bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Magnetic Field Size on the Electronic Structure of Al‐Doped ZnO Thin Films Studied by X‐ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy
Authors: Chiou Jau‐Wern , Huang Wei‐Hao , Sun Shih‐Jye , Yu Chang‐Feng , Chou Hsiung , Yang Hung‐Duen , Yu Yueh‐Chung , Chan Ting‐Shan , Lin Hong‐Ji , Kumar Krishna , Yang Wanli , Guo Jinghua
Published: December 2013

This study examines Al‐doped ZnO (AZO) transparent conductive thin films prepared on glass substrate using the pulsed laser deposition method with an expanding magnetic field perpendicular to the sample surface. O K‐, Zn L3‐, and Al K‐edge X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) and X‐ray emission spectroscopy (XES) were used to investigate the relationship between the effects of magnetic field size and the electronic structure of AZO thin films. Analysis of the XANES spectra showed increasing O 2p states as film resistance decreases, suggesting that the enrichment of the O 2p‐dangling bond along the c‐axis is the main factor affecting the electric performance of AZO thin films. Magnetic field size affects electrons itinerating from Zn atoms to Al sites through O 2p–Zn 3d and O 2p–Al 3sp hybridization and consequently weakens O 2p–Zn 3d hybridization with the downsizing of the crystallite size. XES and XANES spectra of O 2p states at the O K‐edge exhibit that the conduction‐band minimum affects Eg and the valence‐band maximum is nearly unaffected by changes in magnetic field size. Factors affecting the resistance/electric conductivity of AZO thin films are the preferential orientation of (002) along the c‐axis, the thermal/annealing effect accompanied by the changes of magnetic field size, the surface effect, energy bandgap, and the density of unoccupied O 2p‐derived states.
Do Analysts Disclose Cash Flow Forecasts with Earnings Estimates when Earnings Quality is Low?
Authors: Bilinski Pawel
Published: December 2013

Cash flows are incrementally useful to earnings in security valuation mainly when earnings quality is low. This suggests that when earnings quality decreases, analysts will be more likely to supplement their earnings forecasts with cash flow estimates. Contrary to this prediction, we find that analysts do not disclose cash flow forecasts when the quality of earnings is low. This is because cash flow forecast accuracy depends on the accuracy of the accrual estimates and the precision of accrual forecasts decreases for firms with low quality earnings. Consequently, as earnings quality decreases, cash flow forecasts become increasingly inaccurate compared to earnings estimates. Cash flow estimates that lack reliability are not useful to investors and, consequently, unlikely to be reported by analysts. This result provides an explanation for why analysts are less likely to report cash flow estimates when earnings quality is low.
Chocolate—Guilty Pleasure or Healthy Supplement?
Authors: Latham Laura S. , Hensen Zeb K. , Minor Deborah S.
Published: December 2013

Dark chocolate and other cocoa products are popular in the population as a whole, but their overall health benefit remains controversial. Observations from the Kuna Indian population have shown an impressive cardiovascular health benefit from cocoa. For various reasons, this benefit has not been as robust as in other populations. Additionally, several mechanisms have been proposed that might confer cocoa's possible health benefit, but no consensus has been reached on cocoa's physiologic role in promoting cardiovascular health. Flavanols, as well as theobromine, may contribute to enhancements in endothelial function and subsequent improvements in various contributors to cardiovascular disease (CVD) including hypertension, platelet aggregation and adhesion, insulin resistance, and hypercholesterolemia. While the benefits of cocoa may be altered at the various stages of growth, development, and production, it appears that for many people “healthy” dark chocolate may, indeed, provide a pleasurable role in CVD risk reduction. The objectives of this review are to discuss the associations of cocoa with decreased blood pressure and improved CVD risk, to describe the possible mechanisms for these potential benefits, and to highlight considerations for the use of cocoa as a dietary supplement.
Cutaneous melanoma in patients treated with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors: a retrospective series of 15 patients
Authors: Chabbert C. , Adamski H. , Guillet G. , Sassolas B. , Misery L. , Perrinaud A. , Machet L. , Quereux G. , Esteve E. , Solau‐Gervais E. , Saraux A. , Polard E. , Lesimple T. , Le Gall F. , Dreno B. , Dupuy A.
Published: December 2013

Background

Several case reports suggested that tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF) inhibitors might increase the incidence and/or alter the natural course of melanoma towards a more aggressive behaviour.

Objective

Our objective was to point if history of melanoma in patients exposed to TNF inhibitors could present with a particular pattern at diagnosis or during follow‐up.

Methods

We performed a retrospective multicentre study settled in the West part of France to collect and analyse all cases of patients with melanoma who received anti‐TNF therapy.

Results

Fifteen cases were included. First, 10 patients (mean age: 55.6 years; sex ratio: 1) had a melanoma diagnosed after TNF inhibitors initiation. The mean duration between initiation of treatment and melanoma was 48.7 months. Two patients died of metastatic disease. Second, four patients had a past history of melanoma before anti‐TNF therapy (mean duration of treatment: 10.8 months). None experienced a progression of melanoma disease. Last, one woman had a past history of melanoma before and then developed a second melanoma when exposed to biotherapy.

