bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fell runners and walking walls: towards a sociology of living landscapes and aesthetic atmospheres as an alternative to a Lakeland picturesque
Authors: Nettleton Sarah
Published: September 2015

This article draws on analysis of data generated by way of an ethnography of fell running in the English Lake District and suggests that participants who have lived and run in the area for many years experience a particular mode of aesthetic. The Lake District has long been valued for its outstanding scenery represented in the aesthetic of the picturesque comprising relatively static landscapes that should be conserved. Established fell runners who have run in the area for many decades apprehend and appreciate the landscape in more complex, rooted and situated ways. The anthropologist Ingold, distinguishes between landscapeand landsceppan, and this insight is instructive for grasping the way in which the runners do not simply scope scenery but work with the land: they shape it and are shaped by it. Fell runners are elements within the living environment and along with walls, sheep, becks, sun, rain – what Ingold evocatively calls the ‘weather‐world’ – are mobile. Movement is central to their aesthetic, they enjoy not so much the scenic but rather a fellsceppan and do so through their fast eye‐gait‐footwork and their lively, variable occupation with the terrain. The fells infiltrate and interpenetrate the runners and movement through the fells generates a somatic aesthetic. The pleasure in turn breedsexistential capitalan embodied gratification that serves as an attractor that binds those who appreciate feelings of being alive with and in the fells.
Characteristic properties of Muhlama
Authors: Imamoglu Husniye , Pehlivanoglu Halime , Nazlı Bulent , Cakir Bilal
Published: September 2015

The composition of muhlama, which consists of corn flour, butter, water, salt and either string, golot or minced curd cheese, was examined to determine its essential characteristics. Muhlama samples were collected from prominent Black Sea restaurants in Istanbul for sensory analysis and an evaluation of physicochemical properties. Sensory analysis was conducted on properties including appearance, texture, odour, flavour and aroma. Physicochemical properties such as pH, moisture, fat, fatty acid composition (saturated and unsaturated), protein, ash and energy were measured. The results of the physicochemical properties revealed pH (5.65), moisture (55.85 g/100 g), fat (13.6 g/100 g), fatty acid composition (saturated fatty acid: 1013.34 mg/kg, and unsaturated fatty acid: 286.14 mg/kg), protein (19.4 g/100 g), ash (1.34 g/100 g) and energy (239.18 kcal/100 g). The sensory analysis showed samples of light yellow colour, uniform and shiny in appearance, and a consistency in soft and smooth structure. The product had a unique flavour and aroma with the chemical structure of high energy value of the nutrient elements.
Protein lactosylation in UHT milk during storage measured by Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry and quantification of furosine
Authors: Rauh Valentin M , Johansen Lene B , Bakman Mette , Ipsen Richard , Paulsson Marie , Larsen Lotte B , Hammershøj Marianne
Published: September 2015

The initial stage of the Maillard reaction, protein lactosylation, occurs during heat treatment of milk and continues during subsequent storage. We compared the initial lactosylation as well as the rate of lactosylation of milk proteins during storage in UHT milk subjected to direct or indirect heat treatment using liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with electrospray injection mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS). Furosine content was used as an overall marker to allow for a quantitative correlation of lactosylation measured by LC‐ESI‐MS in the UHT milks. Protein lactosylation increased during the storage period of 6 months at 20 °C. Both the initial extent and the rate of lactosylation positively correlated with the number of lysine residues in the different proteins. An exponential or linear correlation with furosine concentration could be established for major and minor lactosylated proteins, respectively.
Physicochemical and sensory quality of several commercial Brazilian chocolate milk beverages
Authors: Della Lucia Flávia , Do Carmo Juliana Ribeiro , Morais Cecília S Nunes , Nunes Cleiton A , Pinheiro Ana Carla M , Ferreira Eric Batista , Pinto Sandra Maria , de Abreu Luiz Ronaldo , Vilas Boas Eduardo Valério de Barros
Published: September 2015

Five brands of Brazilian chocolate milk were subjected to physicochemical and acceptability analysis. The moisture content, fat content, pH and soluble solids content varied between 78.35 and 84.27 g/100 mL, 1.68 and 3.08 g/100 mL, 7.11 and 7.44, 14.0 and 19.0° Brix, respectively, while the ash contents and % lactic acid equivalents were similar. Four of the tested brands had acceptable scores in all attributes; however, one had lower acceptability scores and lower values for luminosity, chromaticity, b* and hue angle, which are potential indicators of the sensory quality. Strong chocolate aroma, strong chocolate flavour, strong brown colour, brightness and sandiness may be used as indicators of low acceptability for chocolate milk.
Interpregnancy interval and perinatal outcomes across Latin America from 1990 to 2009: a large multi‐country study
Authors: Mignini LE , Carroli G , Betran AP , Fescina R , Cuesta C , Campodonico L , De Mucio B , Khan KS
Published: September 2015

Objective

To determine the relationship of interpregnancy interval with maternal and offspring outcomes.

Design

Retrospective study with data from the Perinatal Information System database of the Latin American Centre for Perinatology and Human Development, Uruguay.

Setting

Latin America, 1990–2009.

Population

A cohort of 894 476 women delivering singleton infants.

Methods

During 1990–2009 the Perinatal Information System database of the Latin American Centre for Perinatology identified 894 476 women with defined interpregnancy intervals: i.e. the time elapsed between the date of the previous delivery and the first day of the last normal menstrual period for the index pregnancy. Using the interval 12–23 months as the reference category, multiple logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of the association between various interval lengths and maternal and offspring outcomes.

