bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymorphism in the gene encoding toll-like receptor 10 may be associated with asthma after bronchiolitis
Authors: Törmänen Sari , Korppi Matti , Teräsjärvi Johanna , Vuononvirta Juho , Koponen Petri , Helminen Merja , He Qiushui , Nuolivirta Kirsi 
Published: June 2017

AbstractToll-like receptors (TLRs) recognise microbes that contribute to the severity of bronchiolitis and the subsequent risk of asthma. We evaluated whether post-bronchiolitis asthma was associated with polymorphisms in the TLR3 rs3775291, TLR4 rs4986790, TLR7 rs179008, TLR8 rs2407992, TLR9 rs187084, and TLR10 rs4129009 genes. The gene polymorphisms were studied at the age of 6.4 years (mean) in 135 children hospitalised for bronchiolitis in infancy. The outcome measure was current or previous asthma. Current asthma was more common (30%) in children with the variant AG or GG genotype in the TLR10 rs4129009 gene versus those who were homozygous for the major allele A (11%) (p = 0.03). The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) was 4.30 (95% CI 1.30–14.29). Asthma ever was more common (34.6%) in girls with the TLR7 variant AT or TT genotype versus those who were homozygous for the major allele A (12.5%) (p = 0.03). The adjusted OR was 3.93 (95% CI 1.06–14.58). Corresponding associations were not seen in boys. There were no significant associations between TLR3, TLR4, TLR8, or TLR9 polymorphisms and post-bronchiolitis asthma. Polymorphism in the TLR10 gene increases and in the TLR7 gene may increase the risk of asthma in preschool-aged children after infant bronchiolitis.
Comparison of Different Drying Methods for Recovery of Mushroom DNA
Authors: Wang Shouxian , Liu Yu , Xu Jianping 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSeveral methods have been reported for drying mushroom specimens for population genetic, taxonomic, and phylogenetic studies. However, most methods have not been directly compared for their effectiveness in preserving mushroom DNA. In this study, we compared silica gel drying at ambient temperature and oven drying at seven different temperatures. Two mushroom species representing two types of fruiting bodies were examined: the fleshy button mushroom Agaricus bisporus and the leathery shelf fungus Trametes versicolor. For each species dried with the eight methods, we assessed the mushroom water loss rate, the quality and quantity of extracted DNA, and the effectiveness of using the extracted DNA as a template for PCR amplification of two DNA fragments (ITS and a single copy gene). Dried specimens from all tested methods yielded sufficient DNA for PCR amplification of the two genes in both species. However, differences among the methods for the two species were found in: (i) the time required by different drying methods for the fresh mushroom tissue to reach a stable weight; and (ii) the relative quality and quantity of the extracted genomic DNA. Among these methods, oven drying at 70 °C for 3–4 h seemed the most efficient for preserving field mushroom samples for subsequent molecular work.
Adaptive neural control for stochastic pure‐feedback non‐linear time‐delay systems with output constraint and asymmetric input saturation
Authors: Si Wenjie , Dong Xunde , Yang Feifei 
Published: May 2017

In this study, the adaptive tracking control is investigated for a class of stochastic pure‐feedback non‐linear time‐delay systems with output constraint and asymmetric input saturation non‐linearity. First, the Gaussian error function is employed to represent a continuous differentiable asymmetric saturation model, and the barrier Lyapunov function is designed to cope with the output constraints. Then, the appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional and the property of hyperbolic tangent functions are used to address the effects of the unknown time‐delay terms, and the neural network is employed to approximate the unknown non‐linearities. At last, based on Lyapunov stability theory, a robust adaptive neural controller is proposed, which decreases the number of learning parameters and thus avoids the over‐estimation problem. Under the designed neural controller, all the closed‐loop signals are guaranteed to be 4‐moment (or 2 moment) semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded and the tracking error converges to a small neighbourhood of the origin for bounded initial conditions. Two simulation examples are presented to further illustrate the effectiveness of the designed method.
Soft‐switching operation of the dual‐interleaved boost converter over all duty ratios
Authors: Ahmed Md Rishad , Todd Rebecca , Forsyth Andrew John 
Published: May 2017