Conclusion

Our case series does not reveal a distinct profile of melanoma in the patients exposed to TNF inhibitors. Additional prospective trials including larger number of patient are needed to demonstrate the possible link between biological therapy with TNF inhibitors and development of melanoma.
Prevention in primary care: facilitators and barriers to transform prevention from a random coincidence to a systematic approach
Authors: Vos Hedwig M. M. , Adan Iris M. A. , Schellevis François G. , Lagro‐Janssen Antoine L. M.
Published: December 2013

Rationale, aims and objectives

The Dutch general practitioner (GP) plays a substantial role in prevention. At the same time, many GPs hesitate to incorporate large‐scale cardiovascular risk management (CVRM) programmes into their daily practice. By exploring facilitators and barriers occurring during the past three decades, we wish to find clues on how to motivate professionals to adopt and implement prevention programmes.

Methods

A witness seminar was organized in September 2011, inviting key figures to discuss the decision‐making process of the implementation of systematic prevention programmes in the Netherlands in the past, thereby adding new perspectives on past events. The extensive discussion was fully audiotaped. The transcript was content‐analysed.

Results

We came across four different transitional stages: (1) the conversion from GPs disputing prevention to the implementation of systematic influenza vaccination; (2) the transition from systematic influenza vaccination to planning CVRM programmes; (3) the transition from planning and piloting CVRM programmes to cancelling the large‐scale implementation of the CVRM programme; and (4) the reinforcement of prevention.

Conclusions

The GPs' fear to lose the domain of prevention to other health care professionals and financial and logistical support are the main facilitators for implementing prevention programmes in primary care. The main barriers for implementing prevention are the combination of insecurity about reimbursement and lack of scientific evidence. It appears that the ethical view of GPs that everyone should have the same right to obtain preventive care gradually takes over the inclination to hold on to evidence‐based prevention.
Ocean tides and the influence of sea‐level rise on floods in urban areas of the Mekong Delta
Authors: Takagi H. , Ty T.V. , Thao N.D. , Esteban M.
Published: December 2013

The present paper investigates fluvial flood hazards in urban areas in the Mekong Delta to inundation due to seasonal flooding, a phenomenon which is likely to be exacerbated by future sea‐level rise. Unlike past researches which mainly focus on flooding due to river discharge from upstream or heavy precipitation, the present paper scrutinises the influence of ocean tides. The research reveals that ocean tides predominantly determine water elevation even in an upstream location such as Can Tho City, 80 km inland from the river mouth, and that the river flow causes tidal damping and effectively reduces the energy of the incoming tides. This tidal damping is especially pronounced during the rainy season. Analysis based on the water levels monitored by the Mekong River Commission revealed that the ground near the riverbank of Can Tho had experienced inundation for a total of 215 h between July 2009 and June 2010 (2.5% of the time over a 1‐year period). Assuming three scenarios of sea‐level rise of 20, 40, and 60 cm, all within the range of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) AR4's projections, it was found that the duration of inundation will be prolonged from the present percentage of 2.5% to 6%, 13%, and 24% of the year, respectively. Furthermore, the field survey carried out by the authors shows that inundation reached up to a height of 47 cm above the roads of Can Tho downtown.
A microscopic evaluation of collagen–bilirubin interactions: in vitro surface phenomenon
Authors: USHARANI N. , JAYAKUMAR G.C. , RAO J.R. , CHANDRASEKARAN B. , NAIR B.U.
Published: December 2013

This study is carried out to understand the morphology variations of collagen I matrices influenced by bilirubin. The characteristics of bilirubin interaction with collagen ascertained using various techniques like XRD, CLSM, fluorescence, SEM and AFM. These techniques are used to understand the distribution, expression and colocalization patterns of collagen–bilirubin complexes. The present investigation mimic the in vivo mechanisms created during the disorder condition like jaundice. Fluorescence technique elucidates the crucial role played by bilirubin deposition and interaction during collagen organization. Influence of bilirubin during collagen fibrillogenesis and banding patterns are clearly visualize using SEM. As a result, collagen–bilirubin complex provides different reconstructed patterns because of the influence of bilirubin concentration. Selectivity, specificity and spatial organization of collagen–bilirubin are determined through AFM imaging. Consequently, it is observed that the morphology and quantity of the bilirubin binding to collagen varied by the concentrations and the adsorption rate in protein solutions. Microscopic studies of collagen–bilirubin interaction confirms that bilirubin influence the fibrillogenesis and alter the rate of collagen organization depending on the bilirubin concentration. This knowledge helps to develop a novel drug to inhibit the interface point of interaction between collagen and bilirubin.
The Market Value of Corporate Votes: Theory and Evidence from Option Prices
Authors: KALAY AVNER , KARAKAŞ OǦUZHAN , PANT SHAGUN
Published: December 2013

