bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Severity and Pattern of Autonomic Dysfunction in Idiopathic Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder
Authors: Lee Hyung , Cho Yong‐Won , Kim Hyun Ah
Published: September 2015

Background

Autonomic dysfunction in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder patients has not yet been quantified. The aim of this study was to characterize dysautonomia in patients with idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder using the Composite Autonomic Severity Score, which is a validated instrument for the quantitation of autonomic failure.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled patients with idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. A battery of standardized autonomic function tests was performed. Autonomic data obtained from the patients were compared to age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls.

Results

Seventeen patients were enrolled. All but 1 patient showed at least one autonomic deficit. These deficits were predominantly adrenergic and cardiovagal and involved relatively few sudomotor problems. The degree of autonomic dysfunction according to the Composite Autonomic Severity Score was mild to moderate in most patients.

Conclusions

Idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder is linked to mild‐to‐moderate autonomic dysfunction, which is predominantly adrenergic and cardiovagal. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Stress urinary incontinence and endogenous sex steroids in postmenopausal women
Authors: Augoulea Areti , Sioutis Dimos , Rizos Demetrios , Panoulis Constantinos , Triantafyllou Nikolaos , Armeni Eleni , Deligeoroglou Efthymios , Chrelias Charalambos , Creatsa Maria , Liapis Angelos , Lambrinoudaki Irene
Published: September 2015

Aims

Urinary incontinence in general is a major cause of quality of life impairment, morbidity and hospitalization. Its onset is strongly linked to the menopause. Our study aimed to elucidate the possible relationship between endogenous circulating estrogens and the onset and development of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods

One hundred and thirty eight peri‐ and postmenopausal women with SUI were matched 1:1 with continent women based on age and BMI. Morning fasting blood samples were drawn from all subjects for assessment of estradiol (E2), FSH, LH, Testosterone, Δ4‐Androstendione (Δ4Α), DHEAS, prolactin, SBHG as well as a biochemical profile (glucose, insulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, ApoA1, ApoB). Hormone and biochemical parameters were compared between continent and incontinent women.

Results

Incontinent women had significantly lower serum estradiol levels compared to those in the control group (17.30 ± 8.16 vs. 24.22 ± 8.99, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the same association was observed for serum Δ4Α (146.07 ± 52.63 vs. 159.99 ± 42.62, P = 0.017). These associations remained significant after controlling for age, menopausal age, BMI, and number of deliveries.

Conclusions

These results may indicate that within the postmenopausal range, endogenous sex hormones may be associated with the presence of SUI in women not on menopausal hormone therapy. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:121–125, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
1918 pandemic influenza virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae co‐infection results in activation of coagulation and widespread pulmonary thrombosis in mice and humans
Authors: Walters Kathie‐Anne , D'Agnillo Felice , Sheng Zong‐Mei , Kindrachuk Jason , Schwartzman Louis M , Kuestner Rolf E , Chertow Daniel S , Golding Basil T , Taubenberger Jeffery K , Kash John C
Published: September 2015

To study bacterial co‐infection following 1918 H1N1 influenza virus infection, mice were inoculated with the 1918 influenza virus, followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) 72 h later. Co‐infected mice exhibited markedly more severe disease, shortened survival time and more severe lung pathology, including widespread thrombi. Transcriptional profiling revealed activation of coagulation only in co‐infected mice, consistent with the extensive thrombogenesis observed. Immunohistochemistry showed extensive expression of tissue factor (F3) and prominent deposition of neutrophil elastase on endothelial and epithelial cells in co‐infected mice. Lung sections of SP‐positive 1918 autopsy cases showed extensive thrombi and prominent staining for F3 in alveolar macrophages, monocytes, neutrophils, endothelial and epithelial cells, in contrast to co‐infection‐positive 2009 pandemic H1N1 autopsy cases. This study reveals that a distinctive feature of 1918 influenza virus and SP co‐infection in mice and humans is extensive expression of tissue factor and activation of the extrinsic coagulation pathway leading to widespread pulmonary thrombosis. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study on the tribological behavior of hybrid PTFE/Kevlar fabric composites filled with nano‐SiC and/or submicron‐WS2 fillers
Authors: Li HuLin , Zeng FanPei , Yin ZhongWei , Jiang Dan , Huo YaJun
Published: September 2015

The tribological behaviors of hybrid PTFE/Kevlar fabric composites filled with nano‐SiC and/or submicron‐WS2 fillers were studied. Scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometer were used for analysis of the worn surface, transfer film, and debris of the PTFE/Kevlar fabric composites. In addition, the wear volume loss of the composite was measured by means of a laser microscopic 3D and profile measurement apparatus. The results indicate that although both single fillers and hybrid fillers can reduce the wear rate of composites, but hybrid fillers filled composites could achieve the desired comprehensive tribological properties in dry sliding. The improved tribological performance of filled composites can be attributed to two aspects: the formation of a thin and tenacious transfer film on the counter‐surface, and the restrain the formation of larger debris. Tiny wear debris was easily trapped in the gap of a worn surface and can repair the damaged surface. In addition, the trapped debris could be considered as a secondary source of lubricant. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:2218–2226, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Residual strength estimation of CFRP laminates subjected to impact at different velocities and temperatures
Authors: Bhoominathan R. , Arumugam Vellayaraj , Ashok Thompson , Jefferson Andrew Jeyakumar
Published: September 2015

