bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of current input–output and age of first exposure on phonological acquisition in early bilingual Spanish–English‐speaking kindergarteners
Authors: Ruiz‐Felter Roxanna , Cooperson Solaman J. , Bedore Lisa M. , Peña Elizabeth D.
Published: March 2016

Background

Although some investigations of phonological development have found that segmental accuracy is comparable in monolingual children and their bilingual peers, there is evidence that language use affects segmental accuracy in both languages.

Aims

To investigate the influence of age of first exposure to English and the amount of current input–output on phonological accuracy in English and Spanish in early bilingual Spanish–English kindergarteners. Also whether parent and teacher ratings of the children's intelligibility are correlated with phonological accuracy and the amount of experience with each language.

Methods & Procedures

Data for 91 kindergarteners (mean age = 5;6 years) were selected from a larger dataset focusing on Spanish–English bilingual language development. All children were from Central Texas, spoke a Mexican Spanish dialect and were learning American English. Children completed a single‐word phonological assessment with separate forms for English and Spanish. The assessment was analyzed for segmental accuracy: percentage of consonants and vowels correct and percentage of early‐, middle‐ and late‐developing (EML) sounds correct were calculated.

Outcomes & Results

Children were more accurate on vowel production than consonant production and showed a decrease in accuracy from early to middle to late sounds. The amount of current input–output explained more of the variance in phonological accuracy than age of first English exposure. Although greater current input–output of a language was associated with greater accuracy in that language, English‐dominant children were only significantly more accurate in English than Spanish on late sounds, whereas Spanish‐dominant children were only significantly more accurate in Spanish than English on early sounds. Higher parent and teacher ratings of intelligibility in Spanish were correlated with greater consonant accuracy in Spanish, but the same did not hold for English. Higher intelligibility ratings in English were correlated with greater current English input–output, and the same held for Spanish.

Conclusions & Implications

Current input–output appears to be a better predictor of phonological accuracy than age of first English exposure for early bilinguals, consistent with findings on the effect of language experience on performance in other language domains in bilingual children. Although greater current input–output in a language predicts higher accuracy in that language, this interacts with sound complexity. The results highlight the utility of the EML classification in assessing bilingual children's phonology. The relationships of intelligibility ratings with current input–output and sound accuracy can shed light on the process of referral of bilingual children for speech and language services.
Vespa velutinanest distribution at a local scale: An 8‐year survey of the invasive honeybee predator
Authors: Monceau Karine , Thiéry Denis
Published: March 2016

Vespa velutinais an invasive species that was observed for the first time in France and Europe in 2004, which rapidly threatened domestic honeybees with active predation. For the first time in this study, we analyzed the distribution ofV. velutinanests at a local scale to understand the pattern of nesting, and in 8 years of monitoring, a total of 528 nests were surveyed. With the exception of 2 years, the nests ofV. velutinawere randomly distributed within the monitored area, which suggested that intraspecific competition for nesting sites and/or food was unlikely. When the data for all years were combined, an aggregated distribution of nests at the seafront in the vicinity of the oyster farm and sportfishing activities was observed. This distribution suggested that seafood, attractive to vespids, might provide a valuable alternative food source that favored colony development. We also tested the effect of spring queen trapping ofV. velutinaon the distribution of nests in 2014, which was the year with the greatest number of colonies within the area; the position of the traps did not influence the distribution of the nests. For the first time, this study showed that (i) intraspecific competition was unlikely to be a mechanism for population regulation, (ii) some areas were more likely favored for hornet nests, and (iii) spring queen wasp trapping was inefficient as a method to limit the distribution of theV. velutinapopulation.
Incorporating the Nutrition Care Process model into dietetics internship evaluation: A Malaysian university experience
Authors: Karupaiah Tilakavati , Reinhard Tonia , Krishnasamy Shanthi , Tan Shy‐Pyng , Se Chee‐Hee
Published: March 2016

Aim

Implementation of the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) into dietetics curricula and clinical internship evaluation in Asian countries is new. Two dietetics faculties from Malaysia and USA collaborated to assimilate NCP into clinical dietetics curriculum and internship evaluation.

Methods

Dietetic interns under supervised practice in hospitals were assessed using a quantitative NCP‐based evaluation tool. This tool organised learning outcomes under NCP knowledge domains and achieved high internal consistency and inter‐rater reliability. Using a 5‐point Likert scale, interns’ scores measured over a 12‐week inpatients training were collated and analysed. Subgroup analysis differentiated strong (Progressers) and weak (Regressers) performers based on a median criterion of averaged NCP component scores.

Results

Most external hospital sites (75% response rate) utilised the evaluation tool for interns’ assessment. Improvements in NCP knowledge domains were significant by week‐9 and week‐12 compared to baseline (P<0.001). Largest gain was associated with Step 2, nutrition diagnosis (95% CI: 2.63–3.09 vs 3.44–3.81, = 0.297) and ADIME (nutrition Assessment, Diagnosis, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation) documentation (95% CI: 2.85–3.22 vs 3.72–4.15, = 0.339). A median score of 3.5 at week‐12 identified ‘Progressers’ (>3.5) or ‘Regressers’ (<3.5). Progressers demonstrated increasing linear trends from baseline to week‐12 (P < 0.001 for all components) with change for ADIME documentation (95% CI: 4.07–4.49, = 0.456) > Step 2, nutrition diagnosis (95% CI: 3.70–4.12, = 0.348) > Step 3, nutrition intervention (95% CI: 3.65–3.96, = 0.332) > Step 1, nutrition assessment (95% CI: 3.77–4.09, = 0.307) > Step 4, monitoring and evaluation (95% CI: 3.72–4.04, = 0.269). Weaker interns achieved maximum scores at week‐9 before regressing.

