bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Freezing Pretreatment on the Processing Time and Quality of Black Garlic
Authors: Li Ningyang , Lu Xiaoming , Pei Houbao , Qiao Xuguang
Published: November 2014

Because freezing treatment can destroy the cell structure of garlic, we investigated the effect of freezing pretreatment on black garlic processing with the traditional processing method as contrast. Results showed that freezing for 30 h had the greatest impact on the reducing sugar content. The control garlic processing 21–24 days had the best quality. Freezing pretreatment can affect the black garlic quality through the browning degree, reducing sugar content, amino‐N content, total phenolic content and 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furaldehyde (5‐HMF) levels. The freezing garlic had a faster color change than control samples. When the processing ended, the reducing sugar content, total phenols content and 5‐HMF content of freezing pretreated garlic were increased by 51.88, 58.54, 25%, respectively, compared with the control samples. The amino‐N content of freezing‐pretreated garlic decreased 50.97% compared with the control one. The results indicated that freezing pretreatment can promote the generation of functional materials.

Practical Applications

Although garlic has been used worldwide as food or herbal supplement, some people feel discomfort because of its strong pungent odor. Black garlic is one of the garlic‐processed products, eliminating its stimulating odor. However, the quality of black garlic products on the market is varied and the processing time is long. As is known, freezing is widely used to destroy cell structure. In the present study, the use of freezing pretreatment in black garlic processing can promote the generation of functional materials and significantly reduce processing time from 60–90 to 22 days. These provided potential method to the black garlic processing.
Comparative efficacy of a herbal and a non‐herbal dentifrice on dentinal hypersensitivity: a randomized, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Kumari Minal , Naik Savitha B. , Martande Santosh S. , Pradeep Avani R. , Singh Priyanka
Published: November 2014

Aim

Dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) is a common painful condition of the teeth of adults. The present study was conducted to assess and compare the efficacy of a commercially‐available novel herbal dentifrice with a non‐herbal potassium nitrate in the reduction of DH.

Methods

A total of 145 individuals (73 males and 72 females; aged 25–60 years) were divided into three groups randomly: (a) group 1: a placebo dentifrice; (b) group 2: a commercially‐available herbal dentifrice; and (c) group 3: 5% non‐herbal potassium nitrate. The sensitivity scores for controlled air stimulus and cold water were recorded at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks.

Results

Both groups 2 and 3 were found to be significantly better, as compared to the placebo group at the end of 6 and 12 weeks in the reduction of DH. Group 2 also showed comparable results in the reduction of DH when compared to group 3.

Conclusion

The herbal dentifrice showed comparable results to the non‐herbal dentifrice and can be recommended for the treatment of DH.
Strengthening the Systemic Ties that Bind: Integrating Common Factors into Marriage and Family Therapy Curricula
Authors: Karam Eli A. , Blow Adrian J. , Sprenkle Douglas H. , Davis Sean D.
Published: November 2014

Specific models guide the training of marriage and family therapists (MFTs) as they offer both structure and organization for both therapists and clients. Learning models may also benefit therapists‐in‐training by instilling confidence and preventing atheoretical eclecticism. The moderate common factors perspective argues that models are essential, but should not be taught as “the absolute truth,” given there is no evidence for relative efficacy of one empirically validated model versus another, and no single model works in all instances. The following article provides a blueprint for infusing a common factors perspective intoMFTprogrammes by reviewing innovations in course design, outlining specific teaching strategies, and highlighting potential implementation challenges.
Analysis of menisci formed on cones for single field of view parasite egg microscopy
Authors: COOKE I.R. , LAING C.J. , WHITE L.V. , WAKES S.J. , SOWERBY S.J.
Published: November 2014

Parasite ova caused to accumulate in a single microscopic field simplifies monitoring soil‐transmitted helminthiasis by optical microscopy. Here we demonstrate new egg‐accumulating geometries based on annular menisci formed on the surface of a wetted cone. Fluidic features extracted from profile images of the system provided mathematical representations of the meniscus gradient that were compared quantitatively to numerical solutions of an axisymmetric Young–Laplace equation. Our results show that the governing dynamics of these systems is dominated by the surface tension of the fluid. These image analysis and mathematical tools provide simple quantitative methods for system analysis and optimization.
Understanding Reaction of Potato (Solanum tuberosum) to Ralstonia solanacearum and Relationship of Wilt Incidence to Latent Infection
Authors: Aliye Naser , Dilbo Chemeda , Pillay Michael
Published: November 2014

Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is one of the most important diseases affecting more than 200 plant species, including solanaceous crops. The pathogen is known to cause complicated symptoms ranging from visible to latent ones. Understanding crop's reaction to the pathogen and the underlying relatedness of latent infection to wilt incidence is of paramount importance. Thus, a number of potato cultivars including improved and otherwise were evaluated under greenhouse and field conditions. Accordingly, twenty‐eight of the cultivars tested under greenhouse conditions were resistant to the pathogen with scores ranging from 0.77 to 1.17 of 5. Nonetheless, under field conditions, only 2 of 28 cultivars found to be ‘resistant’ under greenhouse conditions, showed adequate resistance to the pathogen, indicating the significant impact of environment on the activity of the pathogen and reaction of the crop. Percentage wilt incidence and latent infection showed significant (P < 0.05) positive correlation, with r = 0.9438. Thus, evaluation of crop's performance based on the combination of the parameters like field wilt incidence and proportion of latent infection gave us better picture of the overall crop feat, than using wilt incidence as a sole parameter of evaluation as has been the case in most studies. Moreover, the established correlation of latent infection with field wilt incidence will also help us understand the disease epidemiology and design effective management measures, accordingly.
Ontogenetic changes in dental form and tooth pressures facilitate developmental niche shifts in American alligators
Authors: Gignac P. M. , Erickson G. M.
Published: November 2014