This paper proposes a new method using option prices to estimate the market value of the shareholder voting rights associated with a stock. The method consists of synthesizing a nonvoting share using put‐call parity, and comparing its price to that of the underlying stock. Empirically, we find this measure of the value of voting rights to be positive and increasing in the time to expiration of synthetic stocks. The measure also increases around special shareholder meetings, periods of hedge fund activism, and M&A events. The method is likely useful in studies of corporate control and also has asset pricing implications.
Refinancing Risk and Cash Holdings
Authors: HARFORD JARRAD , KLASA SANDY , MAXWELL WILLIAM F.
Published: December 2013

We find that firms mitigate refinancing risk by increasing their cash holdings and saving cash from cash flows. The maturity of firms’ long‐term debt has shortened markedly, and this shortening explains a large fraction of the increase in cash holdings over time. Consistent with the inference that cash reserves are particularly valuable for firms with refinancing risk, we document that the value of these reserves is higher for such firms and that they mitigate underinvestment problems. Our findings imply that refinancing risk is a key determinant of cash holdings and highlight the interdependence of a firm's financial policy decisions.
The Current Use of Impella 2.5 in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock: Results from the USpella Registry
Authors: O'NEILL WILLIAM W. , SCHREIBER THEODORE , WOHNS DAVID H. W. , RIHAL CHARANJIT , NAIDU SRIHARI S. , CIVITELLO ANDREW B. , DIXON SIMON R. , MASSARO JOSEPH M. , MAINI BRIJESHWAR , OHMAN E. MAGNUS
Published: December 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the periprocedural characteristics and outcomes of patients supported with Impella 2.5 prior to percutaneous coronary intervention (pre‐PCI) versus those who received it after PCI (post‐PCI) in the setting of cardiogenic shock (CS) complicating an acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Background

Early mechanical circulatory support may improve outcome in the setting of CS complicating an AMI. However, the optimal timing to initiate hemodynamic support has not been well characterized.

Methods

Data from 154 consecutive patients who underwent PCI and Impella 2.5 support from 38 US hospitals participating in the USpella Registry were included in our study. The primary end‐point was survival to discharge. Secondary end‐points included assessment of patients' hemodynamics and in‐hospital complications. A multivariate regression model was used to identify independent predictors for mortality.

Results

Both groups were comparable except for diabetes (P = 0.02), peripheral vascular disease (P = 0.008), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P = 0.05), and prior stroke (P = 0.04), all of which were more prevalent in the pre‐PCI group. Patients in the pre‐PCI group had more lesions (P = 0.006) and vessels (P = 0.01) treated. These patients had also significantly better survival to discharge compared to patients in the post‐PCI group (65.1% vs.40.7%, P = 0.003). Survival remained favorable for the pre‐PCI group after adjusting for potential confounding variables. Initiation of support prior to PCI with Impella 2.5 was an independent predictor of in‐hospital survival (Odds ratio 0.37, 95% confidence interval: 0.17–0.79, P = 0.01) in multivariate analysis. The incidence of in‐hospital complications included in the secondary end‐point was similar between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

The results of our study suggest that early initiation of hemodynamic support prior to PCI with Impella 2.5 is associated with more complete revascularization and improved survival in the setting of refractory CS complicating an AMI. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:1–11)
Osteoarthritis of the hand I: aetiology and pathogenesis, risk factors, investigation and diagnosis
Authors: Leung Garvin J , Rainsford K D , Kean Walter F
Published: December 2013

Objective

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hand can be a debilitating condition that hinders an individual's quality of life. With multiple joints within the hand that are commonly affected OA, an individual's ability to use their hand in everyday movements become more limited. The article aims to review literature on the aetiology and pathogenesis of OA, risk factors, characteristics of hand OA and the steps of diagnosis.

Key findings

The aetiology and pathogenesis of OA, in particular hand OA, is not fully understood. However, it is known that several factors play a role. Environmental factors, such as stress from mechanical loading, especially to vulnerable joints predispose individuals to developing OA. Extracellular matrix changes in protein levels have also been noted in individuals with OA. Linked to hand OA development are boney enlargements (Herbeden's and Bouchard's nodes). Several risk factors for OA include: age, obesity, gender, smoking, genetics, diet and occupation. Various diagnostic methods include a combination of using radiographic methods, clinical presentation, a number of developed measurements and scales.