To extend the operating range of the snubber assisted zero‐voltage and zero‐current transition dual‐interleaved boost converter beyond its inherent soft‐switching limit of D = 0.5, a resonant pulse transformer is proposed instead of the resonant inductor. The 1 : 2 turns ratio of the transformer ensures full discharge of the snubber capacitor at all duty ratio values to facilitate zero‐voltage zero‐current switching at turn on of the main switching devices. The effectiveness of the topology has been confirmed by SPICE simulation and demonstrated by a 20 kW SiC metal–oxide–semiconductor field‐effect transistor converter. The prototype operated at 20 kW, 112 kHz, 320–600 V achieving 98.7% efficiency and achieved 98.2% efficiency at 6 kW. Taking the additional losses in the auxiliary circuit into account, the switching losses at 20 kW are reduced by 74% compared with hard‐switching operation, representing a 54% reduction in overall losses.
PSOI pLDMOS with n‐buried layer
Authors: Wu Lijuan , Song Yue , Yang Hang , Hu Limin , Lei Bing , Yuan Na , Zhang Yinyan , Zhang Zhongjie 
Published: May 2017

Partial‐silicon (Si)‐on‐insulator p‐channel lateral double‐diffused metal–oxide–semiconductor field‐effect transistor with n‐buried layer (NBL PSOI pLDMOS) is proposed. One feature of the device is an Si window under the drain offers a heat conduction path to alleviate the self‐heating effect. Meanwhile, a fully depleted NBL on the bottom surface of the Si layer provides a large amount of ionised donors to enhance the electric field of the buried oxide (BOX) layer. The NBL can prevent the substrate leakage phenomenon of the PSOI pLDMOS. There is a triple reduced surface field structure in the p‐drift region. Some equipotential lines spread into the p‐substrate through the Si window. Furthermore, the assistant depletion caused by the NBL increases the p‐drift region concentration, which achieves a lower specific on‐resistance (Ron, sp). With 20 µm p‐drift region length and 1 µm BOX thickness, the NBL PSOI pLDMOS obtains a higher breakdown voltage (BV) of 289 V, which is increased by 88.9 and 43.8% compared with the Con SOI and NBL SOI pLDMOS, respectively. The Ron, sp is decreased by 82.3 and 17.2%, respectively. The figure of merit (FOM = BV2/Ron, sp) is 1.65 MW cm−2. A lower maximum surface temperature of 312.3 K is obtained.
Conceptualizing language
Authors: Ricento Thomas 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
My purpose in this chapter is to describe and critique some of the common sense beliefs about language that are often implicitly incorporated in the theories of political philosophers who engage in discussions on language policies and language rights in liberal democracies. I then consider the limitations of these views, based on research in sociolinguistics that problematizes at least some of the more common beliefs about the nature of language, that is, views on discreteness, competence, function, complexities in diagnosing linguistic inequalities and discrimination, the complexities of the language-culture nexus, and language and identity. It is these complexities that political theorists need to pay more attention to when, for example, they argue that linguistic and cultural assimilation into civil society is relatively easy, since language and culture are mutable. I then focus on the ways in which these common sense views about language and culture, and language and national identity, have played out in the Canadian context, especially over the past half century, referring to testimony in the hearings that preceded passage of the Official Languages Act of 1969. I consider the ways in which national census data obscure the actual complex linguistic diversity that exists in Canada today, and I provide an example of political speech that reinforces the deeply held ideology of French-English dualism in a country in which 200+ languages are spoken on a daily basis, in which French-English bilingualism is actually declining, and in which other types of bi- and multilingualism are flourishing.
Home literacy activities of mono- and multilingual children in middle childhood
Authors: Lagemann Marina , Ilić Vesna 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Empirical studies have widely documented the influence of the language input children receive in the family on their (academic) language development and identified differences in the home literacy experiences of mono- and multilingual children as a potential source for the lower language skills and educational success of multilingual children and adolescents. Using data from the LiMA Panel Study, this article investigates how frequently mono- and multilingual children in middle childhood are engaged in different home literacy activities that have been shown to be frequently practiced by families with children in early childhood. Our results point to systematic differences in the home literacy experiences of mono- and multilingual children, and suggest that the family’s socioeconomic position can partly but not fully account for these differences.
Bilingual lexicon development in German in preschool children with the home languages Russian and Turkish
Authors: Gagarina Natalia , Posse Dorothea , Gey Stefanie , Golcher Felix , Topaj Nathalie 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
The present study examined the development of lexical abilities in German in Turkish-/Russian-German bilinguals. In particular, the effect of the age of onset and the socio-economic status, identified through self-reported parental education and occupation, on the productive and perceptive lexicon – verbs and nouns – was investigated. Two groups, one with 39 Russian-German and one with 55 Turkish-German simultaneous and sequential bilinguals from Berlin nursery schools, participated in the study. The age range was 26 to 47 months (mean age: 38.5 months, Standard Deviation (SD) = 5.8). The age of onset ranged from 0 to 39 months (mean age of onset: 21.0 months, SD = 9.9) and did not differ significantly in both investigated groups. The mean length of exposure to German was 17.5 months (SD = 9.3). The results showed that age of onset negatively impacts the productive lexicon of both groups. Russian-speaking children were somewhat better in the development of the perceptive lexicon in German. No effects for parental education and occupation were found. The results are discussed with respect to sensitivity and age of acquisition, and possible differences in the home language environment of Turkish and Russian bilinguals.
Temporal adverbs as structuring devices in narratives of multilingual students
Authors: Grommes Patrick 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Language development of adolescents and in particular of multilingual adolescents to date does not get the attention it deserves. This contribution gives a brief overview of what later language development means and aims at highlighting some of its features in personal experience narratives written by mono- and multilingual secondary school students. To this end, concepts of narrative structure will also be reviewed briefly. Then a closer look will be taken at the use of the temporal adverbial ‘dann’ (‘then’). This adverbial allows verbalising specific aspects of the event structure in relation to narrative structure. Students display different degrees of convergence with target language patterns of use. The discussion then centres on in how far this is a developmental issue and/or can be traced back to multilingualism. Regarding the latter no clear tendency can be found.
Dublin
Authors: McMonagle Sarah 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
This article offers an overview of the multilingual city of Dublin. We draw on research undertaken for the LUCIDE (Languages in Urban Communities: Integration and Diversity for Europe) network to describe the rapid linguistic diversification that occurred as recently as the 1990s. Yet English, the global lingua franca and Ireland’s second official language (with Irish), remains the dominant language of city life. Dublin is constitutionally bilingual, normatively monolingual, yet actually multilingual. Its historically evolved language policy and linguistic habitus matter to how we describe and discuss this (new) multilingual city. We apply a scalar lens to multilingualism in Dublin to show the vertical layering of language in two districts of economic activity, one regenerated from ‘above’, the other from ‘below’. We show how the city’s linguistic habitus, combined with the conditions of language and cultural diversification from the 1990s, serve to index languages in the urban environment. Some suggestions for further research are also made.
Pope John Paul II and the Neurological Standard for the Determination of Death: A Critical Analysis of his Address to the Transplantation Society
Authors: Nguyen Doyen 
Published: June 2017

