carta Daniela , Terracciano Cesare M. , Prodromakis Themistoklis
Published: August 2015

The effect of O2 and Ar plasma etching on poly(chloro‐p‐xylylene) (Parylene C) is thoroughly studied by atomic force microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and static contact angle measurements. Results indicate that O2 plasma changes the topography more drastically than Ar plasma. Furthermore, despite the fact that Ar plasma is expected to be chemically inert, both plasmas introduce O2 to the surface of the Parylene C films, while Ar plasma additionally reduces the amount of Cl present in the polymer. The effect on the viability of cultured cardiomyocytes is also examined, indicating that cells attach and survive both on Ar and O2 treated films in contrast to untreated Parylene. These observations can provide useful insight into the field of material science and tissue engineering.
CORRECTION: Plasma Thorns: Atmospheric Pressure Non‐Thermal Plasma Source for Dentistry Applications
Authors: Liang Yongdong , Li Yinglong , Sun Ke , Zhang Qian , Li Wei , Zhu Weidong , Zhang Jue , Fang Jing
Published: August 2015

A novel atmospheric pressure, non‐thermal plasma source – plasma thorns, can simultaneously generate plasma plumes toward multiple preset directions. This plasma source is proposed here for the sterilization of the inner surfaces of tubular structures. Compared with the highly directional plasma jets or jet arrays, the plasma thorns provides significantly higher antimicrobial efficacy in the radial directions. After treatment with plasma thorns of the root canal biofilm, a significant decrease in the number of CFUs was observed. It is possible to reduce the size of the device to even micrometer scale, which opens doors to many potential applications, such as the treatment of multiple internal cavities or complex hollow structures.
Effects of aging on cardiac extracellular matrix in men and women
Authors: Dworatzek Elke , Baczko Istvan , Kararigas Georgios
Published: August 2015

Purpose

Aging has severe implications for tissue damage and is a major risk factor for disease. However, the effects of aging on cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) components in individuals free of cardiovascular disease are incompletely understood. We aimed at the characterization of the effects of aging on major ECM proteins in the heart of men and women.

Experimental design

Left ventricular (LV) samples of nondiseased human hearts technically unusable for transplantation obtained from general organ donors (n = 31; age 17–68 years; 48% women) were used for protein isolation. We separated the group into 17–40 years (n = 7 men and 7 women) and 50–68 years (n = 9 men and 8 women).

Results

Analysis of ECM proteins demonstrated an age‐dependent sex‐specific regulation of collagen type I and III (interaction p < 0.05), type VI (interaction p = 0.01), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (interaction p < 0.05), SMAD2 (interaction p < 0.05), and SMAD3 (interaction p = 0.001). Overall, the levels of these proteins in younger individuals were lower in women than men, while in older individuals they were higher in women than men.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

This age‐mediated myocardial ECM remodeling might play a key role in the limited ability of the aging heart to adapt adequately to altered work load and to respond to tissue damage. Therapeutic agents that target ECM homeostasis represent promising prevention strategies.
Functional genetic variability at promoters of pro‐(IL‐18) and anti‐(IL‐10) inflammatory affects their mRNA expression and survival in prostate carcinoma patients: Five year follow‐up study
Authors: Dwivedi Shailendra , Goel Apul , Mandhani Anil , Khattri Sanjay , Sharma Praveen , Misra Sanjeev , Pant Kamlesh Kumar
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

Inflammation is an important hallmark of all cancers. The net inflammatory response is determined by a delicate balance between pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines, which, in turn, is determined by the genetic make‐up. The present study investigates the role of variations in the promoter regions of IL‐18 and IL‐10 (anti‐inflammatory) cytokines on mRNA expressions and survival in prostate cancer (PCa) patients.

METHODS

The study was conducted on 584 volunteer males (291 patients of PCa, between 40–80 years of age. Genetic variants were studied by using RFLP and confirmed by probe based method. Expressions of mRNA were evaluated by real‐time PCR (Roche light cycler 480). Relative mRNA and fold change gene expressions were analyzed by ([1/2] ΔCt) and (2‐ΔΔCt) methods, respectively, and 5 year follow‐ups were evaluated by Log‐rank (Mantel–Cox) test with Log‐rank test for trends.