Main outcome measures

Maternal death, pre‐eclampsia, eclampsia, puerperal infection, fetal death, neonatal death, preterm birth, and low birthweight.

Results

In the reference interval there was 0.05% maternal death, 1.00% postpartum haemorrhage, 2.80% pre‐eclampsia, 0.15% eclampsia, 0.28% puerperal infection, 3.45% fetal death, 0.68% neonatal death, 12.33% preterm birth, and 9.73% low birthweight. Longer intervals had increased odds of pre‐eclampsia (>72 months), fetal death (>108–119 months), and low birthweight (96–107 months). Short intervals of <12 months had increased odds of pre‐eclampsia (aOR 0.80; 95% CI 0.76–0.85), neonatal death (aOR 1.18; 95% CI 1.08–1.28), and preterm birth (aOR 1.16; 95% CI 1.11–1.21). Statistically, the interval had no relationship with maternal death, eclampsia, and puerperal infection.

Conclusions

A short interpregnancy interval of <12 months is associated with pre‐eclampsia, neonatal mortality, and preterm birth, but not with other maternal or offspring outcomes. Longer intervals of >72 months are associated with pre‐eclampsia, fetal death, and low birthweight, but not with other maternal or offspring outcomes.

Tweetable abstract

A short interpregnancy interval of <12 months is associated with neonatal mortality and preterm birth.
EpsA is an essential gene in exopolysaccharide production in Lactobacillus johnsonii FI9785
Authors: Dertli Enes , Mayer Melinda J. , Colquhoun Ian J. , Narbad Arjan
Published: September 2015

Lactobacillus johnsonii FI9785 has an eps gene cluster which is required for the biosynthesis of homopolymeric exopolysaccharides (EPS)‐1 and heteropolymeric EPS‐2 as a capsular layer. The first gene of the cluster, epsA, is the putative transcriptional regulator. In this study we showed the crucial role of epsA in EPS biosynthesis by demonstrating that deletion of epsA resulted in complete loss of both EPS‐1 and EPS‐2 on the cell surface. Plasmid complementation of the epsA gene fully restored EPS production, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. Furthermore, this complementation resulted in a twofold increase in the expression levels of this gene, which almost doubled amounts of EPS production in comparison with the wild‐type strain. Analysis of EPS by NMR showed an increased ratio of the heteropolysaccharide to homopolysaccharide in the complemented strain and allowed identification of the acetylated residue in EPS‐2 as the (1,4)‐linked βGlcp unit, with the acetyl group located at O‐6. These findings indicate that epsA is a positive regulator of EPS production and that EPS production can be manipulated by altering its expression.
Impact of intrauterine growth restriction on preterm lung disease
Authors: Sasi Arun , Abraham Vinita , Davies‐Tuck Miranda , Polglase Graeme R. , Jenkin Graham , Miller Suzanne L. , Malhotra Atul
Published: September 2015

Aim

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is an important cause for prematurity and adversely influences prematurity‐related morbidities. This study evaluates the impact of IUGR on respiratory outcomes in infants <32 weeks with IUGR and birthweight <10th centile (SGA) compared to matched appropriate for gestation (AGA) controls.

Methods

The primary outcomes of this retrospective study are short‐term pulmonary outcomes of chronic lung disease (CLD), CLD or death, and need for home oxygen at discharge. Subgroup analysis by gestation‐based stratification (<28 and ≥28 <32 weeks) was decided a priori.

Results

Total of 153 IUGR and 306 non‐IUGR infants were enrolled. The rate of CLD (45% vs. 17%, p = 0.0001), death (16% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.0001), CLD or death (46% vs. 21.5%, p = 0.0001), home oxygen rates (13.7% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.01) and duration of respiratory support was significantly higher in the IUGR group. IUGR emerged as the strongest predictor of CLD (adjusted OR, 95%CI: (8.4 [2, 35]) and CLD or death (12.7 [3, 54]) across all gestation.

Conclusion

IUGR is a major risk factor for adverse short‐term pulmonary outcomes as reflected by higher rates of CLD, CLD or death, and oxygen dependency at discharge in preterm infants.
Analgesia by cooling vibration during venipuncture in children with cognitive impairment
Authors: Schreiber Silvana , Cozzi Giorgio , Rutigliano Rosaria , Assandro Paola , Tubaro Martina , Cortellazzo Wiel Luisa , Ronfani Luca , Barbi Egidio
Published: September 2015

Aim

Children with cognitive impairment experience pain more frequently than healthy children and are more likely to require venipuncture or intravenous cannulation for various procedures. They are frequently unable to report pain and often receive poor pain assessment and management. This study assessed the effectiveness of physical analgesia during vascular access in children with cognitive impairments.

Methods

We conducted a prospective randomised controlled study at a tertiary‐level children's hospital in Italy from April to May 2015 to assess whether a cooling vibration device called Buzzy decreased pain during venipuncture and intravenous cannulation in children with cognitive impairment. None of the children had verbal skills and the main cognitive impairments were cerebral palsy, epileptic encephalopathy and genetic syndromes.