This paper demonstrates the results of an experimental study on cross ply carbon/epoxy composite laminates fabricated from high temperature hardener HT972 subjected to impact loading at different velocities and temperatures. The carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) samples were impacted at velocities 1.5 m/s and 2.5 m/s, each at a temperature level of 30°C, 60°C, 90°C, and 120°C. The impact response of the material towards various velocities and temperatures was determined using impact parameters like peak force, absorbed energy, maximum deflection, and rebound velocity. Result reveals that the velocity and temperature play a significant role in the impact response of the material. The variation in the trend of Flexural After Impact (FAI) strength of composite laminates at different velocities and temperatures was determined using FAI test and these results were further correlated with impact results. The dominating failure modes affecting the residual strength of the samples were found using acoustic emission (AE) monitoring. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2182–2191, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Electrical conduction mechanism in plasma polymerized 2‐(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate thin films
Authors: Afroze Tamanna , Bhuiyan A.H.
Published: September 2015

Thin films of different thicknesses were prepared through glow discharge of 2‐(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA) using a capacitively coupled reactor. Current density–voltage (J–V) characteristics for plasma polymerized (PP) DEAEMA thin films of thicknesses 100, 200, 250, and 300 nm in aluminum/PPDEAEMA/aluminum sandwich configuration were studied over the temperature range from 298 to 423 K. J–V curves reveal that in the low‐voltage region, the conduction current obeys Ohm's law while in the high‐voltage region the behavior attributed to be space charge‐limited conduction in PPDEAEMA thin films. The carrier mobility was calculated to be about 6.80 × 10−19 to 2.38 × 10−18 m−2 V−1s−1 for various thicknesses. The free carrier density was found to be about 1.78 × 1023 to 2.04 × 1023 m−3, and the trap density was found to be about 6.93 × 1023 to 15.9 × 1023 m−3 for different thicknesses. The activation energies were estimated to be about 0.005–0.016 eV for 2 and 30 V of PPDEAEMA thin films of different thicknesses. The low‐activation energies indicate that the thermally activated hopping conduction is operative in PPDEAEMA thin films. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2729–2734, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Borderline personality disorder and neuropsychological measures of executive function: A systematic review
Authors: McClure Georgia , Hawes David J. , Dadds Mark R.
Published: September 2015

The notion that neurocognitive deficits may be core to the development of borderline personality disorder (BPD) has received considerable attention in recent years, with growing evidence pointing to cognitive deficits in executive function (EF). A relationship between EF and BPD has long been suggested by evidence of high comorbidity between BPD and disorders characterized by poor EF (e.g. attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder); however, despite a marked increase in studies of EF and BPD in recent years, the precise nature of this relationship remains unclear. We provide a systematic review of this emerging evidence base, with respect to (1) studies of participants diagnosed with BPD in which EF has been indexed in isolation from broader cognitive processes; (2) the specific domains of EF that have been most robustly associated with BPD; and (3) whether deficits in EF are uniquely associated with BPD, independent of comorbid psychopathology. Key directions for future research are discussed with respect to strategies for measuring EF and the need for research designs that control for phenotypic overlap between BPD and related forms of psychopathology. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association of chronic Candida albicans respiratory infection with a more severe lung disease in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Gileles‐Hillel Alex , Shoseyov David , Polacheck Itzhack , Korem Maya , Kerem Eitan , Cohen‐Cymberknoh Malena
Published: September 2015

Background

Despite the increase in fungal isolates, the significance of chronic Candida albicans airway colonization in CF is unclear.

Aim

To investigate the impact of C. albicans airway colonization on CF disease severity.

Methods

Longitudinal analysis of clinical data from CF patients followed during 2003–2009 at our CF center. Patients were stratified based on their C. albicans colonization status – chronic, intermittent, and none.

Results

A total of 4,244 cultures were obtained from 91 patients (mean age 19.7 years, range 5–68). The three colonization groups were similar in age, gender,and body mass index (BMI). Compared to the non‐colonized group (n = 27, 30%), the chronic C. albicans colonization group (n = 34, 37%), had a significantly lower FEV1 percent predicted (74.3 ± 23.1% vs. 93.9% ± 22.2) with a higher annual rate of FEV1 decline (− 1.9 ± 4.2% vs. 0.7 ± 4.5%). The patients who were intermittently colonized with C. albicans had intermediate values.