RESULTS

IL‐18 mRNA expression was significantly elevated in GG genotypes (at −137) of PCa with relative mRNA expression of 13.95, that is, 8.48 folds higher (P < 0.05) than controls; and showed a significant median survival of 1243 days. The CC genotypes of IL‐10 at both loci (−819 T/C and −592C/A) showed 3.63 and 3.52 higher relative mRNA expressions than controls, but poor survival of 984 and 1052 days than TT of 1359 days and AA of 1371 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic variants of pro‐inflammatory IL‐18 which showed higher relative mRNA expressions have better survival. Genetic variants of anti‐inflammatory IL‐10 with higher relative mRNA expression showed decreased chances of survival. Prostate 75:1737–1746, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vacancy‐type defects and their annealing behaviors in Mg‐implanted GaN studied by a monoenergetic positron beam
Authors: Uedono Akira , Takashima Shinya , Edo Masaharu , Ueno Katsunori , Matsuyama Hideaki , Kudo Hiroshi , Naramoto Hiroshi , Ishibashi Shoji
Published: August 2015

Vacancy‐type defects in Mg‐implanted GaN were probed using a monoenergetic positron beam. Mg ions of multiple energies (15–180 keV) were implanted to provide a 200‐nm‐deep box profile with Mg concentration of 4 × 1019 cm−3. The major defect species of vacancies introduced by Mg‐implantation was a complex between Ga‐vacancy (VGa) and nitrogen vacancies (VNs). After annealing above 1000 °C, these defects started to agglomerate, and the major defect species became (VGa)2 coupled with VNs. The defect reaction occurred between not only the defects introduced by the implantation but also the defects introduced by an excess Mg‐doping. The depth distribution of vacancy‐type defects agreed well with that of implanted Mg, and no large change in the distribution was observed up to 1300°C annealing. Relationships between photoluminescence bands and vacancy‐type defects introduced by Mg‐implantation are also discussed.
Regeneration and repair of human digits and limbs: fact and fiction
Authors: Shieh Shyh‐Jou , Cheng Tsun‐Chih
Published: August 2015

A variety of digit and limb repair and reconstruction methods have been used in different clinical settings, but regeneration remains an item on every plastic surgeon's “wish list.” Although surgical salvage techniques are continually being improved, unreplantable digits and limbs are still abundant. We comprehensively review the structural and functional salvage methods in clinical practice, from the peeling injuries of small distal fingertips to multisegmented amputated limbs, and the developmental and tissue engineering approaches for regenerating human digits and limbs in the laboratory. Although surgical techniques have forged ahead, there are still situations in which digits and limbs are unreplantable. Advances in the field are delineated, and the regeneration processes of salamander limbs, lizard tails, and mouse digits and each component of tissue engineering approaches for digit‐ and limb‐building are discussed. Although the current technology is promising, there are many challenges in human digit and limb regeneration. We hope this review inspires research on the critical gap between clinical and basic science, and leads to more sophisticated digit and limb loss rescue and regeneration innovations.
Modulation, coding, and synchronization for mobile and very small satellite terminals, as part of the updated DVB‐S2 standard
Authors: Lee Lin‐Nan , Eroz Mustafa , Becker Neal
Published: August 2015

After 10 years of successful deployment, the second‐generation satellite standard for digital video broadcasting, DVB‐S2, has recently been updated. Very low signal‐to‐noise ratio modes to better support mobile and very small terminal applications are part of the new standard without changing its fundamental structure. This paper provides a high‐level discussion on several of the most important aspects pertaining to the new very low signal‐to‐noise ratio modulation and coding modes of the updated standard. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validity of the Hochberg procedure revisited for clinical trial applications
Authors: Huque Mohammad F.
Published: August 2015