Conclusions

This study found that the application of an NCP‐based evaluation tool successfully tracked interns’ clinical competencies under supervised practice.
Building dietetic student confidence and professional identity through participation in a university health clinic
Authors: Swanepoel Elizabeth , Tweedie Judith , Maher Judith
Published: March 2016

Aim

The objectives of this study were to explore the impact of participating in a university‐based dietetic clinic on student's perceived confidence and recognition of skills needed for practice and explore students’ overall experience of attending the clinic.

Methods

A curriculum‐based university clinic provided third‐year students with an experiential learning opportunity to practice diet history interviewing skills on real clients. Qualitative data were gathered through focus groups with 13 (43% of total enrolment) third‐year nutrition and dietetics students who were recruited via an email invitation. Focus groups were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted by all three authors.

Results

Engaging in an authentic learning environment was viewed positively by students and enabled them to develop confidence and a sense of professional identity. The experience also enabled students to identify personal learning needs and skills required for future practice, and gain insight into the realities of practice.

Conclusions

These findings support the evidence that dietetic curriculum should provide students with authentic learning opportunities in a safe environment, prior to potentially stressful placement experiences. This enables students to discover the nuances of dietetic practice, practise people‐related skills and develop confidence in those skills that are crucial to practice.
Inhibitory Effects of Spices on Biogenic Amine Accumulation during Fish Sauce Fermentation
Authors: Zhou Xuxia , Qiu Mengting , Zhao Dandan , Lu Fei , Ding Yuting
Published: March 2016

The presence of high levels of biogenic amines is detrimental to the quality and safety of fish sauce. This study investigated the effects of ethanol extracts of spices, including garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and star anise extracts, in reducing the accumulation of biogenic amines during fish sauce fermentation. The concentrations of biogenic amines, which include histamine, putrescine, tyramine, and spermidine, all increased during fish sauce fermentation. When compared with the samples without spices, the garlic and star anise extracts significantly reduced these increases. The greatest inhibitory effect was observed for the garlic ethanolic extracts. When compared with controls, the histamine, putrescine, tyramine, and spermidine contents and the overall biogenic amine levels of the garlic extract‐treated samples were reduced by 30.49%, 17.65%, 26.03%, 37.20%, and 27.17%, respectively. The garlic, cinnamon, and star anise extracts showed significant inhibitory effects on aerobic bacteria counts. Furthermore, the garlic and star anise extracts showed antimicrobial activity against amine producers. These findings may be helpful for enhancing the safety of fish sauce.
Are Biometric Parameters Helpful to Assess the Health Risk of Consuming Organochlorine Compounds Contaminated Silver European Eel (Anguilla anguilla)?
Authors: Ferrante Maria C. , Fusco Giovanna , Naccari Clara , Meli Rosaria , Clausi Maria T.
Published: March 2016

Several organochlorine compounds (OCs) were measured in European eels from the Tevere river (Italy). It followed that some of them are still important chemical contaminants. Concentrations of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) are hazardous for the consumer health; those of the 6 indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are often close to the current European maximum residue limit and always higher than the former limit. The relationship between OC concentrations, biometric parameters and the lipid content was then investigated. A strong positive correlation with eel size emerged for the indicator PCBs and DDTs concentrations expressed on wet weight basis. This is explained by the corresponding higher lipid percentage that characterizes bigger eels and the absence of a dilution effect for compounds of main concerns. On the basis of the PCB‐TDI threshold for a 70 kg person, we suggest that 1 should consume no more than 2 eels per week each weighing about 100 g. Thus, we conclude that eel consumption should be limited and restricted to eels relatively shorter and lighter.
Microbial Decontamination of Dried Alaska Pollock Shreds Using Corona Discharge Plasma Jet: Effects on Physicochemical and Sensory Characteristics
Authors: Choi Soee , Puligundla Pradeep , Mok Chulkyoon
Published: March 2016

Nonthermal techniques for microbial decontamination are becoming more common for ensuring food safety. In this study, a corona discharge plasma jet (CDPJ) was used for inactivation of microbial contaminants of dried Alaska pollock shreds. Corona plasma jet was generated at a current strength of 1.5 A, and a span length of 25 mm was maintained between the electrode tip and the sample. Upon the CDPJ treatment (0 to 3 min) of dried shreds, microbial contaminants namely aerobic and marine bacteria, and Staphylococcus aureus were inactivated by 2.5, 1.5, and >1.0 log units, respectively. Also, a one‐log reduction of molds and yeasts contaminants was observed. The inactivation patterns are fitted well to the pseudo‐first‐order kinetics or Singh‐Heldman model. The CDPJ treatment did not exert statistically significant (P > 0.05) changes in physicochemical properties, namely color characteristics, volatile basic nitrogen, and peroxide value of dried fish shreds, with some exceptions, as compared to untreated controls. Furthermore, CDPJ treatment had no significant impact on the sensory characteristics of dried fish shreds.
Effect of Cultivar, Temperature, and Environmental Conditions on the Dynamic Change of Melatonin in Mulberry Fruit Development and Wine Fermentation
Authors: Wang Cheng , Yin Li‐Yuan , Shi Xue‐Ying , Xiao Hua , Kang Kun , Liu Xing‐Yan , Zhan Ji‐Cheng , Huang Wei‐Dong
Published: March 2016