Conclusions

Chronic respiratory colonization of C. albicans is associated with worsening of FEV1 in CF. Prospective studies are needed to confirm this finding and to corroborate whether indeed C. albicans drives a deleterious lung phenotype. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:1082–1089. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The road to the first, fully active and more stable human insulin variant with an additional disulfide bond
Authors: Vinther Tine N. , Kjeldsen Thomas B. , Jensen Knud J. , Hubálek František
Published: September 2015

Insulin, a small peptide hormone, is crucial in maintaining blood glucose homeostasis. The stability and activity of the protein is directed by an intricate system involving disulfide bonds to stabilize the active monomeric species and by their non‐covalent oligomerization. All known insulin variants in vertebrates consist of two peptide chains and have six cysteine residues, which form three disulfide bonds, two of them link the two chains and a third is an intra‐chain bond in the A‐chain. This classical insulin fold appears to have been conserved over half a billion years of evolution. We addressed the question whether a human insulin variant with four disulfide bonds could exist and be fully functional. In this review, we give an overview of the road to engineering four‐disulfide bonded insulin analogs. During our journey, we discovered several active four disulfide bonded insulin analogs with markedly improved stability and gained insights into the instability of analogs with seven cysteine residues, importance of dimerization for stability, insulin fibril formation process, and the conformation of insulin binding to its receptor. Our results also open the way for new strategies in the development of insulin biopharmaceuticals. Copyright © 2015 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical analysis and biological properties of two different formulations of white portland cements
Authors: Ahmed Hany Mohamed Aly , Luddin Norhayati , Kannan Thirumulu Ponnuraj , Mokhtar Khairani Idah , Ahmad Azlina
Published: September 2015

White Portland cement (WPC) has generated research interests in the field of endodontics. This study compared between the properties of two formulations of white Portland cement (WPC) of different origin (Malaysia [MA] and Egypt [EG]). WPCs with and without calcium chloride dihydrate were prepared. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray micro‐analysis, and X‐ray diffraction were used for surface morphology evaluation, elemental, and phase analysis, respectively. After the preparation of optimized serial dilutions, the cytotoxicity was evaluated on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPLFs) and dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) using methyl‐thiazol‐diphenyltetrazolium assay after 24 and 72 h. Cell attachment properties were examined under SEM after 24 and 72 h. Results showed that the surface morphology and chemical composition of both formulations demonstrated detectable variations. The cytotoxicity evaluation showed different cellular responses of HPLFs compared to DSPCs. Both formulations favored the viability of HPLFs. However, the fast set formulations demonstrated severe cytotoxicity on DPSCs. Significant differences between EGWPC and MAWPC were identified (p < 0.05). The cell attachment properties were favorable; however, HPLFs attached and spread over the samples better than DPSCs. In conclusion, WPC of different origin may show differences in chemical and biological properties. The addition of CaCl2·2H2O to WPC can affect its properties. Human cell types may react differently towards different formulations of WPCs. SCANNING 38:303–316, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of Masculine and Feminine Gender Roles in Iranian Patients with Gender Identity Disorder
Authors: Alavi Kaveh , Eftekhar Mehrdad , Jalali Nadoushan Amir Hossein
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Gender identity disorders (GID) are heterogeneous disorders that may be influenced by culture and social norms.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine masculine and feminine gender roles in a group of Iranian patients with GID and compare these roles with two control groups.

Methods

Twelve male-to-female (MF) and 27 female-to-male (FM) individuals with GID referred to Tehran Psychiatric Institute in Tehran, I. R. Iran were evaluated by self-report inventories and were compared with two groups of healthy controls (81 men and 89 women). Diagnoses were established based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) criteria. Data analysis was done using analysis of variance and chi-squared test.

Main Outcome Measures

Masculine and feminine gender roles were assessed by two questionnaires: (i) Gender-Masculine (GM) and Gender-Feminine (GF) scales derived from the Minnesota Multiphasic Inventory-2 (MMPI-2); (ii) Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI).

Results

In the scales of masculinity, MF-GID individuals scored as male controls, but lower than female controls. FM-GID individuals scored similar to female controls and higher than male controls. In femininity scales, MF-GID individuals and control women seemed similar, and both scored higher than the other groups. FM-GID persons were considered less feminine than both controls in the GF scale of MMPI-2, but not in the BSRI. In both scales, FM-GID persons had higher scores than control women and MF-GID individuals.

Conclusion

Iranian FM-GID individuals were less feminine than normal men. However, MF-GID individuals were similar to normal women or more feminine. Cultural considerations remain to be investigated.
The Decline of Inpatient Penile Prosthesis over the 10-Year Period, 2000–2010
Authors: Alwaal Amjad , Harris Catherine R. , Hussein Ahmed A. , Sanford Thomas H. , McCulloch Charles E. , Shindel Alan W. , Breyer Benjamin N.
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Across all specialties, economic pressure is driving increased utilization of outpatient surgery when feasible.

Aims

Our aims were to analyze national trends of penile prosthesis (PP) surgery and to examine patient and hospital characteristics, and perioperative complications in the inpatient setting.

Methods

We analyzed data from National Inpatient Sample. Patients in NIS who underwent PP insertion between 2000 and 2010 were included.

Main Outcome Measures

Our main outcomes were the number of inpatient PP procedures, type of prosthesis, patient demographics, comorbidities, hospital characteristics, and immediate perioperative complications.