There is much interest in using the Hochberg procedure (HP) for statistical tests on primary endpoints of confirmatory clinical trials. The procedure is simple to use and enjoys more power than the Bonferroni and the Holm procedures. However, the HP is not assumption free like the other two procedures. It controls the familywise type I error rate when test statistics (used for statistical tests) are independent or if dependent satisfy a conditionally independent formulation. Otherwise, its properties for dependent tests at present are not fully understood. Consequently, its use for confirmatory trials, especially for their primary endpoints, remains worrisome. Confirmatory trials are typically designed with 1–2 primary endpoints. Therefore, a question was raised at the Food and Drug Administration as to whether the HP is a valid test for the simple case of performing treatment‐to‐control comparisons on two primary endpoints when their test statistics are not independent. Confirmatory trials for statistical tests normally use simple test statistics, such as the normal Z, student's t, and chi‐square. The literature does include some work on the HP for dependent cases covering these test statistics, but concerns remain regarding its use for confirmatory trials for which endpoint tests are mostly of the dependent kind. The purpose of this paper is therefore to revisit this procedure and provide sufficient details for better understanding of its performance for dependent cases related to the aforementioned question. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Maxillary gap at 11–13 weeks' gestation: marker of cleft lip and palate
Authors: Chaoui R. , Orosz G. , Heling K. S. , Sarut‐Lopez A. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: August 2015

Objective

To describe a new sign of cleft lip and palate (CLP), the maxillary gap, which is visible in the mid‐sagittal plane of the fetal face used routinely for measurement of nuchal translucency thickness.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of stored images of the mid‐sagittal view of the fetal face at 11–13 weeks' gestation in 86 cases of CLP and 86 normal controls. The images were examined to determine if a maxillary gap was present, in which case its size was measured.

Results

In 37 (43.0%) cases of CLP the defect was isolated and in 49 (57.0%) there were additional fetal defects. In the isolated CLP group, the diagnosis of facial cleft was made in the first trimester in nine (24.3%) cases and in the second trimester in 28 (75.7%). In the group with additional defects, the diagnosis of facial cleft was made in the first trimester in 46 (93.9%) cases and in the second trimester in three (6.1%). A maxillary gap was observed in 96% of cases of CLP with additional defects, in 65% of those with isolated CLP and in 7% of normal fetuses. There was a large gap (>1.5 mm) or complete absence of signals from the maxilla in the midline in 69% of cases of CLP with additional defects, in 35% of those with isolated CLP and in none of the normal controls.

Conclusions

The maxillary gap is a new simple marker of possible CLP, which could increase the detection rate of CLP, especially in isolated cases. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Diabetes Care Provided to Children Displaced by Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Quast Troy , Mortensen Karoline
Published: August 2015

Objective

Although previous studies have examined the impact of Hurricane Katrina on adults with diabetes, less is known about the effects on children with diabetes and on those displaced by the storm. We analyzed individual-level enrollment and utilization data of children with diabetes who were displaced from Louisiana and were enrolled in the Texas Medicaid Hurricane Katrina emergency waiver (TexKat).

Methods

We compared the utilization and outcomes of children displaced from Louisiana with those of children who lived in areas less affected by Hurricane Katrina. Data from both before and after the storm were used to calculate difference-in-difference estimates of the effects of displacement on the children. We analyzed 4 diabetes management procedures (glycated hemoglobin [HbA1C] tests, eye exams, microalbumin tests, and thyroid tests) and a complication from poor diabetes management (diabetic ketoacidosis).

Results

Children enrolled in the waiver generally did not experience a decrease in care relative to the control group while the waiver program was in effect. After the waiver ended, however, we observed a drop in care and an increase in complications relative to the control group.

Conclusions

Although the waiver appeared to have been largely successful immediately following Katrina, future waivers may be improved by ensuring that enrollees continue to receive care after the waivers expire. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:480–483)
Developing a Tabletop Exercise to Test Community Resilience: Lessons from the Los Angeles County Community Disaster Resilience Project
Authors: Chandra Anita , Williams Malcolm V. , Lopez Christian , Tang Jennifer , Eisenman David , Magana Aizita
Published: August 2015

Objective

We aimed to develop and test a community resilience tabletop exercise to assess progress in community resilience and to provide an opportunity for quality improvement and capacity building.