The introduction of the “brain death” criterion constitutes a significant paradigm shift in the determination of death. The perception of the public at large is that the Catholic Church has formally endorsed this neurological standard. However, a critical reading of the only magisterial document on this subject, Pope John Paul II's 2000 address, shows that the pope's acceptance of the neurological criterion is conditional in that it entails a twofold requirement. It requires that certain medical presuppositions of the neurological standard are fulfilled, and that its philosophical premise coheres with the Church's teaching on the body-soul union. This article demonstrates that the medical presuppositions are not fulfilled, and that the doctrine of the brain as the central somatic integrator of the body does not cohere either with the current holistic understanding of the human organism or with the Church's Thomistic doctrine of the soul as the form of the body. Summary The concept of “brain death” (the neurological basis for legally declaring a person dead) has caused much controversy since its inception. In this regard, it has been generally perceived that the Catholic Church has officially affirmed the “brain death” criterion. The address of Pope John Paul II in 2000 shows, however, that he only gave it a conditional acceptance, one which requires that several medical and philosophical presuppositions of the “brain death” standard be fulfilled. This article demonstrates, taking into consideration both the empirical evidence and the Church's Thomistic anthropology, that the presuppositions have not been fulfilled.
PASTASpark: multiple sequence alignment meets Big Data
Authors: Abuín José M , Pena Tomás F , Pichel Juan C 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Motivation
One basic step in many bioinformatics analyses is the multiple sequence alignment. One of the state-of-the-art tools to perform multiple sequence alignment is PASTA (Practical Alignments using SATé and TrAnsitivity). PASTA supports multithreading but it is limited to process datasets on shared memory systems. In this work we introduce PASTASpark, a tool that uses the Big Data engine Apache Spark to boost the performance of the alignment phase of PASTA, which is the most expensive task in terms of time consumption.