Results

There was a progressive and dramatic decline by nearly half in the number of both inflatable (IPP) and noninflatable (NIPP) inpatient insertions performed from 2000 to 2010 (P = 0.0001). The overall rate of inpatient complications for PP insertion was 13.5%. Patients with three or more comorbidities were found to have a higher risk of complications than patients with no comorbidities (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.18–1.78) (P = 0.0001). Surgeries performed in high-volume hospitals (10 or more PP cases per year) were associated with reduced risk of complications (OR = 0.6) (P < 0.0001). There was a dramatic decrease in inpatient setting for PP placement in high-volume hospitals (32% in 2000 compared with 6% in 2010; P < 0.0001), and when compared with lower volume hospitals. NIPP was more likely performed in younger patients and in community hospitals, and less likely in white patients. Medicaid health insurance was associated with much higher rate of NIPP insertion than other types of insurance.

Conclusions

The number of PP procedures performed in the inpatient setting declined between 2000 and 2010, likely reflecting a shift toward increasing outpatient procedures. Our data also suggest a better outcome for patients having the procedure done at a high-volume center in terms of inpatient complications.
Dam it's good! DamID profiling of protein‐DNA interactions
Authors: Aughey Gabriel N. , Southall Tony D.
Published: September 2015

The interaction of proteins with chromatin is fundamental for several essential cellular processes. During the development of an organism, genes must to be tightly regulated both temporally and spatially. This is achieved through the action of chromatin‐binding proteins such as transcription factors, histone modifiers, nucleosome remodelers, and lamins. Furthermore, protein–DNA interactions are important in the adult, where their perturbation can lead to disruption of homeostasis, metabolic dysregulation, and diseases such as cancer. Understanding the nature of these interactions is of paramount importance in almost all areas of molecular biological research. In recent years, DNA adenine methyltransferase identification (DamID) has emerged as one of the most comprehensive and versatile methods available for profiling protein–DNA interactions on a genomic scale. DamID has been used to map a variety of chromatin‐binding proteins in several model organisms and has the potential for continued adaptation and application in the field of genomic biology. WIREs Dev Biol 2016, 5:25–37. doi: 10.1002/wdev.205

This article is categorized under:

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Gene Networks and Genomics

Technologies > Analysis of Proteins

Technologies > Analysis of the Transcriptome
Testing methods for using high‐resolution satellite imagery to monitor polar bear abundance and distribution
Authors: LaRue Michelle A. , Stapleton Seth , Porter Claire , Atkinson Stephen , Atwood Todd , Dyck Markus , Lecomte Nicolas
Published: September 2015

High‐resolution satellite imagery is a promising tool for providing coarse information about polar species abundance and distribution, but current applications are limited. With polar bears (Ursus maritimus), the technique has only proven effective on landscapes with little topographic relief that are devoid of snow and ice, and time‐consuming manual review of imagery is required to identify bears. Here, we evaluated mechanisms to further develop methods for satellite imagery by examining data from Rowley Island, Canada. We attempted to automate and expedite detection via a supervised spectral classification and image differencing to expedite image review. We also assessed what proportion of a region should be sampled to obtain reliable estimates of density and abundance. Although the spectral signature of polar bears differed from nontarget objects, these differences were insufficient to yield useful results via a supervised classification process. Conversely, automated image differencing—or subtracting one image from another—correctly identified nearly 90% of polar bear locations. This technique, however, also yielded false positives, suggesting that manual review will still be required to confirm polar bear locations. On Rowley Island, bear distribution approximated a Poisson distribution across a range of plot sizes, and resampling suggests that sampling >50% of the site facilitates reliable estimation of density (CV <15%). Satellite imagery may be an effective monitoring tool in certain areas, but large‐scale applications remain limited because of the challenges in automation and the limited environments in which the method can be effectively applied. Improvements in resolution may expand opportunities for its future uses. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Return Migration to Mexico: Does Health Matter?
Authors: Arenas Erika , Goldman Noreen , Pebley Anne R. , Teruel Graciela
Published: September 2015

We use data from three rounds of the Mexican Family Life Survey to examine whether migrants in the United States returning to Mexico in the period 2005–2012 have worse health than those remaining in the United States. Despite extensive interest by demographers in health-related selection, this has been a neglected area of study in the literature on U.S.-Mexico migration, and the few results to date have been contradictory and inconclusive. Using five self-reported health variables collected while migrants resided in the United States and subsequent migration history, we find direct evidence of higher probabilities of return migration for Mexican migrants in poor health as well as lower probabilities of return for migrants with improving health. These findings are robust to the inclusion of potential confounders reflecting the migrants’ demographic characteristics, economic situation, family ties, and origin and destination characteristics. We anticipate that in the coming decade, health may become an even more salient issue in migrants’ decisions about returning to Mexico, given the recent expansion in access to health insurance in Mexico.
DEMUTH’S PATH TO RANDOMNESS
Authors: KUČERA ANTONÍN , NIES ANDRÉ , PORTER CHRISTOPHER P.
Published: September 2015

Osvald Demuth (1936–1988) studied constructive analysis from the viewpoint of the Russian school of constructive mathematics. In the course of his work he introduced various notions of effective null set which, when phrased in classical language, yield a number of major algorithmic randomness notions. In addition, he proved several results connecting constructive analysis and randomness that were rediscovered only much later.