Methods

A tabletop exercise was developed for the Los Angeles County Community Disaster Resilience (LACCDR) project by using an extended heat wave scenario with health and infrastructure consequences. The tabletop was administered to preparedness only (control) and resilience (intervention) coalitions during the summer of 2014. Each exercise lasted approximately 2 hours. The coalitions and LACCDR study team members independently rated each exercise to assess 4 resilience levers (partnership, engagement, self-sufficiency, and education). Resilience coalitions received more detailed feedback in the form of recommendations for improvement.

Results

The resilience coalitions performed the same or better than the preparedness coalitions on the partnership and self-sufficiency levers. Most coalitions did not have enough (both quantity and type) of the partner organizations needed for an escalating heat wave or changing conditions or enough engagement of organizations representing at-risk populations. Coalitions also lacked educational materials to cover topics as far ranging as heat to power outages to psychological impacts of disaster.

Conclusion

A tabletop exercise can be used to stress and test resilience-based capacities, with particular attention to a community’s ability to leverage a range of partnerships and other assets to confront a slowly evolving but multifactorial emergency. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:484–488)
Ertapenem Prophylaxis Associated With an Increased Risk of Clostridium difficile Infection Among Surgical Patients
Authors: Lee Seungwon , Prasad Priya , Lin Matthew , Garritson Susan , Nichols Amy , Liu Catherine
Published: August 2015

A case-control study was conducted to determine risk factors for hospital-onset Clostridium difficile infection among patients admitted to 2 surgical units. Ertapenem prophylaxis was significantly associated with C. difficile infection risk (odds ratio, 3.13 [95% CI, 1.13–8.68], P=.028) and may offer an antimicrobial stewardship target among surgical patients.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(11):1351–1354
Converging evidence for the relevance of alternative sets: data from NPs with focus sensitive particles in German
Authors: SPALEK KATHARINA , ZELDES AMIR
Published: August 2015

abstract

Recent psycholinguistic studies on the reality of alternative sets in processing focus NPs have shown that focus particles like ‘only’ play a special role in activating the mental representation of alternatives to focused nouns. In this paper we present a new corpus study which provides converging evidence to support psycholinguistic findings and suggests that alternatives preceded by a focus particle are not only more activated in experimental contexts, but are also more likely to be discussed in the subsequent context. To this end we develop and evaluate inter-annotator agreement on two novel annotation tasks in naturally occurring German corpus data: recognition of nominal alternatives in general without any context, and recognition of alternatives in the context of sentence pairs. We show that while annotators agree poorly on the first, they agree strongly on the second. We also develop a concept of ‘alternative density’, the number of alternatives realized in a sentence following a target NP, and present a mixed-effects model showing a very significant rise in density after the presence of Germannur‘only’ independently of other factors.
Heuristics, Heterogeneity and Green Choices Voting on California’s Proposition 23
Authors: Clarke Harold D. , Elliott Euel , Stewart Marianne C.
Published: August 2015

Ballot initiatives and referendums are increasingly popular methods for addressing important political issues. Studies of voting in these events has found that people rely on party leader and candidate image heuristics when deciding how to cast their ballots. Some analysts have argued that these effects are heterogeneous, being larger for people with lower levels of political knowledge. However, research in experimental economics and political psychology suggests that the impact of heuristics may be greater among more knowledgeable individuals. This paper investigates these rival hypotheses using survey data on voting in a ballot initiative to repeal California’s climate change legislation. Analyses using methods appropriate for studying interaction effects in nonlinear multivariate models demonstrate that candidate heuristics are stronger among more knowledgeable people.
Kiwifruit fibre level influences the predicted production and absorption of SCFA in the hindgut of growing pigs using a combinedin vivo–in vitrodigestion methodology
Authors: Montoya Carlos A. , Rutherfurd Shane M. , Moughan Paul J.
Published: August 2015