Results

We tested 70 children with a median age of nine years: 34 in the Buzzy group and 36 in the no‐intervention group. Parents were trained in the use of the Noncommunicating Children's Pain Checklist – postoperative version scale, and they reported no or mild procedural pain in 32 cases (91.4%) in the Buzzy group and in 22 cases (61.1%) in the no‐intervention group (p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Cooling vibration analgesia during vascular access reduced pain in children with cognitive impairment.
Recovery of target bryophytes in floating rich fens after 25 yr of inundation by base‐rich surface water with lower nutrient contents
Authors: Kooijman A.M. , Cusell C. , Mettrop I.S. , Lamers L.P.M.
Published: September 2015

Question

What are the changes in mineral‐rich fens (H7410A) after 25 yr of improved surface water quality in a national park?

Location

Stobbenribben floating‐fen complex in National Park Weerribben‐Wieden, the Netherlands.

Methods

Bryophyte species composition, peak above‐ground biomass and vascular plant nutrients, as well as electrical conductivity of various layers in the peat were measured between 1988 and 2013.

Results

The eutrophic moss Calliergonella cuspidata clearly decreased in aerial extent over the 25‐yr study, especially near the ditch supplying base‐rich surface water to the fen. In contrast, the characteristic rich fen species Scorpidium scorpioides expanded locally near the ditch. In the rich fen zone, peak above‐ground biomass decreased from ca. 1000 to 250 g·m−2. Also, foliar N:P ratios in vascular plant tissues increased from 16 to more than 22 g·g−1, which clearly point to lower P availability over time. Improved surface water quality probably also promoted persistence of rich fen habitats in a different way. A large part of the rich fen peatland in 1988 changed into Sphagnum peatland by 2013, probably due to the reduction of base‐rich water from below the floating root mat. This mat had become ca. 35 cm thicker in the past 50 yr. However, in areas closer to the ditch, rich fen species persisted, due to inundation with base‐rich water during high water periods. Base‐rich water probably no longer comes to the surface through the floating root mat, but more likely from the ditch.

Conclusions

Water quality improvement can be important in the long‐term re‐establishment of target fen species. Also, local inundation can be helpful if regional groundwater access becomes limited. In the national park, rich fens are more threatened than Sphagnum peatlands. This study suggests that the rich fen stage can be maintained, and succession towards Sphagnum peatland prevented, with occasional inundation with high pH, nutrient‐poor water.
Relationships between Endogenous Plasma Biomarkers of Constitutive Cytochrome P450 3A Activity and Single‐Time‐Point Oral Midazolam Microdose Phenotype in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Woolsey Sarah J. , Beaton Melanie D. , Choi Yun‐Hee , Dresser George K. , Gryn Steven E. , Kim Richard B. , Tirona Rommel G.
Published: September 2015

Due to high basal interindividual variation in cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) activity and susceptibility to drug interactions, there has been interest in the application of efficient probe drug phenotyping strategies, as well as endogenous biomarkers for assessment of in vivo CYP3A activity. The biomarkers 4β‐hydroxycholesterol (4βHC) and 6β‐hydroxycortisol (6βHCL) are sensitive to CYP3A induction and inhibition. However, their utility for the assessment of constitutive CYP3A activity remains uncertain. We investigated whether endogenous plasma biomarkers (4βHC and 6βHCL) are associated with basal CYP3A metabolic activity in healthy subjects assessed by a convenient single‐time‐point oral midazolam (MDZ) phenotyping strategy. Plasma 4βHC and 6βHCL metabolic ratios (MRs) were analysed in 51 healthy adult participants. CYP3A activity was determined after administration of an oral MDZ microdose (100 μg). Simple linear and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to assess relationships between MDZ oral clearance, biomarkers and subject covariates. Among study subjects, basal MDZ oral clearance, 4βHC and 6βHCL MRs ranged 6.5‐, 10‐ and 13‐fold, respectively. Participant age and alcohol consumption were negatively associated with MDZ oral clearance (p = 0.03 and p = 0.045, respectively), while weight and female sex were associated with lower plasma 4βHC MR (p = 0.0003 and p = 0.032, respectively). Neither 4βHC nor 6βHCL MRs were associated with MDZ oral clearance. Plasma 4βHC and 6βHCL MRs do not relate to MDZ single‐time‐point metabolic phenotype in the assessment of constitutive CYP3A activity among healthy individuals.
Stable same‐sex friendships with higher achieving partners promote mathematical reasoning in lower achieving primary school children
Authors: DeLay Dawn , Laursen Brett , Kiuru Noona , Poikkeus Anna‐Maija , Aunola Kaisa , Nurmi Jari‐Erik
Published: September 2015

This study was designed to investigate friend influence over mathematical reasoning in a sample of 374 children in 187 same‐sex friend dyads (184 girls in 92 friendships; 190 boys in 95 friendships). Participants completed surveys that measured mathematical reasoning in the 3rd grade (approximately 9 years old) and 1 year later in the 4th grade (approximately 10 years old). Analyses designed for dyadic data (i.e., longitudinal actor‐partner interdependence model) indicated that higher achieving friends influenced the mathematical reasoning of lower achieving friends, but not the reverse. Specifically, greater initial levels of mathematical reasoning among higher achieving partners in the 3rd grade predicted greater increases in mathematical reasoning from 3rd grade to 4th grade among lower achieving partners. These effects held after controlling for peer acceptance and rejection, task avoidance, interest in mathematics, maternal support for homework, parental education, length of the friendship, and friendship group norms on mathematical reasoning.
Genetic associations with viral respiratory illnesses and asthma control in children
Authors: Loisel D. A. , Du G. , Ahluwalia T. S. , Tisler C. J. , Evans M. D. , Myers R. A. , Gangnon R. E. , Kreiner‐Møller E. , Bønnelykke K. , Bisgaard H. , Jackson D. J. , Lemanske R. F. , Nicolae D. L. , Gern J. E. , Ober C.
Published: September 2015

Background

Viral respiratory infections can cause acute wheezing illnesses in children and exacerbations of asthma.