High levels of melatonin have been reported in various foods but not in mulberry or its wine. This study investigated the dynamic changes of melatonin levels during mulberry fruit development and ethanol fermentation of 2 different colored mulberry cultivars (“Hongguo2ˮ Morus nigra, black and “Baiyuwangˮ Morus alba, white) at 2 fermentation temperatures (16 and 25 °C). Our results showed that the melatonin level increased in the beginning of mulberry development but decreased in the end. The MnTDC gene expression level correlated with melatonin production, which implied that TDC may be the rate‐limiting enzyme of the melatonin biosynthetic process in mulberries. During mulberry fermentation, the melatonin concentration increased rapidly in the beginning and then decreased gradually. Low temperature delayed the melatonin production during fermentation. A relatively high level of melatonin was found in “Hongguo2ˮ compared with “Baiyuwangˮ during fruit development and fermentation. The variation of melatonin correlated with the ethanol production rate, suggesting that melatonin may participate in physiological regulation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae during the fermentation stage.
Innovative Soaking and Grinding Methods and Cooking Affect the Retention of Isoflavones, Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Properties in Soymilk Prepared from Black Soybean
Authors: Tan Yingying , Chang Sam K. C. , Zhang Yan
Published: March 2016

This study's objective was to characterize the effect of traditional and 3 newly devised (soaking+grinding) methods combined with cooking on the content and composition of phenolic substances, antioxidant, and antiproliferative properties of soymilk prepared from black soybean. Phenolic substances and antioxidant profile were characterized and antiproliferation of prostate cancer DU145 cells was conducted using a cell culture assay. Results indicated Grinding Method 4 produced significantly (P < 0.05) higher total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), condensed tannin content (CTC), and total isoflavone content in both raw and cooked black soymilk as compared to Method 1. Cooking soymilk reduced 23% to 38% of total phenolic substances. Raw black soymilk produced by Method 4 displayed the highest antioxidant capability, which was determined using ORAC, FRAP, and DPPH assays, and a higher antiprostate cell proliferation ability. Cooking only slightly reduced the potency to inhibit DU145 prostate cancer cells as IC50 value was increased from the average of about 4.0 mg/mL of raw soymilk extracts to 5.5 mg/mL of cooked soymilk extracts of all grinding methods. Overall, total isoflavone content was the only component that was negatively correlated with IC50 value (r = –0.93, P < 0.05) which indicates the ability to inhibit prostate cancer cell is associated with the increase in total isoflavone content, not with any other phenolic substances or antioxidant properties.
From a conservation trap to a conservation solution: lessons from an intensively managed Montagu's harrier population
Authors: Torres‐Orozco D. , Arroyo B. , Pomarol M. , Santangeli A.
Published: March 2016

Many threatened species in human‐dominated systems are managed through conservation programs. Such programs are sometimes designed based on intuition or short‐term results rather than assessing their long‐term biological and economic sustainability. The current conservation program for Montagu's harriers Circus pygargus, a ground‐nesting bird of prey, in Lleida (Catalonia, NE Spain) aims to protect nests located in farmlands by promoting crop harvest delay around the nest and compensating farmers for their economic loss. This program has been flagged as a ‘conservation trap’ as its costs have been increasing over time, possibly compromising the long‐term sustainability of the program and associated consequences to the local harrier population. In the present work, population viability analyses (PVA) were used to find a conservation management scenario that decreases the risk of the conservation trap, or at least minimizes the medium‐term expenditure on conservation. PVA simulations suggest that the current nest protection program is financially unsustainable at the medium‐term. Cost‐effectiveness analyses suggest that it would be impossible to fully avoid the conservation trap if the conservation goal is to maintain Lleida's current population size. Alternative management scenarios that minimize the medium‐term expenditure of scarce conservation funds are presented. The results suggest that selecting a conservation program based only on short‐term biological or cost‐effective targets might not be the most appropriate, and demonstrate the relevance of having clear medium‐term conservation targets.
Improving ruminal degradability and energetic values of bamboo shoot shell using chemical treatments
Authors: Zhao Liping , Ren Liping , Zhou Zhenming , Meng Qingxiang , Huo Yunlong , Wang Fei
Published: March 2016