With OA having several risk factors and various causes and contributing elements, it is important to elucidate the pathogenesis of OA and determine exactly how risk factors play a role in its development. Because of the contributions from several elements, diagnosis is best when it uses multiple methods. In turn, understanding OA and making better diagnoses could lead to improved management of the condition through both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
Effect of different selenium sources on production performance and biochemical parameters of broilers
Authors: Chen G. , Wu J. , Li C.
Published: December 2013

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for animal and human. Supplementation of Se usually in livestock diet has been proved as effective element. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different sources of selenium on growth performance, slaughter performance, immune trait, oxidation resistance, meat quality and selenium content in tissue of broilers to comprehensively evaluate the effect of selenium. A total of 324 1‐day‐old AA broilers were selected and randomly allocated to three treatments of six replicates with 18 broilers each. The trial period was 42 days and was divided into two periods. Our results showed that effect of different sources of selenium on growth performance, slaughter performance, the immune status, drip loss and flesh had not significant difference (p > 0.05); while the activities of serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), total superoxide dismutase (T‐SOD), the abilities to inhibit hydroxyl radical (OH˙) and total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) were significantly higher in selenium yeast than sodium selenite groups, and the contents of MDA of selenium yeast groups were significantly lower than that of sodium selenite. This study demonstrated that the different sources of selenium had no obvious effect on production performance of broilers, but significantly influenced the broiler oxidation resistance.
Effect of different head–neck positions on physical and psychological stress parameters in the ridden horse
Authors: Zebisch A. , May A. , Reese S. , Gehlen H.
Published: December 2013

Different head–neck positions (HNPs) are used in equestrian sports and are regarded as desirable for training and competition by riders, judges and trainers. Even though some studies have been indicative of hyperflexion having negative effects on horses, this unnatural position is frequently used. In the present study, the influence of different HNPs on physical and psychological stress parameters in the ridden horse was investigated. Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) and blood cortisol levels were measured in 18 horses. Low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) are power components in the frequency domain measurement of HRV which show the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Values were recorded at rest, while riding with a working HNP and while riding with hyperflexion of the horse's head, neck and poll. In addition, rideability and behaviour during the different investigation stages were evaluated by the rider and by an observer. Neither the HR nor the HRV showed a significant difference between working HNP (HR = 105 ± 22/min; LF/HF = 3.89 ± 5.68; LF = 37.28 ± 10.77%) and hyperflexion (HR = 110 ± 18; LF/HF = 1.94 ± 2.21; LF = 38.39 ± 13.01%). Blood cortisol levels revealed a significant increase comparing working HNP (158 ± 60 nm) and hyperflexion (176 ± 64 nm, p = 0.01). The evaluation of rider and observer resulted in clear changes of rideability and behavioural changes for the worse in all parameters collected between a working HNP and hyperflexion. In conclusion, changes of the cortisol blood level as a physical parameter led to the assumption that hyperflexion of head, neck and poll effects a stress reaction in the horse, and observation of the behaviour illustrates adverse effects on the well‐being of horses during hyperflexion.
Cytological and histological correlation in diagnosing feline and canine mediastinal masses
Authors: Pintore L. , Bertazzolo W. , Bonfanti U. , Gelain M. E. , Bottero E.
Published: December 2013

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the agreement between cytological and histological diagnosis of canine and feline mediastinal masses to assess the utility of cytological examination in accurately diagnosing and classifying mediastinal lesions.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 58 cases of mediastinal masses from 21 dogs and 37 cats were performed. Histopathology was used as the diagnostic reference standard. The agreement between cytological and histological diagnosis was calculated.

RESULTS

The complete agreement between cytological and histological classification ranged from substantial (k = 0 · 72,CI: 0 · 64 to 0 · 80) to almost perfect (k = 0 · 89,CI: 0 · 82 to 0 · 96) depending on how the cytological diagnoses classified as suspicious were used for statistical calculations.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Cytological examination of canine and feline mediastinal masses is a relatively easy, low‐cost procedure, with good agreement with final histological diagnoses.
Phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis in Xanthomonas campestris via a yeast‐like acylation pathway
Authors: Moser Roman , Aktas Meriyem , Narberhaus Franz
Published: December 2013

Two principal phosphatidylcholine (PC) biosynthesis pathways are known in bacteria. S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM)‐dependent phospholipid N‐methyltransferases (Pmt) catalyse the threefold N‐methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) to PC. In an alternative pathway, the PC synthase (Pcs) condenses CDP‐diacylglycerol and choline to produce PC. In this study, we investigated phospholipid biosynthesis in the plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris that was found to contain significant amounts of monomethylated PE (MMPE) and small amounts of PC. We identified a Pmt enzyme that produces MMPE without methylating it further to PC. Surprisingly, PC production was independent of [14C]‐SAM and [14C]‐choline excluding canonical Pmt or Pcs pathways. Feeding experiments with various choline derivatives revealed a novel, yeast‐like PC synthesis route in Xanthomonas, in which two acyl side‐chains are added to a glycerophosphocholine (GPC) backbone. Two out of 12 tested acyltransferases from Xanthomonas were able to catalyse the second acylation step from lyso‐PC to PC. This first description of GPC‐dependent PC production in bacteria illustrates an unexpected diversity of PC biosynthesis pathways.
Can Yin-Yang Guide Chinese Indigenous Management Research?
Authors: Li Xin
Published: December 2013