Between hatching and late adulthood American alligators Alligator mississippiensis show up to 7000‐fold increases in body mass. Concurrent with such changes in body size are absolute and relative modifications in rostral proportions, dental form, feeding capacities and dietary preferences. How these major anatomical changes accommodate prey‐resource shifts is poorly understood. In this study, we focus on the effects of ontogenetic changes in bite‐force capacities and dental form to address how these factors relate to tooth‐pressure generation and diet. We derive absolute values of tooth pressure along the crowns of the most prominent teeth (the first documentation of tooth pressures throughout ontogeny and after initial tooth contact for any animal) and show that these pressures increase with positive allometry during ontogeny. In addition, we discuss how American alligator tooth‐pressure values explain their capacities for seizure and oral processing of typical prey, and how tooth‐pressure changes facilitate developmental niche shifts in this large‐bodied taxon.
Drug–drug interactions of telaprevir and boceprevir in HCV‐monoinfected and HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients can modify the adherence
Authors: González‐Colominas Elena , Broquetas Teresa , Retamero Alexandra , García‐Retortillo Montserrat , Cañete Nuria , Coll Susanna , Pellicer Rosa , Giménez Maria D. , Cabrero Beatriz , Bory Felipe , Knobel Hernando , Salas Esther , Solà Ricard , Carrión José A.
Published: November 2014

Background & Aims

The first generation protease inhibitors, boceprevir (BOC) and telaprevir (TVR), are both CYP3A4 inhibitors, which predispose drug–drug interactions (DDIs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of potential DDIs, the management of outpatient medication and its impact on adherence and efficacy to antiviral treatment in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐monoinfected and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV‐coinfected patients receiving BOC and TVR.

Methods

The usual medication starting with BOC or TVR was screened by the pharmacist of the multidisciplinary support programme (MSP) for potential DDIs. Recommendations were made to avoid significant DDIs, and changes in the baseline medication were recorded. Adherence to antiviral treatment was considered as 80/80/95% of total doses. Sustained virological response was assesed at week 12 (SVR12).

Results

At least one potential DDI was found in 70 (64.8%) patients, 45 (54.2%) being HCV‐monoinfected and 25 (100%) HIV/HCV‐coinfected (P < 0.01). Baseline treatment modifications were required in 38 (35.2%) patients. Adherence and SVR12 were higher in patients without DDIs (86.8%) and (67.6%) compared to those with DDIs (62.8%) (P = 0.021) and (47.2%) (P = 0.097) respectively.

Conclusions

More than half of the patients were at risk of presenting DDIs, leading to changes in the baseline medication in one‐third of the patients. Drug interactions are frequent in patients with lower adherence.
The Kuroshio Current influences genetic diversity and population genetic structure of a tropical seagrass, Enhalus acoroides
Authors: Nakajima Yuichi , Matsuki Yu , Lian Chunlan , Fortes Miguel D. , Uy Wilfredo H. , Campos Wilfredo L. , Nakaoka Masahiro , Nadaoka Kazuo
Published: November 2014

Information on genetic diversity and differentiation of seagrass populations is essential for the conservation of coastal ecosystems. However, little is known about the seagrasses in the Indo‐West Pacific Ocean, where the world's highest diversity of seagrasses occurs. The influence of sea currents on these populations is also unknown. We estimated the genetic diversity and population genetic structure and identified reproductive features in Enhalus acoroides populations from the Yaeyama Islands, Hainan Island and the Philippines. The Philippines are situated at the centre of the E. acoroides range, Yaeyama and Hainan are peripheral populations, and the Yaeyama population is at the northern limit of the species range. The powerful Kuroshio Current flows from the Philippines to Yaeyama. Genetic analyses using nine microsatellite markers indicated that reproduction of E. acoroides is mostly sexual. Clonal diversity does not decrease in northern populations, although genetic diversity does. However, the genetic diversity of the Yaeyama populations is greater than that of the Hainan populations. Significant genetic differentiation among most populations was evident; however, the Yaeyama and north‐east Philippines populations were genetically similar, despite being separated by ~1100 km. An assignment test suggested that recruitment occurs from the north‐east Philippines to Yaeyama. The strong current in this region is probably responsible for the extant genetic diversity and recruitment patterns.
II. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: MEASUREMENT AND BEHAVIORAL PATTERNS IN CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Authors: Wójcicki Thomas R. , McAuley Edward
Published: November 2014