In this paper, we trace the path that took Demuth from his constructivist roots to his deep and innovative work on the interactions between constructive analysis, algorithmic randomness, and computability theory. We will focus specifically on (i) Demuth’s work on the differentiability of Markov computable functions and his study of constructive versions of the Denjoy alternative, (ii) Demuth’s independent discovery of the main notions of algorithmic randomness, as well as the development of Demuth randomness, and (iii) the interactions of truth-table reducibility, algorithmic randomness, and semigenericity in Demuth’s work.
A spectral model for stably stratified turbulence
Authors: Segalini Antonio , Arnqvist Johan
Published: September 2015

A solution of the inviscid rapid distortion equations for a stratified flow with homogeneous shear is proposed, extending the work of Hanazaki & Hunt (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 507, 2004, pp. 1–42) to the two horizontal velocity components. The analytical solution allows for the determination of the spectral tensor evolution at any given time starting from a known initial condition. By following the same approach as that adopted by Mann (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 273, 1994, pp. 141–168), a model for the spectral velocity tensor in the atmospheric boundary layer is obtained, where the spectral tensor, assumed to be isotropic at the initial time, evolves until the breakup time where the spectral tensor is supposed to achieve its final state observed in the boundary layer. The model predictions are compared with atmospheric measurements obtained over a forested area, giving the opportunity to calibrate the model parameters, and further validation is provided by additional low-roughness data. Characteristic values of the model coefficients and their dependence on the Richardson number are proposed and discussed.
Determination of neonatal serum immunoglobulin G concentrations associated with mortality during the first 4 months of life in dairy heifer calves
Authors: Chigerwe Munashe , Hagey Jill V , Aly Sharif S
Published: September 2015

Colostral administration practices on dairy farms have significantly improved over the last 15–20 years resulting in prevalence of calves ingesting insufficient colostrum decreasing from 35–40% to 19%. Despite these improvements, the serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration of ≥1000 g/dl and serum total protein (TP) concentrations of ≥5·2 g/dl are considered indicative of adequate transfer of immunity. We hypothesised that the current serum IgG concentrations of ≥1000 mg/dl is too low to indicate adequate transfer of colostral immunity on modern dairies. The objective of this study was to determine the serum IgG and TP concentrations indicating adequate transfer of passive immunity in dairy heifer calves. A cohort study of 1290 heifers from a calf raising facility for 48 dairy farms was performed. Heifers were assigned into strata based on serum IgG and TP concentrations. Mortality events were recorded for the heifers for 4 months. Interval likelihood ratios for mortality were calculated for heifers in each stratum of serum IgG or TP concentrations. Logistic regression to predict probability of mortality events was performed. Estimates of probability of survival were evaluated using survival analysis. Serum strata of ≤1500, 1501–2000 or >2500 were not significant predictors of mortality during the 120 d of rearing. Serum IgG concentration was not a significant predictor of hazard for mortality. In contrast to previous studies, serum IgG and TP concentrations of 2001–2500 mg/dl and 5·8–6·3 g/dl respectively, were considered optimum for indicating adequate passive transfer of colostral immunity in dairy calves based on the likelihood ratios. On dairies with optimum colostral feeding practices, serum IgG and TP concentrations of 2001–2500 mg/dl and 5·8–6·3 g/dl are recommended as endpoints to indicate adequate passive immunity in dairy calves.
A randomised controlled trial of coblation, diode laser and cold dissection in paediatric tonsillectomy
Authors: Elbadawey M R , Hegazy H M , Eltahan A E , Powell J
Published: September 2015

Objective:

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of diode laser, coblation and cold dissection tonsillectomy in paediatric patients.

Methods:

A total of 120 patients aged 10–15 years with recurrent tonsillitis were recruited. Participants were prospectively randomised to diode laser, coblation or cold dissection tonsillectomy. Operative time and blood loss were recorded. Pain was recorded on a Wong–Baker FACES®pain scale.

Results:

The operative time (10 ± 0.99 minutes), blood loss (20 ± 0.85 ml) and pain were significantly lower with coblation tonsillectomy than with cold dissection tonsillectomy (20 ± 1.0 minutes and 30 ± 1.0 ml;p= 0.0001) and diode laser tonsillectomy (15 ± 0.83 minutes and 25 ± 0.83 ml;p= 0.0001). Diode laser tonsillectomy had a shorter operative time (p= 0.0001) and less blood loss (p= 0.001) compared with cold dissection tonsillectomy. However, at post-operative day seven, the diode laser tonsillectomy group had significantly higher pain scores compared with the cold dissection (p= 0.042) and coblation (p= 0.04) tonsillectomy groups.