In this article, I argue that it is misleading to dichotomize the West as being either/or and the East as being both/and. The West has thought dialectically since ancient Greece. I offer a typology to compare and contrast three dialectical or non-either/or logical systems or ways of thinking: Chinese Yin-Yang philosophy, Hegel's dialectic, and Niels Bohr's complementarity principle, as well as Aristotle's formal (either/or) logic. I show that the four logical systems have differences and similarities and show that Westerners can and do think dialectically. I also argue that Chinese Yin-Yang philosophy, while useful and powerful in some situations, is not always superior to the other logical systems and philosophies. My purpose is to alert Chinese management scholars to the dangers of overconfidence and to stimulate discussion and debate on the true value of Yin-Yang in particular and the promotion of Chinese indigenous management research in general. To that end, I present my opinion on the merits and drawbacks of Yin-Yang and posit that it may inspire but cannot guide Chinese indigenous management research because Chinese philosophy lacks a well-defined methodology and operationalizable methods.
Dirty Work and Dirtier Work: Differences in Countering Physical, Social, and Moral Stigma
Authors: Ashforth Blake E. , Kreiner Glen E.
Published: December 2013

The literature on dirty work has focused on what physically (e.g., garbage collectors), socially (e.g., addiction counsellors), and morally (e.g., exotic dancers) stigmatized occupations have in common, implying that dirty work is a relatively monolithic construct. In this article, we focus on thedifferencesbetween these three forms of dirty work and how occupational members collectively attempt to counter the particular stigma associated with each. We argue that the largest differences are between moral dirty work and the other two forms; if physical and social dirty work tend to be seen as more necessary than evil, then moral dirty work tends to be seen as more evil than necessary. Moral dirty work typically constitutes a graver identity threat to occupational members, fostering greater entitativity (a sense of being a distinct group), a greater reliance on members as social buffers, and a greater use of condemning condemners and organization-level defensive tactics. We develop a series of propositions to formalize our arguments and suggest how this more nuanced approach to studying dirty work can stimulate and inform future research.
Transcriptome analyses suggest a disturbance of iron homeostasis in soybean leaves during white mould disease establishment
Authors: Calla Bernarda , Blahut‐Beatty Laureen , Koziol Lisa , Simmonds Daina H. , Clough Steven J.
Published: December 2013

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a serious pathogen of numerous crops around the world. The major virulence factor of this pathogen is oxalic acid (OA). Mutants that cannot produce OA do not cause disease, and plants that express enzymes that degrade OA, such as oxalate oxidase (OxO), are very resistant to S. sclerotiorum. To examine the effect of OA on plants, we infiltrated soybean leaves with 5 mm OA and examined the gene expression changes at 2 h post‐infiltration. By comparing the gene expression levels between leaves of a transgenic soybean carrying an OxO gene (OxO) and its parent AC Colibri (AC) infiltrated with OA (pH 2.4) or water (pH 2.4 or 5.5), we were able to compare the effects of OA dependent or independent of its pH. Gene expression by microarray analysis identified 2390 genes that showed changes in expression, as determined using an overall F‐test P‐value cut‐off of 0.001. The additional requirement that at least one pairwise t‐test false discovery rate (FDR)‐corrected P value should be less than 0.001 reduced the list of the most highly significant differentially expressed genes to 1054. Independent of pH, OA altered the expression levels of 78 genes, with ferritin showing the strongest induction by OA. The combination of OA plus its low pH caused 1045 genes (99% of all significant genes) to be differentially expressed, with many of the up‐regulated genes being related to basal defence, such as genes of the phenylpropanoid pathway and various cytochrome P450s. RNA‐seq was also conducted on four samples: OxO and AC genotypes infiltrated with either OA pH 2.4 or water pH 2.4. The RNA‐seq analysis also identified ferritin paralogues as being strongly induced by OA. As the expression of ferritin, a gene that encodes for an iron storage protein, is induced by free iron, these results suggest that S. sclerotiorum benefits from the ability of OA to free iron from plant proteins, as this induces host cell death, and also allows the uptake and assimilation of the iron for its own metabolic needs.
The archaeology and genealogy of mentorship in English nursing
Authors: Fulton John
Published: December 2013

In the United Kingdom, the concept of mentorship has been central to nurse education since the 1980s. Mentorship has become the definitive term used to denote the supervisory relationship of the student nurse with a qualified nurse who monitors and evaluates their skill development in the clinical area. The background against which the concept was established is examined through a consideration of the concepts of archaeology of knowledge and genealogy of knowledge as conceptualised by Michel Foucault. In particular, the Foucauldian concepts of power, discourses and the gaze are used to direct and shape the analysis. The paper explores the interplay of managerial dominance and professionalism and the ways in which mentorship can be used as a means of control and surveillance.
Resisting, reproducing, resigned? Low‐income pregnant women's discursive constructions and experiences of health and weight gain
Authors: Jette Shannon , Rail Geneviève
Published: December 2013