This study evaluated effects of different treatments on nutritive value of bamboo shoot shell (BSS). Five treatments were sun‐drying (control), ammoniation (5%/dry matter (DM) urea), Ca(OH)2 (4%/DM calcium hydroxide), NaOH (4%/DM sodium hydroxide), and AHP (4%/DM sodium hydroxide plus 1%/DM hydrogen peroxide). The results showed that chemical composition of BSS was greatly changed by chemicals (P < 0.01) except acid‐detergent lignin. All chemical treatments significantly reduced neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content except AHP (P < 0.01), and obviously increased acid detergent fiber (ADF) content (P < 0.01) except ammoniation. The predicted organic matter digestibility, metabolizable energy and net energy for lactation of BSS were greatly increased by chemical treatments (P < 0.01), the highest for ammoniation, followed by Ca(OH)2, NaOH and AHP. Ammoniation had higher (P = 0.03) ammonia‐N concentration than the other four treatments. There were significant differences among all treatments on total volatile fatty acids (P = 0.03), propionate (P = 0.01), butyrate concentration (P < 0.01) and C2/C3 ratio (P = 0.02). Chemical treatments greatly improved effective degradability (ED) of DM (P < 0.01) and ED of NDF (P = 0.06) and ADF (P = 0.07) numerically. Ammoniation got a higher ED of crude protein than control. In conclusion, all chemical treatments greatly improved nutritive value of BSS with highest value obtained from ammoniation, followed by strong alkalization, alkaline hydrogen peroxide and modest alkalization.
Association of tracheal mucus or blood and airway neutrophilia with racing performance in Thoroughbred horses in an Australian racing yard
Authors: Salz RO , Ahern BJ , Boston R , Begg LM
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To determine the variation of tracheal mucus scores, tracheal blood scores and transendoscopic tracheal wash (TW) cytology in a population of Thoroughbred (TB) racehorses and assess their association with racing performance.

Methods

A total of 220 endoscopic examinations were performed andTWsobtained from 155TBracehorses. Samples were collected 60–120 min following gallop work. Tracheal mucus score, tracheal blood score andTWcytology were analysed and their association with racing performance assessed.

Results

Of the total examinations and samples, 194 from 135 horses fitted the criteria for inclusion. The overall prevalence of visible tracheal mucus was 2.5% (5/194) and of increased tracheal mucus was 0%. The prevalence of visible tracheal blood was 8.8% (17/194) and of increased tracheal blood was 4.6% (9/194). A total of 36% (70/194) ofTWscontained elevated percentages of neutrophils and of these, 96% (67/70) occurred in the absence of any visible tracheal mucus. There was no significant association between tracheal mucus score orTWcytology and subsequent racing performance. There was a statistically significant association (P = 0.004) between increased tracheal blood scores and poor racing performance.

Conclusions

Visible tracheal blood seen after strenuous exercise in clinically normalTBracehorses was a risk factor for poor racing performance, but the presence of airway neutrophilia was not. No horses in this study were found to have increased tracheal mucus, so the association of increased tracheal mucus with racing performance could not be assessed.
Bayesian Population Size Estimation Using Dirichlet Process Mixtures
Authors: Manrique-Vallier Daniel
Published: March 2016

We introduce a new Bayesian nonparametric method for estimating the size of a closed population from multiple-recapture data. Our method, based on Dirichlet process mixtures, can accommodate complex patterns of heterogeneity of capture, and can transparently modulate its complexity without a separate model selection step. Additionally, it can handle the massively sparse contingency tables generated by large number of recaptures with moderate sample sizes. We develop an efficient and scalable MCMC algorithm for estimation. We apply our method to simulated data, and to two examples from the literature of estimation of casualties in armed conflicts.
CCor: A Whole Genome Network-Based Similarity Measure Between Two Genes
Authors: Hu Yiming , Zhao Hongyu
Published: March 2016

Measuring the similarity between genes is often the starting point for building gene regulatory networks. Most similarity measures used in practice only consider pairwise information with a few also consider network structure. Although theoretical properties of pairwise measures are well understood in the statistics literature, little is known about their statistical properties of those similarity measures based on network structure. In this article, we consider a new whole genome network-based similarity measure, called CCor, that makes use of information of all the genes in the network. We derive a concentration inequality of CCor and compare it with the commonly used Pearson correlation coefficient for inferring network modules. Both theoretical analysis and real data example demonstrate the advantages of CCor over existing measures for inferring gene modules.
Medulloblastoma stem cells: Promising targets in medulloblastoma therapy
Authors: Huang Guo‐Hao , Xu Qing‐Fu , Cui You‐Hong , Li Ningning , Bian Xiu‐Wu , Lv Sheng‐Qing
Published: March 2016

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. Despite great improvements in the therapeutic regimen, relapse and leptomeningeal dissemination still pose great challenges to the long‐term survival of MB patients. Developing more effective strategies has become extremely urgent. In recent years, a number of malignancies, including MB, have been found to contain a subpopulation of cancer cells known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), or tumor initiating/propagating cells. The CSCs are thought to be largely responsible for tumor initiation, maintenance, dissemination, and relapse; therefore, their pivotal roles have revealed them to be promising targets in MB therapy. Our growing understanding of the major medulloblastoma molecular subgroups and the derivation of some of these groups from specific stem or progenitor cells adds additional layers to the CSC knowledge base. Herein we review the current knowledge of MB stem cells, highlight the molecular mechanisms relating to MB relapse and leptomeningeal dissemination, and incorporate these with the need to develop more effective and accurate therapies for MB patients.
‘Do you want to do some arm wrestling?’: children's strategies when experiencing domestic violence and the meaning of age
Authors: Överlien Carolina
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study is, by analysing children's and young people's discourses, to investigate their strategies in response to domestic violence episodes, in relation to their age. The empirical data come from individual interviews with children and young people (ages 8–20 years) who had experienced domestic violence and lived at refuges for abused women. The thematic analysis shows that the children describe a wide range of strategies before, during and after a violent episode, that all children act regardless of age and that strategies vary according not only to age but also to situation and context. The theoretical framework used is the sociology of childhood, and the analysis engages with theoretical concepts of age, agency and positioning.
Simulated Perceptions for Emergent Storytelling
Authors: Carvalho David B. , Clua Esteban G. , Pozzer Cesar T. , Passos Erick B. , Paes Aline
Published: March 2016