Objective

We sought to identify variation in genes with known antiviral and pro‐inflammatory functions to identify specific associations with more severe viral respiratory illnesses and the risk of virus‐induced exacerbations during the peak fall season.

Methods

The associations between genetic variation at 326 SNPs in 63 candidate genes and 10 phenotypes related to viral respiratory infection and asthma control were examined in 226 children enrolled in the RhinoGen study. Replication of asthma control phenotypes was performed in 2128 children in the Copenhagen Prospective Study on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC). Significant associations in RhinoGen were further validated using virus‐induced wheezing illness and asthma phenotypes in an independent sample of 122 children enrolled in the Childhood Origins of Asthma (COAST) birth cohort study.

Results

A significant excess of P values smaller than 0.05 was observed in the analysis of the 10 RhinoGen phenotypes. Polymorphisms in 12 genes were significantly associated with variation in the four phenotypes showing a significant enrichment of small P values. Six of those genes (STAT4, JAK2, MX1, VDR, DDX58, and EIF2AK2) also showed significant associations with asthma exacerbations in the COPSAC study or with asthma or virus‐induced wheezing phenotypes in the COAST study.

Conclusions

We identified genetic factors contributing to individual differences in childhood viral respiratory illnesses and virus‐induced exacerbations of asthma. Defining mechanisms of these associations may provide insight into the pathogenesis of viral respiratory infections and virus‐induced exacerbations of asthma.
Role of IFN‐γ, IL‐13, and IL‐17 on mucociliary differentiation of nasal epithelial cells in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Jiao J. , Duan S. , Meng N. , Li Y. , Fan E. , Zhang L.
Published: September 2015

Background

Mucociliary dysfunction is a prominent pathophysiological feature of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP); however, the precise mechanisms underlying mucociliary dysfunction are still unclear.

Objective

The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the effects of IFN‐γ, IL‐13, and IL‐17 on human nasal mucociliary differentiation and ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in patients with CRSwNP.

Methods

Human nasal epithelial cells from tissue of patients with CRSwNP and control subjects were established as air–liquid interface (ALI) primary cultures. Confluent cultures were incubated with10 ng/mL each of IFN‐γ, IL‐13, or IL‐17 for 14 days and assessed for expression of specific morphological markers and factors associated with mucociliary differentiation, the percentage of ciliated and goblet cells, and CBF.

Results

In comparison with control subjects, percentage of ciliated cells and CBF were decreased; while percentage of goblet cells, FOXJ1, and MUC5AC mRNA expression were increased in nasal polyp‐derived epithelial cultures. Treatment with IFN‐γ and IL‐13 significantly decreased the expression of β‐tubulin IV (specific cilia marker), ciliated cell number, and expression of FOXJ1 and DNAI2, in epithelial cultures derived from both CRSwNP patients and control subjects. Furthermore, while both IFN‐γ and IL‐13 treatment significantly decreased the CBF of cells from both CRSwNP patients and control subjects, IL‐13 additionally significantly increased goblet cell number and the expression of MUC5AC and CLCA1, in these cultures. IL‐17 treatment did not significantly affect ciliated or goblet cell differentiation, CBF, nor MUC5AC and CLCA1 expression, but increased both MUC5B mRNA and protein expression in these cultures.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

The demonstration that IFN‐γ and IL‐13 both significantly reduce ciliated cell differentiation and CBF in CRSwNP patients, and IL‐13 additionally induces significant goblet cell hyperplasia and MUC5AC mucin expression, as well as IL‐17 significantly increases MUC5B mucin expression, suggests that these inflammatory cytokines may be potential therapeutic targets in the management of CRSwNP.
Associations of maternal and fetal 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels with childhood lung function and asthma: the Generation R Study
Authors: Gazibara T. , den Dekker H. T. , de Jongste J. C. , McGrath J. J. , Eyles D. W. , Burne T. H. , Reiss I. K. , Franco O. H. , Tiemeier H. , Jaddoe V. W. V. , Duijts L.
Published: September 2015

Background

Exposure to low levels of vitamin D in fetal life might be a risk factor for childhood asthma.

Objective

We examined whether 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels in mid‐gestation and at birth were associated with higher airway resistance and inflammation, and increased risks of wheezing and asthma in school‐age children.

Methods

We performed a population‐based prospective cohort study among 3130 mothers and their children. Maternal blood samples in mid‐gestation and umbilical cord blood samples at birth were used to determine 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels. At age of 6, airway resistance (Rint) was measured by interrupter technique and airway inflammation by fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) using NIOX chemiluminescence analyser. Wheezing and asthma were prospectively assessed by annual questionnaires until age 6.