In this article, we use qualitative methodology to explore how 15 low‐income women of diverse sociocultural location construct and experience health and weight gain during pregnancy, as well as how they position themselves in relation to messages pertaining to weight gain, femininity and motherhood that they encounter in their lives. Discussing the findings through a feminist poststructuralist lens, we conclude that the participants are complex, fragmented subjects, interpellated by multiple and at times conflicting subject positions. While the discourse of maternal responsibility (i.e. managing personal behaviours for the baby's health) is very much in evidence in their narratives, embodied experiences of pregnancy, lived experiences of financial constraints and religious beliefs provided some with an alternative discourse and resistant subject position. Participants also had mixed emotions about weight gain; they recognized the need to gain weight in order to have a healthy pregnancy, but weight gain was also not welcome as participants reproduced the dominant discourse of obesity and the discourse of ‘feminine’ bodily norms. Based on our results, we advocate for change to recent clinical guidelines and social discourses around pregnancy and weight gain, as well as for policies that provide pregnant women with a range of health‐promoting resources.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome subtypes: constipation, diarrhea…and mixed bowel pattern: Tertium datur
Authors: Cremonini F. , Lembo A.
Published: December 2013

The study by Su et al. published in this issue of NGM provides helpful insight into a relatively large, yet understudied, subgroup of IBS known as IBS with mixed bowel pattern (IBS‐M). These investigators found among their 289 IBS subjects who underwent detailed assessment the IBS‐M subtype to be particularly common. Interestingly, prior use of laxatives or antidiarrheal agents was found to potentially explain the mixed bowel pattern in approximately 30% of patients. These IBS‐M patients tended to report more severe IBS symptoms. IBS‐M patients had bowel symptoms more similar to IBS‐D than IBS‐C, particularly with regard to the rectal urgency. Hopefully many more studies will be forthcoming to further our understanding of IBS‐M.
Retracted:IL‐1β‐induced matrix metalloproteinase‐3 regulates cell proliferation in rat dental pulp cells
Authors: Ozeki N , Yamaguchi H , Hiyama T , Kawai R , Nakata K , Mogi M , Nakamura H
Published: December 2013

Objective

We previously reported that matrix metalloproteinase‐3(MMP‐3) accelerates wound healing following dental pulp injury. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that induction of MMP‐3 activity by interleukin‐1β would promote proliferation and apoptosis of dental pulp cells.

Materials and Methods

Dental pulp cells were isolated from rat incisors and subjected to interleukin‐1β. Matrix metalloproteinase‐3 mRNA and protein expression were assessed using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Matrix metalloproteinase‐3 activity was measured using fluorescence. Dental pulp cell proliferation and apoptosis were determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for BrdU and DNA fragmentation, respectively. siRNA was used to reduce MMP‐3 transcripts in these cells.

Results

Treatment with interleukin‐1β increased MMP‐3 mRNA and protein levels as well as its activity in dental pulp cells. Cell proliferation was also markedly increased, with no changes in apoptosis observed. Treatment with siRNA against MMP‐3 potently suppressed this interleukin‐1β‐induced increase in MMP‐3 expression and activity, and also suppressed cell proliferation but unexpectedly increased apoptosis in these cells (P < 0.05). This siRNA‐mediated increase in apoptosis could be reversed with exogenous MMP‐3 stimulation (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Interleukin‐1β induces MMP‐3‐regulated cell proliferation and suppresses apoptosis in dental pulp cells.
Diagnostic evaluation of hypersensitivity reactions to beta‐lactam antibiotics in a large population of children
Authors: Zambonino Maria A. , Corzo Jose Luis , Muñoz Candelaria , Requena Gloria , Ariza Adriana , Mayorga Cristobalina , Urda Antonio , Blanca Miguel , Torres M. J.
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Hypersensitivity reactions to beta‐lactams (BLs) are often reported in children, with amoxicillin and, to a lesser extent, cephalosporins being the most frequent drugs involved. Although many of these children are considered to be allergic, a careful evaluation only confirms a low percentage.

Objectives

To analyse the clinical data, sensitization profile and diagnostic methods used in a large group of children with a clinical history of hypersensitivity reactions to BLs.

Methods

The study included children aged 1–14 yr with symptoms suggestive of hypersensitivity to BLs from January 2006–December 2012. Diagnosis was confirmed from a clinical history, specific IgE determination, skin testing and, if necessary, a drug provocation test (DPT).

Results

Of a total of 783 patients studied, only 62 (7.92%) were confirmed as being allergic, 9 (14.52%) with immediate and 53 (85.48%) with non‐immediate reactions. In those with immediate reactions, 2 (22.22%) were diagnosed by in vitro test, 2 (22.22%) by skin testing and 5 (55.56%) by DPT; in those with non‐immediate reactions, 2 (3.77%) were diagnosed by skin testing and 51 (96.23%) by DPT. In all cases, DPT was positive to the culprit drug (29 AX‐CLV, 26 AX, 1 cefixime and 1 cefaclor), and the most usual symptoms were exanthema in 43 cases, urticaria in 12, urticaria–angio‐oedema in 1 and erythema in 1 case.