With physical activity levels among children and adolescents at an all‐time low, there is a critical need for scientists and public health officials alike to further examine the physical activity behaviors of this population. Accordingly, this chapter will act as an entrée to the rest of the monograph by providing a general overview of the epidemiology of physical activity among youth in the United States. In so doing, we discuss the following: public health guidelines for youth‐based physical activity, current rates and trends of physical activity participation in youth, issues related to physical education rates in school systems, lifestyle practices that encourage sedentary behaviors and attendant disease states, a synopsis of the health‐related benefits of a physically active lifestyle, promotion of and opportunities for increased engagement, and comparisons of objective and subjective methods of measuring physical activity.
III. THE IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND AEROBIC FITNESS FOR COGNITIVE CONTROL AND MEMORY IN CHILDREN
Authors: Chaddock‐Heyman Laura , Hillman Charles H. , Cohen Neal J. , Kramer Arthur F.
Published: November 2014

In this chapter, we review literature that examines the association among physical activity, aerobic fitness, cognition, and the brain in elementary school children (ages 7–10 years). Specifically, physical activity and higher levels of aerobic fitness in children have been found to benefit brain structure, brain function, cognition, and school achievement. For example, higher fit children have larger brain volumes in the basal ganglia and hippocampus, which relate to superior performance on tasks of cognitive control and memory, respectively, when compared to their lower fit peers. Higher fit children also show superior brain function during tasks of cognitive control, better scores on tests of academic achievement, and higher performance on a real‐world street crossing task, compared to lower fit and less active children. The cross‐sectional findings are strengthened by a few randomized, controlled trials, which demonstrate that children randomly assigned to a physical activity intervention group show greater brain and cognitive benefits compared to a control group. Because these findings suggest that the developing brain is plastic and sensitive to lifestyle factors, we also discuss typical structural and functional brain maturation in children to provide context in which to interpret the effects of physical activity and aerobic fitness on the developing brain. This research is important because children are becoming increasingly sedentary, physically inactive, and unfit. An important goal of this review is to emphasize the importance of physical activity and aerobic fitness for the cognitive and brain health of today's youth.
VII. THE HISTORY OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE RESEARCH: INFORMING THE FUTURE
Authors: Castelli Darla M. , Centeio Erin E. , Hwang Jungyun , Barcelona Jeanne M. , Glowacki Elizabeth M. , Calvert Hannah G. , Nicksic Hildi M.
Published: November 2014

The study of physical activity, physical fitness, and academic performance research are reviewed from a historical perspective, by providing an overview of existing publications focused on children and adolescents. Using rigorous inclusion criteria, the studies were quantified and qualified using both meta‐analytic and descriptive evaluations analyses, first by time‐period and then as an overall summary, particularly focusing on secular trends and future directions. This review is timely because the body of literature is growing exponentially, resulting in the emergence of new terminology, methodologies, and identification of mediating and moderating factors. Implications and recommendations for future research are summarized.
The transmembrane protein Sho1 cooperates with the mucin Msb2 to regulate invasive growth and plant infection in Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Perez‐Nadales Elena , Di Pietro Antonio
Published: November 2014

In the vascular wilt pathogen Fusarium oxysporum, the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) Fmk1 is essential for plant infection. The mucin‐like membrane protein Msb2 regulates a subset of Fmk1‐dependent functions. Here, we examined the role of the tetraspan transmembrane protein Sho1 as an additional regulator of the Fmk1 pathway and determined its genetic interaction with Msb2. Targeted Δsho1 mutants were generated in wild‐type and Δmsb2 backgrounds to test possible interactions between the two genes. The mutants were examined for hyphal growth under different stress conditions, phosphorylation of the MAPK Fmk1 and an array of Fmk1‐dependent virulence functions. Similar to Msb2, Sho1 was required for the activation of Fmk1 phosphorylation, as well as Fmk1‐dependent gene expression and invasive growth functions, including extracellular pectinolytic activity, cellophane penetration, plant tissue colonization and virulence on tomato plants. Δsho1 mutants were hypersensitive to the cell wall‐perturbing compound Calcofluor White, and this phenotype was exacerbated in the Δmsb2 Δsho1 double mutant. These results highlight that Sho1 and Msb2 have partially overlapping functions upstream of the Fmk1 MAPK cascade, to promote invasive growth and plant infection, as well as cell wall integrity, in F. oxysporum.
The rationale and design of the Beta‐blocker to LOwer CArdiovascular Dialysis Events (BLOCADE) Feasibility Study
Authors: Roberts Matthew A , Pilmore Helen L , Ierino Francesco L , Badve Sunil V , Cass Alan , Garg Amit X , Hawley Carmel M , Isbel Nicole M , Krum Henry , Pascoe Elaine M , Tonkin Andrew M , Vergara Liza A , Perkovic Vlado ,   BLOCADE Study Collaborative Group
Published: November 2014

Aims

The Beta‐blocker to LOwer CArdiovascular Dialysis Events (BLOCADE) Feasibility Study aims to determine the feasibility of a large‐scale randomized controlled trial with clinical endpoints comparing the beta‐blocking agent carvedilol with placebo in patients receiving dialysis.