Conclusion:

Both coblation and diode laser tonsillectomy are associated with significantly reduced blood loss and shorter operative times compared with cold dissection tonsillectomy. However, we advocate coblation tonsillectomy because of the lower post-operative pain scores compared with diode laser and cold dissection tonsillectomy.
Endoscopic cartilage tympanoplasty in chronic otitis media
Authors: Özgür A , Dursun E , Erdivanli Ö Ç , Coşkun Z Ö , Terzi S , Emiroğlu G , Demirci M
Published: September 2015

Objectives:

The use of endoscopic techniques is becoming more widespread in otological and neuro-otological surgery. One such procedure, endoscopic tympanoplasty, is used in chronic otitis media treatment. This study aimed to analyse the results of endoscopic transcanal cartilage tympanoplasty.

Methods:

Data of tubotympanic chronic otitis media patients who underwent transcanal endoscopic type I cartilage tympanoplasty between June 2012 and May 2013 were analysed. The main outcome measures were graft success and hearing improvement.

Results:

Graft success rates were 94.3 per cent and 92.5 per cent at post-operative months one and six, respectively. Post-operative air–bone gap values were significantly improved over pre-operative values (p < 0.01).

Conclusion:

Transcanal endoscopic type I cartilage tympanoplasty is a minimally invasive, effective and reliable surgical treatment option for chronic otitis media.
Two conceptions of international practice: Aristotelian praxis or Wittgensteinian language-games?
Authors: Frost Mervyn , Lechner Silviya
Published: September 2015

Scholars from the recent ‘practice turn’ in International Relations have urged us to rethink the international realm in terms of practices. The principal exponents of the turn, Emanuel Adler and Vincent Pouliot, have refurbished Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of practice to produce their own account of international practices. In a review of the practice turn, Chris Brown has argued that Bourdieu’s notion of practice shares basic affinities with Aristotle’s concept of praxis. While practice turn scholars may not adhere to a rigid canon of thought, they seem to share an Aristotelian conception of praxis. This reading of the turn to practice, though plausible, captures one part of the story. The central thesis of the present article is that instead of one there are two, distinctive conceptions of practice – Aristotelian and Wittgensteinian – and therefore two distinctive ways in which the character of international practices might be understood. More concretely, the aim is to show that the conception of international practices, rooted in Wittgenstein’s view of practices as language-games, can be particularly illuminating to all those who seek to understand international relations.
VerotoxigenicEscherichia colitransmission in Ireland: a review of notified outbreaks, 2004–2012
Authors: GARVEY P. , CARROLL A. , McNAMARA E. , McKEOWN P. J.
Published: September 2015

VerotoxigenicEscherichia coli(VTEC) are significant for their low infectious dose, their potential clinical severity and the frequency with which they generate outbreaks. To describe the relative importance of different outbreak transmission routes for VTEC infection in Ireland, we reviewed outbreak notification data for the period 2004–2012, describing the burden and characteristics of foodborne, waterborne, animal contact and person-to-person outbreaks. Outbreaks where person-to-person spread was reported as the sole transmission route accounted for more than half of all outbreaks and outbreaks cases, most notably in childcare facilities. The next most significant transmission route was waterborne spread from untreated or poorly treated private water supplies. The focus for reducing incidence of VTEC should be on reducing waterborne and person-to-person transmission, by publicizing Health Service Executive materials developed for consumers on private well management, and for childcare facility managers and public health professionals on prevention of person-to-person spread.
Predictors of hospitalization for lower respiratory tract infection in children aged <2 years in the province of Quebec, Canada
Authors: ZHOU Z. , GILCA R. , DECEUNINCK G. , BOUCHER F. D. , CHAREST H. , DE WALS P.
Published: September 2015

Young age, adverse environmental conditions and infectious agents are established risk factors of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), whereas pneumococcal conjugate vaccines may be protective. To explore their relative role as predictors of hospitalizations under the continental climate prevailing in the province of Quebec, Canada, an ecological study was performed. Records with a main diagnosis of LRTI in children born during 2007–2010 and observed up to their second-year anniversary were extracted from the provincial hospital administrative database. Respiratory virus surveillance data and statistics on ambient air temperature were obtained. Vaccine use in different birth cohorts was derived from the Quebec City Immunization Registry. Additive and multiplicative Poisson regression models were applied to estimate attributable fractions. Age, month of birth, ambient temperature, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and influenza-positive test proportions were significant predictors of LRTI hospitalizations. No substantial differences were observed in cohorts exposed to the 7-valent or 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. In the additive model, the fraction of hospitalizations explained by temperature variation was 37%, whereas RSV circulation explained 28%, hMPV 4% and influenza 1%. Complex interplay between biological, environmental and social mechanisms may explain the important role of ambient air temperature in predicting LRTI hospitalization risk in young children.
Effects of home language environment on inhibitory control in bilingual three-year-old children
Authors: VERHAGEN JOSJE , MULDER HANNA , LESEMAN PAUL P. M.
Published: September 2015