Combinedin vivo(ileal cannulated pig) andin vitro(faecal inoculum-based fermentation) digestion methodologies were used to predict the production and absorption of SCFA in the hindgut of growing pigs. Ileal and faecal samples were collected from animals (n7) fed diets containing either 25 or 50 g/kg DM of kiwifruit fibre from added kiwifruit for 14 d. Ileal and faecal SCFA concentrations normalised for food DM intake (DMI) and nutrient digestibility were determined. Ileal digesta were collected and fermented for 38 h using a fresh pig faecal inoculum to predict SCFA production. The predicted hindgut SCFA production along with the determined ileal and faecal SCFA were then used to predict SCFA absorption in the hindgut and total tract organic matter digestibility. The determined ileal and faecal SCFA concentrations (e.g. 8·5 and 4·4 mmol/kg DMI, respectively, for acetic acid for the low-fibre diet) represented only 0·2–3·2 % of the predicted hindgut SCFA production (e.g. 270 mmol/kg DMI for acetic acid). Predicted production and absorption of acetic, butyric and propionic acids were the highest for the high-fibre diet (P<0·05), but these inter-diet differences were not observed for the ileal and faecal SCFA concentrations (P>0·05). In conclusion, determined ileal and faecal SCFA concentrations represent only a small fraction of total SCFA production, and may therefore be misleading in relation to the effect of diets on SCFA production and absorption. Considerable quantities of SCFA are produced and absorbed in the hindgut of the pig by the fermentation of kiwifruit.
A methodology to develop algorithms that predict nitrogen fertilizer needs in maize based on chlorophyll measurements: a case study in Central Mexico
Authors: TORRES-DORANTE L. , PAREDES-MELESIO R. , LINK A. , LAMMEL J.
Published: August 2015

Identifying and applying the optimum fertilizer nitrogen (N) rate is a permanent challenge for farmers. Prediction of fertilizer N requirement, based on crop chlorophyll measurements (CMs), relies on a strong relationship between fertilizer N supply and leaf chlorophyll concentration at a given crop growth stage. A methodological approach is described, aiming to develop an algorithm that uses CM inputs to derive the economically optimum fertilizer N rate for top-dressing, without using a reference plot for data normalization. The method was tested on maize (Zea mays L. cvar Jabali) at experimental and farmer sites in the central (‘Bajío’) region of Mexico over 3 years (2010–12). Increasing fertilizer N supply at planting significantly influenced chlorophyll concentration at the seventh unfolded maize leaf stage (GS 17 on the Zadoks scale). Maize grain yields increased with increasing total fertilizer N supply and fitted quadratic models, which allowed economically optimum fertilizer N rates (Nopt) to be calculated. The Nopt ranged from 160 to 300 kg N/ha and corresponding grain yields ranged from 7·7 to 14 t/ha. Grouped data analysis (sites–years) confirmed a highly significant relationship between the Nopt and the chlorophyll concentration at GS 17, which could be described by a linear model: Nopt = 513·3–0·58 × CM. This model predicted the top-dressing Nopt within a fertilizer N management regime adapted to local maize cropping systems and led to similar grain yields across test sites compared with the same parameters calculated based on grain yield response trials. The current approach is variety-specific, so development of so-called correction factors accounting for variety-related differences in chlorophyll concentration is described. The results demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed algorithms to support decision-making on the optimum fertilizer N rate to apply in maize production systems with one top-dressing application.
New evidence of a lateral transfer of monogenean parasite between distant fish hosts in Lake Ossa, South Cameroon: the case of Quadriacanthus euzeti n. sp.
Authors: Nack J. , Bitja Nyom A.R. , Pariselle A. , Bilong Bilong C.F.
Published: August 2015