Automated story generation is a desired feature in games and interactive media because it can control how a virtual world evolves so that it can be adapted to the players' choices. In order to have variety and quality in the generated stories, previous works have relied on simulation‐based storytelling, in which a story is generated as their characters, represented as agents, try to achieve their goals. One challenge of this approach is to make the agents act more like human characters and less like omniscient intelligent beings. In this article, we present a perception model for simulation‐based story generation that introduces errors into characters' knowledge, (mis)leading them to non‐optimal, but still coherent, believable actions. The perception is executed using a description of the virtual world's elements using physical characteristics, and a pattern matching process that associates combinations of physical characteristics with predefined combinations of attributes, which are allowed to be wrong, and consequently may result in non‐perfect interpretations of the world. We developed a story generation system from the proposed model and tested it with a version of the Little Red Riding Hood story, famous for its perception failure. Our results show interesting variations for the traditional known ending.
Review of the current situation for Solanum elaeagnifolium in the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Uludag A. , Gbehounou G. , Kashefi J. , Bouhache M. , Bon M.‐C. , Bell C. , Lagopodi A. L.
Published: March 2016

Silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium, Cav.) is one of the important invasive plant species in Mediterranean Basin countries. Over the last 60 years, this plant has gone from a few accidental introductions to near monospecific populations in many areas of the Mediterranean Basin (in particular Greece and Morocco). Recent findings from Lebanon show that the invasion is ongoing. Solanum elaeagnifolium has a negative impact on crops, causing up to 75% yield loss, as well as an indirect impact by harbouring plant pests and diseases. Solanum elaeagnifolium is toxic to livestock and has a negative affect on the quality of life for humans. Losses of potential resource or revenue caused by its invasion include: decreased forage quality on grazing lands; decreased cropping land and amenity values of public space; increased water loss; increased water conveyancing costs; and increased forest restoration costs. Available control techniques need to be strengthened to reduce the impact of S. elaeagnifolium and prevent its spread. More attention needs to be devoted to biological control, which could provide regional management of this invasive alien plant. Sustainable management of S. elaeagnifolium will require coordination, education and support across the affected countries. Governments must have the means to detect, manage and control S. elaeagnifolium.
Scent detection dogs for the Asian longhorn beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis
Authors: Hoyer‐Tomiczek U. , Sauseng G. , Hoch G.
Published: March 2016

Surveillance for the Asian longhorn beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis, currently depends on visual inspection. As one complementary method, dogs have been trained and employed for the detection of A. glabripennis since 2009. In this study, two sets of experiments in double‐blind trials were carried out to quantify the sensitivity of the dog detection method using 10 dogs in the first set and 14 dogs in the second. All experiments used the same basic set‐up of 2 positive and 6 negative samples presented in random order. In the first series, A. glabripennis scent material (frass, a living larva or infested wood plus a living larva) was placed in hollow building blocks invisible to dogs and handlers. The experiments had an overall sensitivity of 85–93% (correct positives of all positives) and specificity of 79–94% (correct negatives of all negatives). The second series tested more realistic but also standardized situations: A. glabripennis frass and wood shavings were hidden in ground vegetation at the base of young poplar trees in a plantation, in tubes at a height of 1.8 m on these poplar trees and in crevices on old trees in an orchard at a height of about 1.8 m, respectively. These experiments had an overall sensitivity of 75–88% and a specificity of 85–96%.
Evaluation of Miscanthus sinensis biomass quality as feedstock for conversion into different bioenergy products
Authors: van der Weijde Tim , Kiesel Andreas , Iqbal Yasir , Muylle Hilde , Dolstra Oene , Visser Richard G. F. , Lewandowski Iris , Trindade Luisa M.
Published: March 2016

Miscanthus is a promising fiber crop with high potential for sustainable biomass production for a biobased economy. The effect of biomass composition on the processing efficiency of miscanthus biomass for different biorefinery value chains was evaluated, including combustion, anaerobic digestion and enzymatic saccharification for the production of bioethanol. Biomass quality and composition was analyzed in detail using stem and leaf fractions of summer (July) and winter (March) harvested biomass of eight compositionally diverse Miscanthus sinensis genotypes. Genotype performance in tests for enzymatic saccharification, anaerobic digestion and combustion differed extensively. The variation between the best and the worst performing genotype was 18% for biogas yield (ml g−1 dm) and 42% for saccharification efficiency (glucose release as %dm). The ash content of the best performing genotype was 62% lower than that of the genotype with the highest ash content and showed a considerably high ash melting temperature during combustion. Variation between genotypes in biomass quality for the different thermochemical bioconversion processes was shown to be strongly correlated to differences in biomass composition. The most important traits that contributed favorably to biogas yields and saccharification efficiency were a high content of trans‐ferulic acid, a high ratio of para‐coumaric acid to lignin and a low lignin content. Additionally, a high content of hemicellulosic polysaccharides positively affected saccharification efficiency. Low contents of ash and inorganic elements positively affect biomass quality for combustion and low potassium and chloride contents contributed to a higher ash melting temperature. These results demonstrate the potential for optimizing and exploiting M. sinensis as a multipurpose lignocellulosic feedstock, particularly for bioenergy applications.
Efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of a new high‐purity factor X concentrate in subjects with hereditary factor X deficiency
Authors: Austin S. K. , Kavakli K. , Norton M. , Peyvandi F. , Shapiro A. ,   the FX Investigators Group
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Hereditary factor X (FX) deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder affecting 1:500 000 to 1:1 000 000 of individuals. Until recently, no specific replacement factor concentrate was available.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess safety and efficacy of a new, high‐purity plasma‐derived FX concentrate (pdFX) in subjects with hereditary FX deficiency.