Previous studies have shown effects of bilingualism on inhibitory control in preschool children. However, these effects only held for ‘conflict tasks’, and not delay of gratification tasks, and other domains of executive functioning were not investigated. For older children, previous studies have found relationships between bilinguals’ advantages and home language environment. This study investigates effects of bilingualism and bilingual home language environment on executive functioning in three-year-old children. 200 bilingual and 829 monolingual three-year-olds performed tasks of inhibitory control, working memory, and selective attention. Home language environment characteristics were assessed through a parental questionnaire. The bilinguals outperformed the monolinguals on a conflict task only, and this effect was very small. Further analyses showed broader effects on inhibitory control that were related to home language environment: Bilinguals whose parents spoke different languages outperformed bilinguals whose parents spoke the same language on both the conflict task and a delay of gratification task.
A consensus-based process to define standard national data elements for a canadian emergency department information system
Authors:   Canadian Emergency Department Information System (CEDIS) working group, Innes Grant , Murray Michael , Grafstein Eric
Published: September 2015

Canadian hospitals gather few emergency department (ED) data, and most cannot track their case mix, care processes, utilization or outcomes. A standard national ED data set would enhance clinical care, quality improvement and research at a local, regional and national level. The Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians, the National Emergency Nurses Affiliation and l’Association des médecins d’urgence du Québec established a joint working group whose objective was to develop a standard national ED data set that meets the information needs of Canadian EDs. The working group reviewed data elements derived from Australia’s Victorian Emergency Minimum Dataset, the US Data Elements for Emergency Department Systems document, the Ontario Hospital Emergency Department Working Group data set and the Canadian Institute for Health Information’s National Ambulatory Care Reporting System data set. By consensus, the group defined each element as mandatory, preferred or optional, and modified data definitions to increase their relevance to the ED context. The working group identified 69 mandatory elements, 5 preferred elements and 29 optional elements representing demographic, process, clinical and utilization measures. The Canadian Emergency Department Information System data set is a feasible, relevant ED data set developed by emergency physicians and nurses and tailored to the needs of Canadian EDs. If widely adopted, it represents an important step toward a national ED information system that will enable regional, provincial and national comparisons and enhance clinical care, quality improvement and research applications in both rural and urban settings.
Sex-dependent effects of developmental exposure to bisphenol A and ethinyl estradiol on metabolic parameters and voluntary physical activity
Authors: Johnson S. A. , Painter M. S. , Javurek A. B. , Ellersieck M. R. , Wiedmeyer C. E. , Thyfault J. P. , Rosenfeld C. S.
Published: September 2015

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) have received considerable attention as potential obesogens. Past studies examining obesogenic potential of one widespread EDC, bisphenol A (BPA), have generally focused on metabolic and adipose tissue effects. However, physical inactivity has been proposed to be a leading cause of obesity. A paucity of studies has considered whether EDC, including BPA, affects this behavior. To test whether early exposure to BPA and ethinyl estradiol (EE, estrogen present in birth control pills) results in metabolic and such behavioral disruptions, California mice developmentally exposed to BPA and EE were tested as adults for energy expenditure (indirect calorimetry), body composition (echoMRI) and physical activity (measured by beam breaks and voluntary wheel running). Serum glucose and metabolic hormones were measured. No differences in body weight or food consumption were detected. BPA-exposed females exhibited greater variation in weight than females in control and EE groups. During the dark and light cycles, BPA females exhibited a higher average respiratory quotient than control females, indicative of metabolizing carbohydrates rather than fats. Various assessments of voluntary physical activity in the home cage confirmed that during the dark cycle, BPA and EE-exposed females were significantly less active in this setting than control females. Similar effects were not observed in BPA or EE-exposed males. No significant differences were detected in serum glucose, insulin, adiponectin and leptin concentrations. Results suggest that females developmentally exposed to BPA exhibit decreased motivation to engage in voluntary physical activity and altered metabolism of carbohydratesv. fats, which could have important health implications.
Bispecific antibody releasing-mesenchymal stromal cell machinery for retargeting T cells towards acute myeloid leukemia blasts
Authors: Aliperta R , Cartellieri M , Feldmann A , Arndt C , Koristka S , Michalk I , von Bonin M , Ehninger A , Bachmann J , Ehninger G , Bornhäuser M , Bachmann M P
Published: September 2015

Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) engaging T cells are emerging as a promising immunotherapeutic tool for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Because their low molecular mass, bsAbs have short half-lives. To achieve clinical responses, they have to be infused into patients continously, for a long period of time. As a valid alternative we examined the use of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) as autonomous cellular machines for the constant production of a recently described, fully humanized anti-CD33-anti-CD3 bsAb, which is capable of redirecting human T cells against CD33-expressing leukemic cells. The immortalized human MSC line SCP-1 was genetically modified into expressing bsAb at sufficient amounts to redirect T cells efficiently against CD33 presenting target cells, both in vitro and in an immunodeficient mouse model. Moreover, T cells of patients suffering from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in blast crisis eliminated autologous leukemic cells in the presence of the bsAb secreting MSCs over time. The immune response against AML cells could be enhanced further by providing T cells an additional co-stimulus via the CD137-CD137 ligand axis through CD137L expression on MSCs. This study demonstrates that MSCs have the potential to be used as cellular production machines for bsAb-based tumor immunotherapy in the future.
Terahertz field control of in-plane orbital order in La0.5Sr1.5MnO4
Authors: Miller Timothy A , Chhajlany Ravindra W , Tagliacozzo Luca , Green Bertram , Kovalev Sergey , Prabhakaran Dharmalingam , Lewenstein Maciej , Gensch Michael , Wall Simon
Published: September 2015