Species of the monogenean genus Quadriacanthus mainly infect fish belonging to the Siluriformes, especially the genera Clarias, Heterobranchus or Bagrus, and their host specificity is strict (oioxenous) or narrow (stenoxenous). An examination of the gills of 19 Papyrocranus afer from Lake Ossa, South Cameroon, revealed for the first time the presence of a species of Quadriacanthus from a fish host belonging to the Notopteridae. The morphology and the size of sclerotized parts of haptor and the male and female copulatory complexes suggest that this monogenean is a new species named Quadriacanthus euzeti n. sp. The fish genus Papyrocranus differs taxonomically from the usual fish hosts of Quadriacanthus and hence the presence of a species belonging to this genus on the gills of this host suggests the occurrence of a lateral transfer of Quadriacanthus from species belonging to Clarias or Bagrus which live sympatrically with P. afer in Lake Ossa.
The life cycle of Hexangium sigani Goto & Ozaki, 1929 (Digenea: Microscaphidiidae) from the Red Sea
Authors: Hassanine R.M. El-Said , Al-Zahrani D.A. , Touliabah H. El-S. , Youssef E.M.
Published: August 2015

The microscaphidiid Hexangium sigani Goto & Ozaki, 1929 was found in the intestine of Siganus rivulatus, a siganid fish permanently resident in a lagoon within the mangrove swamps on the Egyptian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. Intra-molluscan stages of this trematode (mother sporocysts, rediae and cercariae) were found in the gonads and digestive gland of Nassarius pullus (Gastropoda: Nassariidae), a common snail in the same lagoon. Consequently, the life cycle of H. sigani was elucidated under natural conditions: eggs are directly ingested by the snail; mother sporocysts and rediae reach maturity 5–7 and 16–17 weeks post-infection; rediae contain 18–26 developing cercariae; fully developed cercariae are monostome, without penetration glands, emerge from the snail during the night 18–19 weeks post-infection and rapidly encyst on aquatic vegetation (there is no second intermediate host); encysted metacercariae are not progenetic; 2-day-old metacercariae encysted on filamentous algae fed to S. rivulatus developed into fully mature worms 5–6 weeks post-infection. The cycle was completed in about 24 weeks. The intra-molluscan stages are very similar to those of Dictyangium chelydrae Stunkard, 1943, the only described intra-molluscan stages of any microscaphidiid. However, they are also similar to those of the family Mesometridae. The present study of H. sigani describes the first complete microscaphidiid life cycle, and implicitly supports the phylogenetic relationship of this family with the Mesometridae inferred from molecular phylogenetic studies.
Tracheostomy in neurologically compromised paediatric patients: role of starplasty
Authors: Gupta A , Stokken J , Krakovitz P , Malhotra P , Anne S
Published: August 2015

Objectives:

Starplasty tracheostomy is an alternative to traditional tracheostomy. This paper reviews neurologically compromised paediatric patients with tracheostomies and discusses the role of starplasty tracheostomy.

Method:

A retrospective review was conducted of paediatric patients with a neurological disorder who underwent tracheostomy between 1997 and 2011.

Results:

Forty-eight patients, with an average age of 7.3 years, were identified. The most common indications for tracheostomy were: ventilator dependence (39.6 per cent), an inability to tolerate secretions or recurrent aspiration pneumonia (33.3 per cent), and upper respiratory obstruction or hypotonia (12.5 per cent). The most common underlying neurological diagnosis was cerebral palsy. There were no early complications. Eighteen (43 per cent) of 42 patients with follow up experienced at least 1 delayed complication. Only 12 patients (28.6 per cent) were decannulated.

Conclusion:

Patients with primary neurological diagnoses have low rates of decannulation; starplasty tracheostomy should be considered for these patients. Patients with seizure disorder or acute neurological injury tended to have a higher short-term decannulation rate; traditional tracheostomy is recommended in these patients.
Evaluation and comparison of type I tympanoplasty efficacy and histopathological changes to the tympanic membrane in dry and wet ear: a prospective study
Authors: Shankar R , Virk R S , Gupta K , Gupta A K , Bal A , Bansal S
Published: August 2015

Objective:

This study aimed to compare the success rate of type I tympanoplasty in active (wet) and inactive (dry) mucosal chronic otitis media.

Methods:

A prospective study was performed of 35 patients each with dry ear and wet ear undergoing type I tympanoplasty in the Otolaryngology Department, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, India. All patients underwent type I tympanoplasty between January 2010 and June 2011 by the post-auricular approach. Samples of the remnant tympanic membrane were sent for histopathological examination.