Methods

The BLOCADE Feasibility Study is a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel group feasibility study comparing the beta‐blocking agent carvedilol with placebo. Patients receiving dialysis for ≥3 months and who are aged ≥50 years, or who are ≥18 years and have diabetes or cardiovascular disease, were eligible. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants who complete a 6‐week run‐in phase in which all participants received carvedilol titrated from 3.125 mg twice daily to 6.25 mg twice daily. Other measures included how many patients are screened, the proportion recruited, the overall recruitment rate, the proportion of participants who remain on study drug for 12 months and the incidence of intra‐dialytic hypotension while on randomized treatment.

Results

The BLOCADE Feasibility Study commenced recruiting in May 2011 and involves 11 sites in Australia and New Zealand.

Conclusions

The BLOCADE Feasibility Study will inform the design of a larger clinical endpoint study to determine whether beta‐blocking agents provide benefit to patients receiving dialysis, and define whether such a study is feasible.
Eleocharis khandwaensis sp. nov. (Cyperaceae) from the Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Mujaffar Shaikh , Chandore A. N. , Yadav S. R.
Published: November 2014

A new species, Eleocharis khandwaensis Mujaffar, Chandore & S. R. Yadav is described from the Bamangaon village of Khandwa district in Madhya Pradesh state, India. This species belongs to Eleocharis subgen. Limnochloa (P. Beauv. ex Lestib.) Torr. and it is similar to E. lankana T. Koyama but differs in having stolons, weak bristles spinules of perianth, achenes with annulate apex with a short neck, truncate achene base, dark brown to black coloured achenes and nut surface epidermal cells that are isodiametrically hexagonal to pentagonal. Eleocharis khandwaensis grows in ponds along road sides in the Bamangaon and Tirandaz villages.
Translatome profiling in dormant and nondormant sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seeds highlights post‐transcriptional regulation of germination
Authors: Layat Elodie , Leymarie Juliette , El‐Maarouf‐Bouteau Hayat , Caius José , Langlade Nicolas , Bailly Christophe
Published: November 2014

Seed dormancy, which blocks germination in apparently favourable conditions, is a key regulatory control point of plant population establishment. As germination requires de novo translation, its regulation by dormancy is likely to be related to the association of individual transcripts to polysomes.

Here, the polysome‐associated mRNAs, that is, the translatome, were fractionated and characterized with microarrays in dormant and nondormant sunflower (Helianthus annuus) embryos during their imbibition at 10°C, a temperature preventing germination of dormant embryos.

Profiling of mRNAs in polysomal complexes revealed that the translatome differs between germinating and nongerminating embryos. Association of transcripts with polysomes reached a maximum after 15 h of imbibition; at this time‐point 194 polysome‐associated transcripts were specifically found in nondormant embryos and 47 in dormant embryos only. The proteins corresponding to the polysomal mRNAs in nondormant embryos appeared to be very pertinent for germination and were involved mainly in transport, regulation of transcription or cell wall modifications.

This work demonstrates that seed germination results from a timely regulated and selective recruitment of mRNAs to polysomes, thus opening novel fields of investigation for the understanding of this developmental process.
Synchrotron X‐ray microtomography of xylem embolism in Sequoia sempervirens saplings during cycles of drought and recovery
Authors: Choat Brendan , Brodersen Craig R. , McElrone Andrew J.
Published: November 2014

The formation of emboli in xylem conduits can dramatically reduce hydraulic capacity and represents one of the principal mechanisms of drought‐induced mortality in woody plants. However, our understanding of embolism formation and repair is constrained by a lack of tools to directly and nondestructively measure these processes at high spatial resolution.

Using synchrotron‐based microcomputed tomography (microCT), we examined embolism in the xylem of coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) saplings that were subjected to cycles of drought and rewatering.

Embolism formation was observed occurring by three different mechanisms: as tracheids embolizing in wide tangential bands; as isolated tracheids in seemingly random events; and as functional groups connected to photosynthetic organs. Upon rewatering, stem water potential recovered to predrought stress levels within 24 h; however, no evidence of embolism repair was observed even after a further 2 wk under well‐watered conditions.

The results indicate that intertracheid air seeding is the primary mechanism by which embolism spreads in the xylem of S. sempervirens, but also show that a small number of tracheids initially become gas‐filled via another mechanism. The inability of S. sempervirens saplings to reverse drought‐induced embolism is likely to have important ecological impacts on this species.
High‐resolution genetic maps of Eucalyptus improve Eucalyptus grandis genome assembly
Authors: Bartholomé Jérôme , Mandrou Eric , Mabiala André , Jenkins Jerry , Nabihoudine Ibouniyamine , Klopp Christophe , Schmutz Jeremy , Plomion Christophe , Gion Jean‐Marc
Published: November 2014

Genetic maps are key tools in genetic research as they constitute the framework for many applications, such as quantitative trait locus analysis, and support the assembly of genome sequences.

The resequencing of the two parents of a cross between Eucalyptus urophylla and Eucalyptus grandis was used to design a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array of 6000 markers evenly distributed along the E. grandis genome.

The genotyping of 1025 offspring enabled the construction of two high‐resolution genetic maps containing 1832 and 1773 markers with an average marker interval of 0.45 and 0.5 cM for E. grandis and E. urophylla, respectively. The comparison between genetic maps and the reference genome highlighted 85% of collinear regions. A total of 43 noncollinear regions and 13 nonsynthetic regions were detected and corrected in the new genome assembly. This improved version contains 4943 scaffolds totalling 691.3 Mb of which 88.6% were captured by the 11 chromosomes. The mapping data were also used to investigate the effect of population size and number of markers on linkage mapping accuracy.