In-plane anisotropic ground states are ubiquitous in correlated solids such as pnictides, cuprates and manganites. They can arise from doping Mott insulators and compete with phases such as superconductivity; however, their origins are debated. Strong coupling between lattice, charge, orbital and spin degrees of freedom results in simultaneous ordering of multiple parameters, masking the mechanism that drives the transition. Here we demonstrate that the orbital domains in a manganite can be oriented by the polarization of a pulsed THz light field. Through the application of a Hubbard model, we show that domain control can be achieved by enhancing the local Coulomb interactions, which drive domain reorientation. Our results highlight the key role played by the Coulomb interaction in the control and manipulation of orbital order in the manganites and demonstrate a new way to use THz to understand and manipulate anisotropic phases in a potentially broad range of correlated materials.
Telomere maintenance through recruitment of internal genomic regions
Authors: Seo Beomseok , Kim Chuna , Hills Mark , Sung Sanghyun , Kim Hyesook , Kim Eunkyeong , Lim Daisy S. , Oh Hyun-Seok , Choi Rachael Mi Jung , Chun Jongsik , Shim Jaegal , Lee Junho
Published: September 2015

Cells surviving crisis are often tumorigenic and their telomeres are commonly maintained through the reactivation of telomerase. However, surviving cells occasionally activate a recombination-based mechanism called alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). Here we establish stably maintained survivors in telomerase-deleted Caenorhabditis elegans that escape from sterility by activating ALT. ALT survivors trans-duplicate an internal genomic region, which is already cis-duplicated to chromosome ends, across the telomeres of all chromosomes. These ‘Template for ALT’ (TALT) regions consist of a block of genomic DNA flanked by telomere-like sequences, and are different between two genetic background. We establish a model that an ancestral duplication of a donor TALT region to a proximal telomere region forms a genomic reservoir ready to be incorporated into telomeres on ALT activation.
Molecular helices as electron acceptors in high-performance bulk heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Zhong Yu , Trinh M. Tuan , Chen Rongsheng , Purdum Geoffrey E. , Khlyabich Petr P. , Sezen Melda , Oh Seokjoon , Zhu Haiming , Fowler Brandon , Zhang Boyuan , Wang Wei , Nam Chang-Yong , Sfeir Matthew Y. , Black Charles T. , Steigerwald Michael L. , Loo Yueh-Lin , Ng Fay , Zhu X.-Y. , Nuckolls Colin
Published: September 2015

Despite numerous organic semiconducting materials synthesized for organic photovoltaics in the past decade, fullerenes are widely used as electron acceptors in highly efficient bulk-heterojunction solar cells. None of the non-fullerene bulk heterojunction solar cells have achieved efficiencies as high as fullerene-based solar cells. Design principles for fullerene-free acceptors remain unclear in the field. Here we report examples of helical molecular semiconductors as electron acceptors that are on par with fullerene derivatives in efficient solar cells. We achieved an 8.3% power conversion efficiency in a solar cell, which is a record high for non-fullerene bulk heterojunctions. Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy revealed both electron and hole transfer processes at the donor−acceptor interfaces. Atomic force microscopy reveals a mesh-like network of acceptors with pores that are tens of nanometres in diameter for efficient exciton separation and charge transport. This study describes a new motif for designing highly efficient acceptors for organic solar cells.
The Lingula genome provides insights into brachiopod evolution and the origin of phosphate biomineralization
Authors: Luo Yi-Jyun , Takeuchi Takeshi , Koyanagi Ryo , Yamada Lixy , Kanda Miyuki , Khalturina Mariia , Fujie Manabu , Yamasaki Shin-ichi , Endo Kazuyoshi , Satoh Noriyuki
Published: September 2015

The evolutionary origins of lingulid brachiopods and their calcium phosphate shells have been obscure. Here we decode the 425-Mb genome ofLingula anatinato gain insights into brachiopod evolution. Comprehensive phylogenomic analyses placeLingulaclose to molluscs, but distant from annelids. TheLingulagene number has increased to ∼34,000 by extensive expansion of gene families. AlthoughLingulaand vertebrates have superficially similar hard tissue components, our genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses show thatLingulalacks genes involved in bone formation, indicating an independent origin of their phosphate biominerals. Several genes involved inLingulashell formation are shared by molluscs. However,Lingulahas independently undergone domain combinations to produce shell matrix collagens with EGF domains and carries lineage-specific shell matrix proteins. Gene family expansion, domain shuffling and co-option of genes appear to be the genomic background ofLingula’s unique biomineralization. ThisLingulagenome provides resources for further studies of lophotrochozoan evolution.