Methods

Subjects aged ≥12 years with moderate or severe FX deficiency (plasma FX activity <5 IU dL−1) received 25 IU kg−1 pdFX as on‐demand treatment or short‐term prophylaxis for 6 months to 2 years. Subjects assessed pdFX efficacy for each bleed; at end‐of‐study, investigators assessed overall pdFX efficacy. Blood samples for pharmacokinetic analysis were obtained at baseline and ≥6 months. Safety was assessed by adverse events (AEs), inhibitor development and changes in laboratory parameters.

Results

Sixteen enrolled subjects (six aged 12–17 years; 10 aged 18–58 years) received a total of 468 pdFX infusions. In the 187 analysed bleeds, pdFX efficacy was categorized as excellent, good, poor or unassessable in 90.9%, 7.5%, 1.1% and 0.5% of bleeds respectively; 83% of bleeds were treated with one infusion. For pdFX, mean (median; interquartile range) incremental recovery and half‐life were 2.00 (2.12; 1.79–2.37) IU dL−1 per IU kg−1 and 29.4 (28.6; 25.8–33.1) h respectively. No serious AEs possibly related to pdFX or evidence of FX inhibitors were observed, and no hypersensitivity reactions or clinically significant trends were detected in laboratory parameters.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that a dose of 25 IU kg−1 pdFX is safe and efficacious for on‐demand treatment and short‐term prophylaxis in subjects with moderate or severe hereditary FX deficiency.
Gait analysis in children with haemophilia: first Italian experience at the Turin Haemophilia Centre
Authors: Forneris E. , Andreacchio A. , Pollio B. , Mannucci C. , Franchini M. , Mengoli C. , Pagliarino M. , Messina M.
Published: March 2016

Aim

To investigate the functional status in haemophilia patients referred to an Italian paediatric haemophilia centre using gait analysis, verifying any differences between mild, moderate or severe haemophilia at a functional level.

Methods

Forty‐two patients (age 4–18) presenting to the Turin Paediatric Haemophilia Centre who could walk independently were included. Therapy included prophylaxis (n = 21), on‐demand (n = 17) or immune tolerance induction + inhibitor (n = 4). Patients performed a test of gait analysis. Temporal, spatial and kinematic parameters were calculated for patient subgroups by disease severity and background treatment, and compared with normal values.

Results

Moderate (35.7%) or severe (64.3%) haemophilia patients showed obvious variations from normal across a variety of temporal and spatial gait analysis parameters, including step speed and length, double support, swing phase, load asymmetry, stance phase, swing phase and speed. Kinematic parameters were characterized by frequent foot external rotation with deficient plantar flexion during the stance phase, retropelvic tilt, impaired power generation distally and reduced ground reaction forces. Both Gait Deviation Index and Gait Profile Score values for severe haemophilia patients indicated abnormal gait parameters, which were worst in patients with a history of past or current use of inhibitors and those receiving on‐demand therapy.

Conclusion

Functional evaluation identified changes in gait pattern in patients with severe and moderate haemophilia, compared with normal values. Gait analysis may be a useful tool to facilitate early diagnosis of joint damage, prevent haemophilic arthropathy, design a personalized rehabilitative treatment and monitor functional status over time.
Lower C‐reactive protein and better hemodialysis survival are associated with regular exercise activity: Longitudinal outcomes from the ACTIVE‐ADIPOSE special study
Authors: Kutner Nancy G. , Zhang Rebecca , Huang Yijian , Kaysen George A. , Park Jeanie
Published: March 2016