Results:

After a minimum follow up of one year, the success rate was 88.6 per cent for dry ears and 80 per cent for wet ears. Neither the type (p= 0.526) nor the presence (p= 0.324) of discharge influenced the success rate. Histopathological examination of the tympanic membrane margins was performed for 46 patients: of these, 19 showed evidence of vascularity and 27 did not. There was no significant difference in success rate between groups (p= 0.115).

Conclusion:

The success rate was not influenced by the presence of ear discharge at the time of surgery, and tympanic membrane vascularity did not influence graft uptake.
The infinitary lambda calculus of the infinite eta Böhm trees
Authors: SEVERI PAULA , DE VRIES FER-JAN
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we introduce a strong form of eta reduction called etabang that we use to construct a confluent and normalising infinitary lambda calculus, of which the normal forms correspond to Barendregt's infinite eta Böhm trees. This new infinitary perspective on the set of infinite eta Böhm trees allows us to prove that the set of infinite eta Böhm trees is a model of the lambda calculus. The model is of interest because it has the same local structure as Scott's D∞-models, i.e. two finite lambda terms are equal in the infinite eta Böhm model if and only if they have the same interpretation in Scott's D∞-models.
Simple Containers for Simple Hypergraphs
Authors: SAXTON DAVID , THOMASON ANDREW
Published: August 2015

We give an easy method for constructing containers for simple hypergraphs. The method also has consequences for non-simple hypergraphs. Some applications are given; in particular, a very transparent calculation is offered for the number of H-free hypergraphs, where H is some fixed uniform hypergraph.
Cold War vs. architectural exchange: Belgrade beyond the confines?
Authors: STUPAR ALEKSANDRA
Published: August 2015

The Cold War era created a gap between two opposing ideologies manifested on all social, economic and spatial levels. However, cities and their material expression maintained their significance, acting as valuable ideological resources.The specific position of Yugoslavia during the Cold War shaped the political background in which Belgrade and its planning and architectural scene developed intensive professional activities and international interactions thus overcoming global tensions. Covering the period from 1948 until 1980, this article identifies the main channels of professional exchange and dissemination beyond the constraints of the Iron Curtain, as well as their influence on the production of urban space in Belgrade.
Electrocardiogram before starting stimulant medications: to order or not?
Authors: Aggarwal Varun , Aggarwal Anjali , Khan Danyal
Published: August 2015

D is an 8-year-old boy brought to his paediatrician for evaluation. His mother is concerned as his teacher has been frequently complaining that he is very restless and often disturbs the rest of the class by getting up on some pretext or the other. He is unable to concentrate on his work and gets distracted very easily. He makes many careless mistakes and can hardly finish his tasks on time. He is frequently reprimanded for talking during class. He often answers out of turn or before the question has been completed; however, so far, he has been managing to get passing grades. At home, he is constantly on the go while he is awake. If he is forced to sit, like at mealtimes, he fidgets a lot. He also needs to be constantly nagged to do everything, even his daily activities such as brushing his teeth, or he forgets to do them or leaves them incomplete. He takes ages to finish his food. It is a major job to get him to do his homework. His mother says that at home he has been like that since the last 2 to 3 years, but now she is concerned because of the difficulties he is experiencing at school as well. After obtaining his medical history, examination, and getting response from parents and teachers – using Vanderbuilt Assessment Scales – the paediatrician diagnoses him to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Besides behavioural interventions, he considers medications for his management. The paediatrician is debating the merits of performing electrocardiogram and/or referring the boy to a cardiologist before starting stimulant medications. If you were caring for this patient, how would you proceed?
Recurrent takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a child
Authors: Srivastava Nayan T. , Parent John J. , Hurwitz Roger A.
Published: August 2015

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or transient apical ballooning syndrome very rarely presents in children. In all patients with takotsubo, it is estimated that only 3.5% will have recurrence. In this study, we describe a case of recurrent takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a child, likely triggered by status epilepticus.
Sinus bradycardia, junctional rhythm, and low-rate atrial fibrillation in Short QT syndrome during 20 years of follow-up: three faces of the same genetic problem
Authors: Righi Daniela , Silvetti Massimo S. , Drago Fabrizio
Published: August 2015