Conclusion

After an allergological work‐up, over 90% of the children evaluated were finally confirmed as tolerant to BLs. Most reactions were of the non‐immediate type, and DPT was an essential tool for diagnosis.
Respiratory viral infections in pregnant women with asthma are associated with wheezing in the first 12 months of life
Authors: Murphy Vanessa E. , Mattes Joerg , Powell Heather , Baines Katherine J. , Gibson Peter G.
Published: December 2013

Background

There are few studies investigating the relationship between respiratory viral infection in pregnancy and asthma in the offspring, and none among mothers with asthma. Infants of mothers with asthma are more likely to wheeze and have a higher risk of developing asthma than infants of non‐asthmatic mothers.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of viral infection in pregnancy was conducted between 2007 and 2009, and a subgroup of infants of mothers with asthma was followed up at 6 and 12 months of age. During common colds, nasal and throat swabs were collected from mothers and respiratory viruses detected by polymerase chain reaction. Respiratory health of infants was assessed by parent‐completed questionnaire.

Results

Twelve‐month‐old infants whose mothers had confirmed viral infections in pregnancy (n = 26) reported more frequent wheeze (40% had 4–12 wheeze attacks compared with 0%), sleep disturbed by wheeze (1 night per week or more in 60% vs. 11%), beta agonist treatment for wheeze (27% vs. 0%), prolonged colds (2 wk or longer 31% vs. 0%), more eczema (40% vs. 6.3%), and parent‐perceived asthma (32% vs. 0%), compared with infants whose mothers had common colds without laboratory‐confirmed viral infection (n = 16).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a relationship between maternal respiratory viral infection in pregnancy and wheezing illness in infants of mothers with asthma. Viral infections are the most common cause of asthma exacerbations in pregnancy, and infants of asthmatic mothers are at increased risk of asthma themselves. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms involved.
Meningothelial Hamartoma Associated with Nevus Sebaceus
Authors: Crittenden Sunita C. , Sonnier George B.
Published: December 2013

Meningothelial hamartoma is a rare lesion of ectopic meningothelial elements that usually presents on the scalp at birth or in early childhood. The characteristic spindle cells infiltrate through collagen and stain positively for epithelial membrane antigen and vimentin but are negative for CD31 and CD34. This distinguishes meningothelial hamartoma from vascular tumors. Nevus sebaceus is a fairly common lesion that has been associated with several different benign tumors, including trichoblastoma and syringocystadenoma papilliferum. We describe the case of a 17‐month‐old girl who presented with a meningothelial hamartoma in association with a nevus sebaceus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second case reported.
Bilateral Exchange Rates and Jobs
Authors: Bekkers Eddy , Francois Joseph
Published: December 2013

We study the labor market effects of realignment in fixed bilateral exchange rates, such as China's peg to the US dollar. We employ the open economy model by de Melo and Robinson to identify the core parameters of the real, trade side of the economy driving the unemployment effects of bilateral exchange rate realignment. A small open economy version of the model is explored analytically and a large multicountry version numerically. Analytics in the small open economy model show that unemployment effects of adjusting of a bilateral peg hinge on the fraction exported to and imported from the trading partner. A larger fraction exported to and a smaller fraction imported from the trading partner make it more likely that revaluation of a trading partner's currency has beneficial effects. Numerics in the large economy model show that Chinese revaluation can generate both positive and negative unemployment effects depending upon underlying parameter values. Adverse unemployment effects can go along with an improving trade balance.
Effect of crop residue biochar on soil acidity amelioration in strongly acidic tea garden soils
Authors: Wang L. , Butterly C. R. , Wang Y. , Herath H. M. S. K. , Xi Y. G. , Xiao X. J.
Published: December 2013

Strongly acidic soil (e.g. pH < 5.0) is detrimental to tea productivity and quality. Wheat, rice and peanut biochar produced at low temperature (max 300 °C) and differing in alkalinity content were incorporated into Xuan‐cheng (Ultisol; initial pHsoil/water = 1/2.5 4.12) and Ying‐tan soil (Ultisol; initial pH soil/water = 1/2.5 4.75) at 10 and 20 g/kg (w/w) to quantify their liming effect and evaluate their effectiveness for acidity amelioration of tea garden soils. After a 65‐day incubation at 25 °C, biochar application significantly (P < 0.05) increased soil pH and exchangeable cations and reduced Al saturation of both tea soils. Association of H+ ions with biochar and decarboxylation processes was likely to be the main factor neutralizing soil acidity. Further, biochar application reduced acidity production from the N cycle. Significant (P < 0.05) increases in exchangeable cations and reductions in exchangeable acidity and Al saturation were observed as the rate of biochar increased, but there were no further effects on soil pH. The lack of change in soil pH at the higher biochar rate may be due to the displacement of exchangeable acidity and the high buffering capacity of biochar, thereby retarding a further liming effect. Hence, a significant linear correlation between reduced exchangeable acidity and alkalinity balance was found in biochar‐amended soils (P < 0.05). Low‐temperature biochar of crop residues is suggested as a potential amendment to ameliorate acidic tea garden soils.
Coupled Field Analysis of a Gas Tungsten Arc Welded Butt Joint—Part II: Parametric Study
Authors: Sen D. , Pierson M. A. , Ball K. S.
Published: December 2013