This study provides the most reliable linkage maps for Eucalyptus and version 2.0 of the E. grandis genome.
Hydrological stability drives both local and regional diversity patterns in rock pool metacommunities
Authors: Brendonck Luc , Jocqué Merlijn , Tuytens Karen , Timms Brian V. , Vanschoenwinkel Bram
Published: November 2014

A main challenge associated with macro ecological gradients such as the latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG) is that proxies of potential underlying processes are often correlated at large scales. One way to reliably identify contributing processes is to show that they can lead to similar responses at local scales. Using a set of invertebrate communities from rock pool clusters along a latitudinal gradient in Australia, we investigated the importance of hydrological stability for explaining both local and regional diversity patterns in this habitat. Results show that, at both local and regional scales, habitat stability in terms of the frequency and length of inundations was strongly correlated to local alpha diversity in individual pools and to gamma diversity at the level of pool clusters. Additionally, partitioning beta diversity into components of nestedness and species turnover revealed that communities in unstable habitats were nested subsets of communities in more stable habitats. Overall, this study provides convincing mechanistic support for the climate stability hypothesis as a potential explanation for the LDG in this system. Results also indicate that when there is enough time for dispersal and colonization, regional processes can be relatively unimportant compared to local processes to explain large scale diversity patterns.
Low cord blood vitamin D levels are associated with increased milk sensitization in early childhood
Authors: Chiu Chih‐Yung , Yao Tsung‐Chieh , Chen Sue‐Hsien , Tsai Ming‐Han , Tu Yu‐Ling , Hua Man‐Chin , Yeh Kuo‐Wei , Huang Jing‐Long
Published: November 2014

Background

The association between vitamin D status at birth and allergen sensitizations is uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between cord blood vitamin D status with allergen sensitizations and the development of atopic diseases in early childhood.

Methods

Children aged 0 through 4 yr from a birth cohort in the Prediction of Allergies in Taiwanese Children (PATCH) study were enrolled. Serum levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in cord blood were measured by a new automated electrochemiluminescence‐based assay. Specific IgE antibodies against food and inhalant allergens were measured at 6 months, and 1, 1.5, 2, 3, and 4 yr of age.

Results

A total of 186 children were regular followed up at clinics for a 4‐yr follow‐up period. The mean level of cord blood 25(OH)D was 23.8 ± 9.5 ng/ml with a high prevalence of low vitamin D status (<20 ng/ml) at birth (42%). There was a tendency of low cord blood 25(OH)D levels being associated with higher risk of food sensitization throughout childhood. Cord blood 25(OH)D levels were inversely associated with the risk of milk sensitization at age 2, at which age a higher prevalence of milk sensitization was significantly associated with the risk of allergic rhinitis, and asthma development at age 4.

Conclusions

Low cord blood vitamin D levels appear to be associated with increased milk sensitization but not with asthma, eczema, or allergic rhinitis in early childhood.
Younger pubertal age is associated with allergy and other atopic conditions in girls
Authors: Hong Chi‐Chen , Pajak Ashley , Teitelbaum Susan L. , Vangeepuram Nita , Galvez Maida , Pinney Susan M. , Windham Gayle , Kushi Lawrence H. , Biro Frank M. , Wolff Mary S. ,   the Breast Cancer and Environment Research Program
Published: November 2014

Background

Early menarche is linked to higher incidence of adult asthma, suggesting that earlier puberty may influence type 2 immune response characteristics of allergic diseases. We examined the hypothesis that timing of breast and pubic hair development, which precede menarche, is associated with increased childhood atopic conditions.

Methods

Girls were enrolled at 6–8 yr of age (2004–2007) in the Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program Puberty Study and were followed through 2011. Pubertal stages were assessed and atopic conditions were queried annually. Associations of age at pubertal stage 2 for breast or pubic hair development with atopic conditions were assessed using prevalence ratios (PR) or odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) from log‐binomial regression and generalized estimating equation models, controlling for body mass index and other covariates. A total of 1055 girls with medical and pubertal stage data were included.

Results

Asthma (ever vs. never) was associated with younger pubarche (≤10 vs. >10 yr, PR = 1.15, CI: 1.04–1.28 adjusted for race/ethnicity and site; PR = 1.13, CI: 1.01–1.25 further adjusted for BMI), but not thelarche. In longitudinal models, risk of developing allergies increased with younger age at pubarche (adjusted OR = 1.60, CI: 1.10–2.34; ≤10 vs. >10 yr). Risks were highest among black girls with earlier pubarche (n = 248/326); for allergies, their fully adjusted OR was 2.35, CI: 1.06–5.19 for pubarche ≤10 vs. >10 yr.