Results

Maternal levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D in mid‐gestation were not associated with Rint, FeNO, wheezing patterns, or asthma. Children in the lowest tertile of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels at birth had a higher Rint (Z‐score (95% confidence interval [95% CI]): −0.42 (−0.84, −0.01), P‐value for trend< 0.05), compared to those in the highest tertile group. The effect estimate attenuated when child's current 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level was taken into account [Z‐score (95% CI): −0.55 (−1.08, 0.01)].

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Low levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D at birth were associated with a higher airway resistance in childhood. Additional adjustment for child's current 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level reduced the effect size of the association. Further studies are needed to replicate these findings and to examine mechanisms underlying the observed association and the long‐term consequences.
Challenges and opportunities of next‐generation sequencing: a cytopathologist's perspective
Authors: Vigliar E. , Malapelle U. , de Luca C. , Bellevicine C. , Troncone G.
Published: September 2015

Molecular cytopathology has gene sequencing as its core technology. Until recently, cytological samples were only tested by sequential single‐gene mutational tests. Today, with the better understanding of the molecular events involved in malignancy and the mechanisms of pharmacotherapy, larger gene panels are more informative than a single biomarker. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS), matched with the multiplex capture of targeted gene regions and analysed by sophisticated bioinformatics tools, enables the simultaneous detection of multiple mutations in multiple genes. With the development of miniaturised technology and benchtop sequencers, it is not unlikely that NGS will soon be adopted for routine molecular diagnostics, including cytological samples. This review addresses (1) the most relevant methodological and technical aspects of the NGS analysis workflow and the diverse platforms available; (2) the issues related to daily practice implementation, namely, the cytological sample requirement and the validation procedures; and (3) the opportunities that NGS offers in different fields of cytopathology, to increase mutation detection sensitivity in paucicellular smears and to extend the analysis to a larger number of gene regions. Cytopathologists involvement and coordination in this rapidly evolving field is crucial for the effective implementation of NGS in the present and future cytological practice.
Comparison of lumbar epidural bupivacaine with fentanyl or clonidine for postoperative analgesia in children with cerebral palsy after single‐event multilevel surgery
Authors: Chalkiadis George A , Sommerfield David , Low Janette , Orsini Francesca , Dowden Stephanie J , Tay Michelle , Penrose Sueann , Pirpiris Marinis , Graham H Kerr
Published: September 2015

Aim

To compare diazepam use, muscle spasm, analgesia, and side effects when clonidine or fentanyl are added to epidural bupivacaine in children with cerebral palsy after multilevel orthopaedic surgery.

Method

Fifty children were prospectively randomized to receive clonidine (n=24, mean age 10y 10mo [SD 2y 11mo]) or fentanyl (n=26, mean age 10y 11mo [SD 2y 10mo]).

Results

There was no difference in primary outcome measures: median diazepam use (fentanyl 0, interquartile range [IQR] 0–0; clonidine 0, IQR 0–0; p=0.46), any muscle spasm (no muscle spasms in: fentanyl, 36%; clonidine, 62%; p=0.11), painful muscle spasm (fentanyl 40%; clonidine 25%; p=0.46), or pain score ≥6 (none: fentanyl 44%; clonidine 42%; p=0.29). There were differences in secondary outcome measures: no vomiting (clonidine 63%; fentanyl 20%); vomiting occurred more frequently with fentanyl (32% vomited more than three times; clonidine none; p=0.001). Fentanyl resulted in more oxygen desaturation (at least two episodes: fentanyl 20%; clonidine 0; p<0.001). Clonidine resulted in lower mean (SD) area under the curve for systolic blood pressure (fentanyl 106.5 [11.0]; clonidine 95.7mmHg [7.9]) and heart rate (fentanyl 104.9 beats per minute [13.6]; clonidine 85.3 [11.5]; p<0.001).

Interpretation

Clonidine and fentanyl provide adequate analgesia with low rates of muscle spasm, resulting in low diazepam use. The choice of epidural additive should be based upon the most tolerable side‐effect profile.
IL7RA polymorphisms predict the CD4+ recovery in HIV patients on cART
Authors: Guzmán‐Fulgencio María , Berenguer Juan , Jiménez‐Sousa María Angeles , Micheloud Dariela , García–Álvarez Mónica , Bellón José María , Aldámiz‐Echevarría Teresa , García‐Broncano Pilar , Catalán Pilar , Diez Cristina , Pineda‐Tenor Daniel , Resino Salvador
Published: September 2015

Background

The IL7RA polymorphisms have recently been associated with CD4+ T‐cell decline in untreated HIV‐infected subjects and CD4+ T‐cell recovery in patients on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether IL7RA polymorphisms are associated with CD4+ T‐cell recovery in HIV‐infected patients on long‐term cART.

Study design

We performed a retrospective study in 151 naïve cART patients with severe immunodeficiency (CD4+ counts ≤200 cells/mm3). IL7RA polymorphisms' genotyping was performed using Sequenom's MassARRAY platform. The outcome variable was the time to achieve the first value of CD4+ count ≥500 cells/mm3 during the follow‐up.

Results

Two different trends of CD4+ T‐cell recovery were found in Kaplan–Meier analysis. During the first 48 months, 60 of 151 (39·7%) of the patients reached CD4+ T‐cell values ≥500 cells/mm3, and no differences were observed between IL7RA genotypes. After the first 48 months of follow‐up, 27 of 151 (17·8%) of the patients reached CD4+ T‐cell values ≥500 cells/mm3, with a different pattern of CD4+ recovery depending on IL7RA genotype. Patients with rs10491434 TT genotype and rs6897932 TT genotype were more likely of achieving CD4+ value ≥500 cells/mm3 than patients with rs10491434 CT/CC genotype (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 3·59; P = 0·005) and patients with rs6897932 CC/CT genotype (aHR = 11·7; P < 0·001).