The process of welding has a direct influence on the integrity of the structural components and their mechanical response during service. Welding is an inherently multiphysics problem, encompassing a large array of physical phenomena—fluid flow in the weld pool, heat flow in the structure, microstructural evolution/phase transformations, thermal stress development, and distortion of the welded structure. The mathematical model to simulate the coupled fields of the welding process has been outlined in Part I of the present study. In Part I, the developed model have been validated with experimental results and the depth/width (D/W) predictions agree well. Part II documents the effects of welding parameters (welding current/speed, electrode gap, and electrode angle) on the weld D/W ratio, for both low (≤40 ppm) and high (≥150 ppm) surface active agent (oxygen) content. The parametric characterization of the weld D/W ratio is validated with published experimental data. They agree well. Results show that increasing the oxygen content beyond 150 ppm does not increase the weld D/W ratio. At high oxygen content of 150 ppm and under current variation, the weld D/W ratio increases and remains constant beyond 160 A. However, when the welding speed is varied, the weld D/W ratio decreases with increasing speed. Similarly, increasing the electrode gap under high oxygen content decreases the weld D/W ratio. The weld D/W ratio shows weak variation with electrode tip angle. The results from the present simulations have also been used to predict the modes of weld solidification. With increase in welding speed, finer dendritic microstructures are expected to be formed near the weld centerline. The variation of weld D/W with heat input per unit length of weld is also presented elaborately. The workpiece deformation and stress distributions are also highlighted. The present study shows the pertinence of coupled welding process simulation to delineate the underlying physical processes and thereby better predict the behavior of welded structures.
Sun Tracker Performance Analysis for Different Solar Module Technologies in an Alpine Environment
Authors: Ingenhoven Philip , Belluardo Giorgio , Moser David , Sparber Wolfram
Published: December 2013

The objective of this study is to compare the performance of different solar module technologies mounted on a fixed-tilt rack (30 deg) as well as on a single and a dual axis tracker. The data of this study were taken from a 724 kWp multitechnology test field at the Airport of Bolzano in the Italian Alps (position ca.46.46N, 11.33 E), which the European Academy of Bolzano is monitoring. The technologies tested were polycrystalline silicon (p-Si) and heterojunction with an intrinsic thin-layer (HIT). We compared the performance of each system in terms of energy output, as well as the performance ratio of both technologies on the different mounting systems. A detailed shading analysis was performed and losses due to the mountainous environment were determined. Further we analyzed miss-tracking, namely, due to shading of the position sensor on the single axis tracker and further, due to high wind speeds, at which the dual axis tracker moves to a safety position. Identifying these problems helps to maximize the tracker performance and hence the energy harvest. A cost benefit analysis was then performed based on the cost of the trackers, energy price, and by comparing the results with fixed installations.
Determining Functional Finger Capabilities of Healthy Adults: Comparing Experimental Data to a Biomechanical Model
Authors: Leitkam Samuel T. , Bush Tamara Reid , Bix Laura
Published: December 2013

The human hand has a wide range of possible functional abilities that can change with age, disease, and injury, and can vary from individual to individual and subsequently can affect a person's quality of life. The objective of this work was to develop a theoretical model of the space that is reachable by the hand, weighted to represent three types of functionality, and to compare this model to an experimental data set obtained from a healthy hand population. A theoretical model, termed the Weighted Fingertip Space, was developed using 50th percentile published hand data and ranges of finger motion. The functional abilities calculated in the model were the abilities to position the fingertip pad, orient the fingertip pad, and apply directional forces through the fingertip pad at all the reachable points in space with respect to the palm. Following the development of this theoretical model, experimental data sets from nine individuals with healthy hands were obtained through motion capture techniques. The experimental data were then compared to the theoretical model. Comparisons between a 50th percentile theoretical model and a subject with a similar sized hand showed good agreement in weighting parameters and overall size and shape of the model spaces. The experimental data set from the entire sample, which ranged from the 2nd to 95th percentile hand sizes, showed resultant models that, on average, reached smaller volumes of space, but yielded higher values of the functional measures within those volumes. Additionally, in comparison to the theoretical model, the variability of the experimental models showed that small changes in hand dimensions and ranges of motion of the finger joints had a large influence in the functional measures of the model. Combined, these results suggest that the modeling technique can calculate functional ability of the hand, but should be used on an individualized basis for evaluating changes in function (e.g., rehabilitation). Further, scaling to hand size has the potential to yield “average” models for larger population samples.