Conclusions

Atopic conditions during childhood are associated with younger age at pubarche, independent of obesity, and these relationships may vary by racial/ethnic groups.
Relevance of Water Temperature, Apparatus, and Age to Children's Pain during the Cold Pressor Task
Authors: Birnie Kathryn A. , Parker Jennifer A. , Chambers Christine T.
Published: November 2014

Background

Effective use of experimental pain in research depends on a thorough understanding of factors influencing their use. Although studies using the cold pressor task (CPT) have critically advanced our knowledge of pain mechanisms, assessment, and management in adults and children, the impact of identified methodological variability in its use is not known (ie, water temperature and apparatus); furthermore, whether methodological variations differentially impact children across development.

Methods

Pain outcomes were examined in 113 healthy children from three age groups (8‐ to 9‐, 10‐ to 11‐, and 12‐ to 14‐year‐olds) who completed three CPTs at different water temperatures (5, 7, 10°C) in counterbalanced order. Children were randomly assigned to one of two apparatus (ice‐ vs. electric‐cooled) for all CPTs. Children's hand was warmed to its baseline temperature between CPTs.

Results

Colder water (2 to 3°C decreases) was associated with significantly higher pain intensity and unpleasantness, and lower pain tolerance and threshold. Older children (12 to 14 years) reported significantly worse pain intensity and unpleasantness as compared to 8‐ to 9‐year‐olds, likely due to longer pain tolerance. Pain outcomes in 10‐ to 11‐year‐olds fell between the other age groups, with significant differences for pain unpleasantness and pain tolerance (at 10°C). Higher pain‐related fear and pain unpleasantness occurred with the electric‐cooled apparatus. Girls had higher pain tolerance and threshold at all temperatures.

Conclusions

These results provide critically important information about water temperature, apparatus, and child age on CPT pain responding. It informs design of future CPT studies and directs consideration of methodological variability and child age when interpreting study findings.
Individual differences in working memory moderate the relationship between prosaccade latency and antisaccade error rate
Authors: Schaeffer David J. , Chi Lingxi , Krafft Cynthia E. , Li Qingyang , Schwarz Nicolette F. , McDowell Jennifer E.
Published: November 2014

Cognitive control is required for flexible responses in changing environments and can be assessed by measuring antisaccade error rate. Considerable variance in antisaccade error rate is observed in healthy participants, which motivated the current study to explore the cognitive factors affecting antisaccade performance. Relationships exist between prosaccade latency and antisaccade error rate, with faster prosaccade latencies linked to more antisaccade errors. Individual differences in working memory also impact saccadic performance. The current study tested the relationships among prosaccade latency, antisaccade error rate, and working memory in 153 healthy participants. Correlation and multiple regression analyses demonstrated that prosaccade latency predicted antisaccade error rate, and working memory moderated this relationship. These results may help elucidate individual differences in cognitive control among healthy individuals.
Regulating business or policing crime? Tracing the policy convergence between taxation and crime control at the local level
Authors: Hörnqvist Magnus
Published: November 2014

Policing is commonly associated with street‐level crime, whereas regulation is instead associated with the complexities of business and market governance. However, this distinction has been questioned by recent research and it seems that the worlds of regulation and policing are tending to merge. Still, little is known abouthowthis convergence is unfolding. By following the intersection of two international policy‐level processes – the financialization of organized crime and the upgraded monitoring of tax evasion – down to the level of organizational practice in theSwedish restaurant trade, this article contributes to an understanding of the institutional dynamic behind the recent convergence. At the same time, it discusses theconceptualrelationship between policing and regulation, and the counter‐arguments that may be needed to overcome the distinction between the two.Ispecifically address the neglected issue of the differential social valuation of “crime” and “business,” and find that it is relativized by a common focus on unreported transactions.
The authoritarian logic of regulatory pluralism: UnderstandingChina's new environmental actors
Authors: van Rooij Benjamin , Stern Rachel E. , Fürst Kathinka
Published: November 2014

Over the last decade,Chinese citizens, judges, and prosecutors have started to take action against industrial pollution, pluralizing a regulatory landscape originally occupied by administrative agencies. Regulatory pluralism here has an authoritarian logic, occurring without the retreat of party‐state control. Under such logic, the party‐state both needs and fears new actors for their positive and negative roles in controlling risk and maintaining stability. Consequently, the regime's relation to regulatory pluralism is ambivalent, shifting between support and restriction. This prevents a development of a regulatory society that could bypass the regulatory state. Theoretically, this special edition argues for a subjective definition of regulation in a context of pluralism. Moreover, it finds that regulatory pluralism need not coincide with a decentring of regulation. Finally, it highlights how entry onto the regulatory landscape affects the non‐regulatory roles of new actors, creating unintended consequences for regulatory pluralism.
Correlation between heart rate variability indexes and aerobic physiological variables in patients with COPD
Authors: Leite Marceli R. , Ramos Ercy Mara C. , Kalva‐Filho Carlos A. , Rodrigues Fernanda Maria M. , Freire Ana Paula C.F. , Tacao Guilherme Y. , de Toledo Alessandra C. , Cecílio Michel J. , Vanderlei Luiz Carlos M. , Ramos Dionei
Published: November 2014

Background and objective

Previous studies have shown a relationship between the level of physical fitness and autonomic variables. However, these relationships have not been investigated in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The objective of this study was to correlate the resting heart rate variability (HRV) indexes with aerobic physiological variables obtained at a maximal exercise test in patients with COPD.