Conclusions

The IL7RA polymorphisms seem to be associated with CD4+ T‐cell recovery in HIV‐infected patients who started cART with severe immunodeficiency, in the second phase of CD4+ T‐cell recovery after long‐term cART.
Post‐translational control of transcription factors: methylation ranks highly
Authors: Carr Simon M. , Poppy Roworth A. , Chan Cheryl , La Thangue Nicholas B.
Published: September 2015

Methylation of lysine and arginine residues on histones has long been known to determine both chromatin structure and gene expression. In recent years, the methylation of non‐histone proteins has emerged as a prevalent modification which impacts on diverse processes such as cell cycle control, DNA repair, senescence, differentiation, apoptosis and tumourigenesis. Many of these non‐histone targets represent transcription factors, cell signalling molecules and tumour suppressor proteins. Evidence now suggests that the dysregulation of methyltransferases, demethylases and reader proteins is involved in the development of many diseases, including cancer, and several of these proteins represent potential therapeutic targets for small molecule compounds, fuelling a recent surge in chemical inhibitor design. Such molecules will greatly help us to understand the role of methylation in both health and disease.
Semi-Parametric Estimates of Taylor Rules for a Small, Open Economy – Evidence from Switzerland
Authors: Nitschka Thomas , Markov Nikolay
Published: September 2015

This article estimates the policy reaction function of the Swiss National Bank (SNB) using real-time internal inflation forecasts and output gap estimates from 2000 to 2012. We analyze potential nonlinearities of policy rate responses to economic fundamentals using a novel semiparametric approach. We find a linear response of the SNB’s policy rate to inflation forecasts but a strong nonlinear response of the policy rate to the output gap and exchange rate changes. This finding suggests that the SNB reacts to extreme movements of these variables if they become a concern for price stability and economic activity.
Differentiated squamous intraepithelial neoplasia associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal
Authors: Wasserman Jason K , Bateman Justin , Mai Kien T
Published: September 2015

Aims

Differentiated squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (DSIN) has been described in several sites, including the upper aerodigestive tract and vulva, so this study investigated whether it also occurred in the anal canal.

Methods and results

All cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) involving the anal canal diagnosed between 2009 and 2015 at our institution were reviewed. Eighty‐six cases were included, and 13 (15%) showed features consistent with DSIN: 10 were ‘pure’ DSIN, and three were ‘mixed’ DSIN and squamous intraepithelial lesion. DSIN was characterized by atypical keratinocytes limited to the basal/parabasal layers, acanthosis, and a ‘cobblestone’ appearance. Among specimens with pure DSIN, the surface was flat in eight cases. In five cases, the DSIN was extensive, and associated with deeply invasive SCC requiring radical surgical resection. Immunohistochemically, the epithelia showing changes consistent with DSIN were p16‐negative, whereas the invasive component was p16‐positive in 12 cases. Both Ki67 and p53 showed strong nuclear positivity in the basal/parabasal layers of DSIN.

Conclusions

Invasive SCC associated with DSIN often presents at an advanced stage of disease, requiring radical surgical treatment. The neoplastic changes in DSIN are limited to the basal/parabasal layers, which may account for the negative diagnoses by anal cytopathology and late clinical diagnosis. The recognition of anal DSIN is important in order to avoid underdiagnosis in superficial biopsies.
Performance Evaluation of Doped Titanium Oxide for Low‐Voltage Applications
Authors: Begum Shahida , Daud Ida Rasyada , Ramasamy Agileswari
Published: September 2015

Varistors are the electronic devices which are used in various industries to protect the electrical and electronic systems from sudden surges. In this research, the electrical properties of titanium dioxide (TiO2) doped with tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5), tungsten trioxide (WO3), cobalt oxide (Co3O4), and bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) and fired at different temperatures were investigated for low‐voltage applications. The adequate amount of dopants at suitable sintering temperature had beneficial effect in improving the properties of TiO2. The relative density was found to be more than 97% of theoretical density when samples sintered between 1300°C and 1400°C for all composition compared to undoped samples. On the other hand, the addition of dopants enhanced hardness and compressive strength of varistor disks. The average grain size was also increased with the dopants system, making it suitable for low‐voltage application. Furthermore, the current–voltage characteristic of the TiO2 revealed a significantly high value of nonlinearity of 19.6. A high dielectric constant of 104 with minimum dissipation factor of 0.002852 at 1 kHz was also obtained, thereby making it suitable for low‐voltage application.
When Is a Liability Not a Liability? Textual Analysis, Dictionaries, and 10‐Ks
Authors: LOUGHRAN TIM , MCDONALD BILL
Published: September 2015

Previous research uses negative word counts to measure the tone of a text. We show that word lists developed for other disciplines misclassify common words in financial text. In a large sample of 10‐Ks during 1994 to 2008, almost three‐fourths of the words identified as negative by the widely used Harvard Dictionary are words typically not considered negative in financial contexts. We develop an alternative negative word list, along with five other word lists, that better reflect tone in financial text. We link the word lists to 10‐K filing returns, trading volume, return volatility, fraud, material weakness, and unexpected earnings.
Stock Market Liquidity and the Business Cycle
Authors: NÆS RANDI , SKJELTORP JOHANNES A. , ØDEGAARD BERNT ARNE
Published: September 2015