Introduction Cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies in the general population have shown that a physically active lifestyle may have anti‐inflammatory properties, but evidence from studies conducted with maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients is limited. Methods A multicenter prospective cohort of 755 HD participants aged 20–92 was evaluated in a USRDS special study 2009–2013. Kilocalories/week (kcal/week) of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) was estimated from the Minnesota Leisure Time Activity questionnaire. Predialysis serum samples were obtained concurrent with LTPA report date. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) examined association of participants’ LTPA and log‐normalized CRP across 24 months. Cox proportional hazards models investigated LTPA and survival over a median follow‐up of 718 days. Findings Baseline median CRP concentration was lower for participants with 500+ kcal/week LTPA vs. those with <500 kcal/week LTPA (3.4 mg/L vs. 4.6 mg/L; P = 0.03). Participants who reported lower LTPA (<500 kcal/week) at both baseline and 12 months had a borderline significant increase in CRP concentration (within‐group change 4.8 [1.9–10.4] to 5.8 [1.6–15.7]; P = 0.08). Lower LTPA was associated with higher log CRP over 24 months in adjusted GEE analyses (β coefficient = 0.16 [95% CI 0.02–0.31]; P = 0.03). 67/364 (18%) and 43/391 (11%) deaths occurred, respectively, among participants reporting <500 vs. 500+ kcal/week LTPA [adjusted mortality hazard ratio 1.63 (CI, 1.07, 2.47)]. Discussion The data suggest that increased estimated levels of LTPA, a physical activity/exercise opportunity widely applicable to HD patients, may be associated with lower CRP concentration as well as better survival outcome.
Patent Foramen Ovale and Migraine: Closing the Debate—A Review
Authors: Tariq Nauman , Tepper Stewart J. , Kriegler Jennifer S.
Published: March 2016

Background

A link between patent foramen ovale (PFO) and migraine as well as the utility of closure of PFO and its effect on migraine have been subjects of debate. The present review is an effort to gather the available evidence on this topic and formulate recommendations.

Methods

A systematic search of electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library) was performed. A separate search in associated reference lists of identified studies was done. Observational studies and clinical trials published in English using the International Headache Society criteria for diagnosis of migraine were included in the analysis. The search was performed in 3 categories: prevalence of migraine in patients with PFO, prevalence of PFO in migraine patients, and effect of PFO closure and its effect on migraine. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations during review of these studies was analyzed.

Results

About 14 observational studies with 2602 subjects who had PFO were identified. Migraine prevalence ranged from 16% to 64%. Another 20 studies reported 2444 patients with migraine; the prevalence of PFO ranged from 15% to 90%. About 20 observational studies (1194 patients) that examined the effect of PFO closure on migraine were identified. Resolution of migraine was reported in 10% to 83% of patients, improvement in 14% to 83%, no change in 1% to 54%, and worsening in 4% to 8%. The overall quality of these observational studies was poor. Finally, 3 randomized clinical trials included a total of 238 patients who underwent PFO closure compared with 234 patients in the control groups. All 3 trials failed to meet their primary end points defined as migraine resolution and greater than 50% reduction in migraine days at 1 year. In 2 of the clinical trials, there was some benefit noted in a small subset of migraine patients with aura, but the numbers were too small to extrapolate the findings to the general migraine population.

Conclusions

There is no good quality evidence to support a link between migraine and PFO. Closure of PFO for migraine prevention does not significantly reduce the intensity and severity of migraine. We do not recommend the routine use of this procedure in current practice.
Effectiveness of various interventions on maintenance of gingival health during 1 year – a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Van Leeuwen MPC , Rosema NAM , Versteeg PA , Slot DE , Hennequin‐Hoenderdos NL , Van der Weijden GA
Published: March 2016

Background

Rinsing with the combined use of an oxygenating‐agent (OA) and chlorhexidine (CHX) in addition to mechanical oral hygiene could improve and/or maintain good gingival health over a long period.

Methods

This study had an examiner‐blinded, randomized, six‐group parallel design consisting of two‐phases: a 3‐week treatment phase and a subsequent 12‐month experimental phase. A total of 267 subjects in good general health (≥18 years), without periodontitis, with at least five teeth per quadrant, and with moderate to advanced gingivitis were enrolled. A 3‐week treatment phase was initiated to improve gingival health. Subjects were assigned to one of the six groups: two basic oral hygiene groups (Control I & II), one professional oral hygiene instruction group (OHI), one professional prophylaxis group (PP), an OA&CHX rinse group and a group receiving a combination of all regimens (COMBI group), being OHI + PP + OA&CHX. Dental plaque, gingival bleeding and staining assessments were performed at the start of the treatment phase, at baseline and at 4, 7, 10, and 12 months.

Results

There was a significant reduction in dental plaque‐scores for the OA&CHX and COMBI‐group (0.51 [SD = 0.37], 0.38 [SD = 0.33] respectively) and a significant reduction in gingivitis scores for the OA&CHX and COMBI group (6.9% [SD = 14.0], 13.4% [SD = 13.4] respectively) from the start of the treatment phase to baseline. No clinically relevant changes were observed for the other four groups. After baseline, bleeding and plaque‐scores increased back to a non‐significant level between groups, and this level remained throughout the study.

Conclusion

OA&CHX and COMBI‐group showed a clinically relevant improvement after the treatment phase in terms of dental plaque and gingival bleeding levels. At the 4‐month clinical assessment, there was no longer a significant difference between groups.
Evaluation of Foaming Behavior of Glass Melts by High‐Temperature Microscopy
Authors: Petersen Rasmus R. , König Jakob , Yue Yuanzheng
Published: March 2016