Methods

Thirty‐seven patients with COPD (63 (59–70) years; 46 (35.4–63.7) forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)%) underwent assessment of autonomic modulation at rest for 20 min to determine the HRV indexes in time and frequency domains. Soon after that, the patients performed an incremental exercise test to determine the anaerobic threshold (GET), the peak oxygen uptake (VO2PEAK) and the velocity corresponding to VO2PEAK (vVO2PEAK).

Results

The indexes that express parasympathetic component as RMSSD (11.4 [7.5–23.8], HF (ms2) (35 [17–195] and SD1 (8.1 [5.3–16.8]), correlated with GET (r = 0.39; r = 0.43; r = 0.39 respectively). The indexes that represent the overall variability, SDNN (19.5 [13.9–28.8]), LF (ms2) (111 [38–229]), and SD2 (26.8 [18.6–35.4]) correlated with vVO2PEAK (r = 0.37; r = 0.38; r = 0.37; r = 0.44; r = 0.43; r = 0.46 respectively). Likewise, the indexes LF (ms2), LF (nu) (63.2 [46–77,9]), HF (nu) (36.8 [22.1–54]), and LF/HF (1.7 [0.9–3.5]) correlated with VO2PEAK (r = 0.35; r = 0.35; r = −0.35; r = 0.40 respectively).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that HRV indexes at rest may become a predictive tool for aerobic capacity in COPD patients after the development of more consistent methods.
Inside the magma chamber of a dying ridge segment in the Oman ophiolite
Authors: Nicolas Adolphe , Boudier Françoise
Published: November 2014

For the first time, the crystallized remnant of an oceanic ridge magma chamber is documented in the Oman ophiolite. It exists in the centre of a 40 km long monoclinal ridge (Jebel Dihm, Wadi Tayin massif), exposing a full crustal section perpendicular to the spreading direction. New detailed mapping supported by U‐Pb zircon geochronology suggests that the active, fast‐spreading ridge that died just prior to detachment of the ophiolite is preserved and largely intact. Our observations provide insights into the crystallizing mush zone of a magma chamber, before it crosses the external walls and solidifies as deformed gabbros. Our data provide new constraints on the shape and internal dynamics of a magma chamber, including gabbro subsidence from the floor of a perched melt lens and the limited contribution of sills to crustal accretion. By locating precisely the palaeo‐ridge axis, prior full spreading rate estimates can be increased to ~140 km Ma−1.
Housing for the poor in a neo‐liberalising just city: Still affordable, but increasingly inaccessible
Authors: Kadi Justin , Musterd Sako
Published: November 2014

With a comparably high degree of de‐commodification in the urban housing market, Amsterdam has been long considered a prime example of a ‘European city’ and a ‘just city’. This paper looks at how the city's housing tenure sectors have changed since the 1990s due to neo‐liberalisation processes and specifies effects for housing conditions of the poor. It highlights how restructuring has been driven by policy changes at different scales, and analyses the effects of reform on issues of accessibility and affordability. We identify a gap between insiders and outsiders, with affordability for the poor inside the system not yet deteriorating, but accessibility for poor outsiders emerging as a key problem. In the conclusion we speculate on future developments of the Amsterdam housing market and relate our findings to debates about the ‘European city’ and the ‘just city’.
Crisis and the Post‐Industrial City: Or is Malmö Building Yesterday's City Tomorrow, Again?
Authors: Holgersen Ståle
Published: November 2014

This paper investigates the dialectics between urban planning, economic crisis and the build environment by looking at how the city of Malmö (Sweden) has responded to two different crises. First, the so‐called industrial crisis was met with more industrial policies that exacerbated the problems and led the city into a severe crisis in the early 1990s. Then Malmö inverted its strategy and embraced the ‘post‐industrial city’. Nowadays, as the 2008 crisis has not seemed to have disappeared and the current economic situation is ‘uncertain’, the official rhetoric in Malmö is seemingly as optimistic as ever, as a new congress/concert hall, new shopping centres and new hotels are being built: the production of the post‐industrial city continues with full force. By investigating the city‐crisis dialectics and discussing theories on crisis and crisis management, inspired by Marx, Schumpeter and Keynes, this paper asks the question as to whether Malmö today is making a similar mistake as in the 1980s, that is, reproducing yesterday's city.
p38MAPK is involved in apoptosis development in apheresis platelet concentrates after riboflavin and ultraviolet light treatment
Authors: Chen Zhongming , Schubert Peter , Culibrk Brankica , Devine Dana V.
Published: November 2014

Background

Pathogen inactivation (PI) accelerates the platelet (PLT) storage lesion, including apoptotic‐like changes. Proteomic studies have shown that phosphorylation levels of several kinases increase in PLTs after riboflavin and UV light (RF‐PI) treatment. Inhibition of p38MAPK improved in vitro PLT quality, but the biochemical basis of this kinase's contribution to PLT damage requires further analysis.

Study Design and Methods

In a pool‐and‐split design, apheresis PLT concentrates were either treated or kept untreated with or without selected kinase inhibitors. Samples were analyzed throughout 7 days of storage, monitoring in vitro quality variables including phosphatidylserine exposure, degranulation, and glucose metabolism. Changes in the protein expression of Bax, Bak, and Bcl‐xL and the activities of caspase‐3 and ‐9 were determined by immunoblot analysis and flow cytometry, respectively.