In the recent financial crisis we saw liquidity in the stock market drying up as a precursor to the crisis in the real economy. We show that such effects are not new; in fact, we find a strong relation between stock market liquidity and the business cycle. We also show that investors' portfolio compositions change with the business cycle and that investor participation is related to market liquidity. This suggests that systematic liquidity variation is related to a “flight to quality” during economic downturns. Overall, our results provide a new explanation for the observed commonality in liquidity.
Electric‐Field‐Driven Phase Transition Process in (K, Na, Li)(Nb, Ta, Sb)O3 Lead‐Free Piezoceramics
Authors: Feng Wei , Du Haiwei , Chen Chen , Huang Yanqiu
Published: September 2015

The electric‐field‐driven phase transition in (K, Na, Li)(Nb, Ta, Sb)O3 lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics was investigated by X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectra, and the temperature dependences of permittivity spectra. After poling under different electric fields, phase of the ceramics transformed gradually from orthorhombic–tetragonal coexisting phase to orthorhombic phase, indicating that the crystal structure of ceramics was strongly sensitive to electric field as an external stimulus. A secondary phase K3Li2Nb5O15 induced by electric field was detected in the ceramics with Li content of 7 mol%, which was close to the solubility limit of lithium. This field‐induced secondary phase resulted from the movement of Li ions and the structural deformation induced by electric field. Moreover, piezoelectric constant d33 increased with the increasing poling field strength and the enhancement can be attributed to the field‐triggered domain switching. This study implied that in addition to temperature and composition, which has been reported in previous researches, electric field might be an effective way for inducing phase transition in lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics and improving the electrical performances simultaneously.
Mechanochemical Processing of Mn and Co Oxides: An Alternative Way to Synthesize Mixed Spinels for Protective Coating
Authors: Masi Andrea , Bellusci Mariangela , Carlini Maurizio , McPhail Stephen J. , Padella Franco , Reale Priscilla
Published: September 2015

High‐Energy Ball Milling (HEBM) is proposed as a cost effective and environmental friendly technique to produce Co‐ and Mn‐ based oxides suitable for application as protective coating. Mixtures of manganese and cobalt oxides in different molar ratio (Co:Mn = 1:1 and Co:Mn = 2:1) were subjected to mechanochemical treatment up to 100 h and morpho‐structural evolution was evaluated. XRD analysis results show that the HEBM treatment promotes the solid‐state reaction of the starting compounds, with the formation of different crystalline phases when compared to high‐temperature solid‐state synthesis. SEM observations and N2 adsorption measurements suggest that all processed powders are composed by aggregates of nanometric particles. While long milling time is required to complete the reaction, 10 hours are enough to activate the powders to obtain the desired phases after a mild thermal treatment, as evidenced by in situ thermal XRD analysis. Electrical conductivity measures performed with the Van der Pauw method on sintered pellets evidence a significant difference between the two compositions, related to the dual‐phase nature of Co:Mn = 1:1 material at intermediate temperatures (i.e., T < 700°C), Co:Mn = 2:1 sample showing higher conductivity values in the whole tested range (500°C–800°C).
Influence of Process Parameters on the Morphology of Spray‐Dried BaCl2 Powders
Authors: Shoulders W. Taylor , Bizarri Gregory , Bourret Edith , Gaume Romain M.
Published: September 2015

Spray‐drying is an effective method for producing powder aggregates with controlled size and morphology. Here, we report on a systematic study aimed at determining how spray‐drying parameters such as nozzle temperature, gas flow, salt concentration and solution feed rate, influence the characteristics of BaCl2 granules prepared from aqueous solutions. We correlate the granule characteristics to these conditions through the use of processing maps and modeling. It is found that well‐dispersed, high density and spherical aggregates, which are favorable for subsequent powder compaction and sintering, can be obtained within a limited range of processing conditions.
A Method for Determining Bulk Density, Material Density, and Porosity of Melter Feed During Nuclear Waste Vitrification
Authors: Hilliard Zachary , Hrma Pavel
Published: September 2015

Glassmelting efficiency largely depends on heat transfer to reacting glass batch (melter feed), which in turn is influenced by the bulk density (ρb) and porosity (ϕ) of the reacting feed as functions of temperature (T). Neither ρb(T) nor ϕ(T) functions are readily accessible from direct measurements. For the determination of ρb, we monitored the profile area of heated feed pellets and calculated the pellet volume using numerical integration. For the determination of ϕ, we measured the material density of feeds quenched at various stages of conversion via pycnometry and then computed the feed density at heat‐treatment temperature using thermal expansion values of basic feed constituents.
Rapid Sintering of Ceramics with Gradient Porous Structure by Asymmetric Thermal Radiation
Authors: Li Duan , Shen Zhijian
Published: September 2015