We describe the case of an asymptomatic girl with sinus bradycardia and short QT interval at birth, junctional bradycardia in infancy requiring single-chamber pacemaker, atrial fibrillation in adolescence, and V141M mutation in the KCNQ1 gene. Atrial fibrillation recurred and became unresponsive to electrical or anti-arrhythmic therapy. During 20 years of follow-up, a progressive evolution from sinus node dysfunction to low-rate atrial fibrillation was observed.
Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and secondary hyperparathyroidism in Fontan patients
Authors: Holler Finn , Hannes Tobias , Germund Ingo , Emmel Mathias , Hoyer-Kuhn Heike , Khalil Markus , Sreeram Narayanswami , Udink ten Cate Floris E. A.
Published: August 2015

Background

Limited data exist on the vitamin D status in Fontan patients. We determined the prevalence and potential risk factors of vitamin D deficiency in this patient subset.

Methods and results

Data were collected from 27 Fontan patients (55.6% male, mean age 8.1±5.3 years). Protein-losing enteropathy was diagnosed in six patients (22.2%). Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of <20 ng/ml. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, a marker of systemic inflammation, was calculated. Associations between laboratory measurements and patient characteristics were explored. Mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was 14.1±10.4 ng/ml. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 19/27 patients (70.3%). Only skin type was associated with vitamin D deficiency (p=0.04). Hyperparathyroidism was present in 5/21 (23.8%) patients, and was more prevalent in patients with protein-losing enteropathy (p<0.001). Parathyroid hormone levels correlated with parameters of systemic inflammation (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio: r=0.484, p=0.026; relative lymphocyte count: r=−0.635, p=0.002). Vitamin D supplementation significantly increased serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (p<0.0001), and was accompanied by a reduction in parathyroid hormone concentrations (p=0.032).

Conclusions

A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was found among Fontan patients, independent of age, time after Fontan procedure, ventricular morphology, and presence of protein-losing enteropathy. A potentially important link between parathyroid hormone levels and systemic inflammation is suggested.
Risk of cardiac disease and observations on lack of potential predictors by clinical history among children presenting for cardiac evaluation of mid-exertional syncope
Authors: Miyake Christina Y. , Motonaga Kara S. , Fischer-Colbrie Megan E. , Chen Liyuan , Hanisch Debra G. , Balise Raymond R. , Kim Jeffrey J. , Dubin Anne M.
Published: August 2015

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of cardiac disorders among children with mid-exertional syncope evaluated by a paediatric cardiologist, determine how often a diagnosis was not established, and define potential predictors to differentiate cardiac from non-cardiac causes.

Study design

We carried out a single-centre, retrospective review of children who presented for cardiac evaluation due to a history of exertional syncope between 1999 and 2012. Inclusion criteria included the following: (1) age ⩽18 years; (2) mid-exertional syncope; (3) electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and an exercise stress test, electrophysiology study, or tilt test, with exception of long QT, which did not require additional testing; and (4) evaluation by a paediatric cardiologist. Mid-exertional syncope was defined as loss of consciousness in the midst of active physical activity. Patients with peri-exertional syncope immediately surrounding but not during active physical exertion were excluded.

Results

A total of 60 patients met the criteria for mid-exertional syncope; 32 (53%) were diagnosed with cardiac syncope and 28 with non-cardiac syncope. A majority of cardiac patients were diagnosed with an electrical myopathy, the most common being Long QT syndrome. In nearly half of the patients, a diagnosis could not be established or syncope was felt to be vasovagal in nature. Neither the type of exertional activity nor the symptoms or lack of symptoms occurring before, immediately preceding, and after the syncopal event differentiated those with or without a cardiac diagnosis.

Conclusions

Children with mid-exertional syncope are at risk for cardiac disease and warrant evaluation. Reported symptoms may not differentiate benign causes from life-threatening disease.