Results

The expression levels of the proapoptotic proteins Bax and Bak, but not the antiapoptotic protein Bcl‐xL, were significantly increased after the RF‐PI treatment. This trend was reversed in the presence of p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580. As a result of increasing proapoptotic protein levels, caspase‐3 and ‐9 activities were significantly increased in RF‐PI treatment during storage compared with control (p < 0.05). Similarly, p38MAPK inhibition significantly reduced these caspase activities compared with vehicle control after RF‐PI treatment (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

These findings revealed that p38MAPK is involved in signaling leading to apoptosis triggered by RF‐PI. Elucidation of the biochemical processes influenced by PI is a necessary step in the development of strategies to improve the PLT quality and ameliorate the negative effects of PI treatment.
Spectra Optia granulocyte apheresis collections result in higher collection efficiency of viable, functional neutrophils in a randomized, crossover, multicenter trial
Authors: Cancelas Jose A. , Padmanabhan Anand , Le Tuan , Ambruso Daniel R. , Rugg Neeta , Worsham D. Nicole , Pinkard Susan L. , Graminske Sharon , Buck Jennifer , Goldberg Julie , Bill Jerry
Published: November 2014

Background

Granulocyte transfusion from healthy donors is used in the treatment of patients with granulocyte function defects, or transient neutropenia and severe bacterial or fungal infections resistant to maximal antimicrobial treatment.

Study Design and Methods

This study evaluated the performance and safety of the newly developed granulocyte collection protocol of the Spectra Optia in a prospective, multicenter, open‐label, randomized, paired crossover trial compared with the COBE Spectra apheresis system in a population of 32 evaluable healthy subjects. All subjects received granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor and dexamethasone before collection.

Results

Granulocyte procedures from Spectra Optia apheresis procedures had an approximately 23% higher polymorphonuclear (PMN) collection efficiency (CE) than the COBE Spectra collections (mean, 53.7% vs. 43.2%; p < 0.01), while the platelet CE (10.9% vs. 10.8%, respectively) and hematocrit (7.4% vs. 7.4%) were comparable between collections on both devices. Spectra Optia collections generated a higher total PMN yield per liter of blood processed than those produced by the COBE Spectra (with means of 8.6 × 1010 vs. 6.8 × 1010, respectively). Granulocyte viability was more than 99% with both devices, and chemotaxic and bacterial killing activities of circulating versus collected granulocytes were similarly preserved. Fewer operator adjustments were required with Spectra Optia and there was no significant difference in the number or intensity of adverse events between instruments.

Conclusion

CE of the granulocyte collection procedure with the Spectra Optia was approximately 10 percentage points higher than with the COBE Spectra, required less operator involvement, and is safe for clinical implementation.
Transfusion‐associated Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in a pregnant patient with thalassemia trait: a case report
Authors: Shields Kelsey , Cumming Melissa , Rios Jorge , Wong Michael T. , Zwicker Jeffrey I. , Stramer Susan L. , Alonso Carolyn D.
Published: November 2014

Background

Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is an acute nonspecific febrile illness caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Although usually transmitted via tick bite, HGA may rarely also be acquired through transfusion. HGA during pregnancy may pose significant gestational risks due to altered maternal immune status and the potential for perinatal transmission.

Case Report

A pregnant 34‐year‐old Massachusetts woman with β‐thalassemia trait was diagnosed at 32 weeks of gestation with transfusion‐associated HGA (TAHGA) after receiving nine leukoreduced red blood cell transfusions. She was successfully treated with rifampin therapy and gave birth to a healthy child who tested negative for HGA after delivery. An implicated blood donor was subsequently identified through physician collaboration with the regional American Red Cross and Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Discussion

This is the 11th reported case of HGA in pregnancy and is at least the sixth known case in which leukoreduction did not prevent TAHGA. As seen in this case, nonspecific symptomatology of variable onset can impede diagnosis and treatment. This may increase risk of poor outcomes in maternal HGA patients. Cases of TAHGA, although currently uncommon, may increase as the incidence of HGA in certain parts of the country increases.

Conclusion

Heightened cross‐institutional awareness of the potential risk of TAHGA is warranted. Clinicians need to consider transfusion‐associated infections when fever occurs in a transfusion recipient. This case provides additional evidence that leukoreduction does not obviate risk of A. phagocytophilum contamination of donated blood components.
Visualizing Narcocultura: Violent Media, the Mexican Military's Museum of Drugs, and Transformative Culture
Authors: Sharp Ethan
Published: November 2014

In recent years, as the drug war has intensified, the Mexican military has allowed media professionals to explore its Museum of Drugs, which is used primarily to train soldiers, and to introduce the Museum's exhibits of narcocultura, or drug trafficking culture, to the larger public. Drawing on observations in the Museum, this article argues that the exhibits of narcocultura, by authorizing visualizations of drug traffickers for the military and the larger public and modeling the transformative logic of culture, both support the military's professionalization and serve as the basis for a campaign that calls for the watchfulness and support of civilians.