Optical monitoring techniques can record in situ the size of glass samples during a dynamic heating process. This allowed us to study the sintering and expansion rate of panel glass from cathode ray tube using MnO2 as foaming agent. We show the maximum expansion rate of glass melt foaming (in situ value) correlates to 50% closed porosity, and we define a universal temperature window for foaming glass melts based on the sintering–expansion curves obtained with a heating microscope. The sample size obtained at the maximum expansion rate can be used to quickly evaluate various foaming parameters such as type and concentration of foaming agent, glass composition, and particle size to obtain foam glass with high porosity and closed pores. Using this approach, we show that the foaming of bottle glass is preferentially conducted at a SiC concentration of 1‒4 wt%.
Myths and Misinformation: An Analysis of Text Messages Sent to a Sexual and Reproductive Health Q&A Service in Nigeria
Authors: Blanc Ann K. , Glazer Kimberly , Ofomata‐Aderemi Uju , Akinfaderin‐Agarau Fadekemi
Published: March 2016

The almost 50 million young people aged 10–24 in Nigeria face many challenges to their sexual and reproductive health (SRH). MyQuestion is a platform that allows young people to ask SRH questions via text message. Trained counselors provide responses using a database of answers to frequently asked questions or customized replies. We analyze the content of more than 300,000 text messages received by the service since 2007 to address three questions: which health topics are most frequently submitted to the MyQuestion service; what kinds of questions are asked about these topics; and what language is used to convey the questions? We find a substantial unmet need for basic SRH information, with users’ questions communicated in ways that convey considerable confusion, misinformation, and urgency. The analysis can be used to improve similar Q&A services and to improve the provision of SRH services for young people more generally.
Fracture Behaviors and Ferroelastic Deformation in W/Cr Co‐Doped Bi4Ti3O12 Ceramics
Authors: Chen Yu , Miao Chengyu , Xie Shaoxiong , Xu Luopeng , Wang Qingyuan , Zhu Jianguo , Guan Zhongwei
Published: March 2016

In this paper, the influence of Cr2O3 additive (y = 0~0.4 wt%) on fracture behaviors, ferroelastic deformation, and mechanical strengths of Bi4Ti2.95W0.05O12.05 (BTW) Aurivillius ceramics was investigated. For these W/Cr co‐doped Bi4Ti3O12 ceramics (BTW–yC), SEM analysis on their fractured surfaces demonstrate that the transgranular fracture is the main fracture mechanism, however, the intergranular fracture also exists in the sample at y = 0.3. Impedance analyses based electrical resonance show that their Poisson's ratio and Young's modulus vary with y in a similar trend, while the frequency constant and elastic compliance exhibit a contrary varying trend with y. On the other hand, under the Vickers indentation, the crack propagation in BTW–yC ceramics takes the form of the long‐straight extension, small‐angle deflection, and short‐distance branching at y = 0, 0.2, and 0.4, respectively. In the uniaxial compression tests, the stress–strain behavior of ceramics consist of three stages, i.e., linear elastic deformation, ferroelastic domain switching, and microcrack propagation. The ferroelastic domain switching tends to form the resistance for the microcrack propagation. Furthermore, uniaxial bending tests prove that the fracture strength is dependent on the grain size and fracture toughness, Overall, the sample at y = 0.1 gains a better mechanical strength among BTW–yC ceramics.
Structure and Luminescence in Long Persistence Eu, Dy, and B Codoped Strontium Aluminate Phosphors: The Boron Effect
Authors: Inan Akmehmet Guliz , Šturm Sašo , Bocher Laura , Kociak Mathieu , Ambrožič Bojan , Ow‐Yang Cleva W.
Published: March 2016

Long persistence phosphors are promising materials for energy‐saving applications, due to their ability to temporarily store and release light. While boron is known to dramatically extend the afterglow persistence to longer than 8 h in strontium aluminates, previous attempts to understand the role of boron neglected any nanoscale‐related effects and have been inconclusive. Herein, nanoscale‐resolved cathodoluminescence mapping is correlated with selected area electron diffraction and with energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy analysis using a 2 Å‐diameter probe. The salient aspect of this unique approach is that one can not only determine the elemental distribution in the phosphor microstructure, but more importantly, one can discriminate between the distributions of different divalent and trivalent luminescing ions. We demonstrate that the extremely long afterglow is due to the boron dopant via two key roles: (1) facilitating dominance of the long persistence phase during the microstructural evolution and (2) promoting more uniform distribution of the optically active, Eu2+ ion in the Sr2+ cation sublattice.
Electronic Structure and Mechanical Properties of NiB: A Promising Interphase Material for Future UHTCf/UHTC Composites
Authors: Zhou Yanchun , Xiang Huimin , Feng Zhihai , Li Zhongping
Published: March 2016

Weak interphases play a pivotal role by acting as mechanical fuse to deflect matrix cracks in future ultrahigh‐temperature ceramic fiber reinforced ceramic matrix (UHTCf/UHTC) composites. However, the interphase materials are not available yet. In this work, the electronic structure, chemical bonding, and mechanical properties of NiB, which is a promising interphase material for UHTCf/UHTC composites, were investigated. NiB has relatively low shear modulus of 116 GPa, moderate Young's modulus of 307 GPa, but high bulk modulus of 287 GPa. The Pugh's ratio G/B is only 0.404 and the micro hardness is predicted to be 8.2 GPa, indicating that NiB belongs to “soft” and “ductile” UHTCs. The possible slip systems are [100](001), [010](001), and [001](010) due to the presence of metallic Ni–Ni and weak Ni–B bonding. Details on the electronic structure and directional dependence of shear and Young's moduli are disclosed to highlight the mechanisms that underpin the properties.