In this study, thermal radiation was employed for sintering silicon carbide foams that achieved a gradient porous structure. The simultaneous use of graphite and carbon fiber reinforced carbon composite (Cf/C) radiators resulted in an axial temperature gradient of ~600°C along the cylindrical sample, as confirmed by both numerical simulation and experimental measurement. By sintering the cylinder top at 1600°C for 5 min, the porous SiC body achieved an axial pore size gradient from ~106 ± 36 μm to ~250 ± 84 μm and an open porosity from 41.4 to 79.8 vol%. This work indicates the potential of sintering by intense thermal radiation technique for rapid manufacturing functionally graded materials through asymmetric assembly of thermal radiators.
Synthesis of Multilayered Star‐Shaped B6O Particles Using the Seed‐Mediated Growth Method
Authors: Solodkyi Ievgen , Demirskyi Dmytro , Sakka Yoshio , Vasylkiv Oleg
Published: September 2015

In this study, we introduce a simple and effective seed‐mediated growth method (SMGM) for the controlled synthesis of boron suboxide powder. By employing starting powders with different concentrations and adding boron suboxide seeds with a star‐like morphology, we demonstrate that B6O ceramics that exhibit high‐level crystallinity can be synthesized using SMGM at ambient pressure conditions. The formation of multilayered star‐shaped B6O particles via SMGM is reported for the first time.
Influence of Microstructure and Surface Activation of Dual‐Phase Membrane Ce0.8Gd0.2O2−δ–FeCo2O4 on Oxygen Permeation
Authors: Ramasamy Madhumidha , Baumann Stefan , Palisaitis Justinas , Schulze‐Küppers Falk , Balaguer Maria , Kim Daejin , Meulenberg Wilhelm A. , Mayer Jochim , Bhave Ramesh , Guillon Olivier , Bram Martin
Published: September 2015

Dual‐phase oxygen transport membranes are fast‐growing research interest for application in oxyfuel combustion process. One such potential candidate is CGO‐FCO (60 wt% Ce0.8Gd0.2O2−δ–40 wt% FeCo2O4) identified to provide good oxygen permeation flux with substantial stability in harsh atmosphere. Dense CGO‐FCO membranes of 1 mm thickness were fabricated by sintering dry pellets pressed from powders synthesized by one‐pot method (modified Pechini process) at 1200°C for 10 h. Microstructure analysis indicates presence of a third orthorhombic perovskite phase in the sintered composite. It was also identified that the spinel phase tends to form an oxygen deficient phase at the grain boundary of spinel and CGO phases. Surface exchange limitation of the membranes was overcome by La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF) porous layer coating over the composite. The oxygen permeation flux of the CGO‐FCO screen printed with a porous layer of 10 μm thick LSCF is 0.11 mL/cm2 per minute at 850°C with argon as sweep and air as feed gas at the rates of 50 and 250 mL/min.
Superior Reliability Via Two‐Step Sintering: Barium Titanate Ceramics
Authors: Zhao Qiancheng , Gong Huiling , Wang Xiaohui , Chen I‐Wei , Li Longtu
Published: September 2015

Two‐step sintering (TSS) in a reducing atmosphere has been employed to obtain fine‐grain BaTiO3 ceramics with a core‐shell microstructure, a more uniform grain‐size distribution, and superior reliability for multilayer ceramic capacitor applications. Compared to ceramics of the same composition conventionally sintered for about the same time, TSS ceramics feature a thinner shell thickness thus a stronger dopant localization, which leads to a lower concentration, higher internal resistance and more dopant‐ association. Improved reliability is manifest in a 50% higher breakdown strength at ambient temperature and a 400% longer endurance time to withstand DC stress at 185°C, in addition to a less field‐and‐temperature‐dependent capacitance. A scaling analysis of the redistribution and endurance dynamics identifies transmission across the shell‐grain‐boundary region as the critical element beneficially impacted by core‐shell structure and two‐step sintering.
Do neophobia and dietary wariness explain ecological flexibility? An analysis with two seed‐eating birds of contrasting habits
Authors: Camín Sergio R. , Martín‐Albarracín Valeria , Jefferies Milagros , Marone Luis
Published: September 2015

The neophobia threshold hypothesis (NTH) suggests that the acquisition and maintenance of a high behavioral and ecological flexibility in the evolutionary and adaptive history of a species is the consequence of lower levels of neophobia towards new micro‐habitats and of dietary wariness of novel foods. To test this idea we assessed the degree of neophobia and dietary wariness in two seed‐eating bird species with contrasting degrees of ecological flexibility that inhabit the central Monte desert (Argentina): a grass‐seed specialist, the many‐colored chaco‐finch, and a generalist feeder, the rufous‐collared sparrow. We expected that both species would exhibit neophobia and wariness when faced with new foraging opportunities but that the rufous‐collared sparrow would be less neophobic and less wary than the specialized many‐colored chaco‐finch. Experimental indicators of neophobia and dietary wariness included willingness to eat near novel objects and willingness to eat novel seeds, respectively. Both species showed similar levels of reluctance to novelty, although the sparrow could be slightly more reluctant than the finch. Contrary to our predictions, the sparrow was neither less hesitant nor faster or greedier than the finch. This experimental evidence does not support a negative relationship between neophobia/wariness and ecological flexibility in these two seed‐eating birds and it coincides with the growing evidence that challenges the NTH. Some of our results provide support for the dangerous niche hypothesis, especially as the rufous‐collared sparrow, that feeds on more diverse and potentially dangerous food, showed higher levels of neophobia in some cases. Although the idea of neophobia and wariness being plausible causes of ecological specialization sounds attractive, the current situation calls for further research so that the causes of ecological flexibility in granivorous birds can be better understood.