Results
Speedups up to 10×  with respect to single-threaded PASTA were observed, which allows to process an ultra-large dataset of 200 000 sequences within the 24-h limit.

Availability and implementation
PASTASpark is an Open Source tool available at https://github.com/citiususc/pastaspark

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Predicting Perioperative Transfusion in Elective Hip and Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: To Josephine , Sinha Romi , Kim Susan W. , Robinson Kathryn , Kearney Brendon , Howie Donald , To Luen Bik 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Background
Preoperative anemia is a significant predictor of perioperative erythrocyte transfusion in elective arthroplasty patients. However, interactions with other patient and procedure characteristics predicting transfusion requirements have not been well studied.

Methods
Patients undergoing elective primary total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty at a tertiary hospital in Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, from January 2010 to June 2014 were used to identify preoperative predictors of perioperative transfusion. A logistic regression model was developed and externally validated with an independent data set from three other hospitals in Adelaide.

Results
Altogether, 737 adult patients in the derivation group and 653 patients in the validation group were included. Binary logistic regression modeling identified preoperative hemoglobin (odds ratio, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.59; P < 0.001 for each 1 g/dl increase), total hip arthroplasty (odds ratio, 3.56; 95% CI, 2.39 to 5.30; P < 0.001), and females 65 yr of age and older (odds ratio, 3.37; 95% CI, 1.88 to 6.04; P = 0.01) as predictors of transfusion in the derivation cohort.

Conclusions
Using a combination of patient-specific preoperative variables, this validated model can predict transfusion in patients undergoing elective hip and knee arthroplasty. The model may also help to identify patients whose need for transfusion may be decreased through preoperative hemoglobin optimization.
Use of Skin Biopsies Among Dermatologists
Authors: Weinstein David A. , Konda Sasank , Coldiron Brett M. 
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND
Skin biopsies are essential to establish a diagnosis in many skin diseases. Utilization has been increasing rapidly and represents a significant health care cost. There are no benchmarks or baselines to guide the practice of skin biopsies.

OBJECTIVE
To create a reference data set of biopsy behavior among dermatologists.

METHODS
Five hundred eighty-eight dermatologists belonging to the American Dermatological Association (ADA) were surveyed. Two hundred eighty-seven responded with 128 of those providing biopsy data.

RESULTS
The mean percentage of biopsies that were malignant was 44.5%. This varied by subspecialty with a mean of 41.7%, 57.4%, and 4.1% of biopsies performed by general dermatologists, Mohs micrographic surgeons, and pediatric dermatologists, respectively. By category or diagnosis, the biopsies were 22.7% basal cell carcinoma, 12.0% SCC, 10.2% benign neoplasms, 10.0% nevi, 8.0% actinic keratosis, 7.6% seborrheic keratosis, 7.5% inflammatory disorders, 6.1% SCC in situ, 5.3% dysplastic nevus, 5.1% benign skin, 1.5% melanoma in situ, 1.4% melanoma, 0.9% lentigines, 0.8% other malignancies, 0.6% infectious, 0.2% not otherwise specified, and 0.1% atypical lesions. There was a statistically significant difference in biopsy results between different dermatological subspecialties.

CONCLUSION
These results should help elucidate dermatologic practice patterns and thus create opportunities to improve dermatologic care and reduce health care costs.
Retrospective Evaluation of Topical Bimatoprost and Iris Pigmentation Change
Authors: Zaleski-Larsen Lisa A. , Ruth Nadine H. , Fabi Sabrina G. 
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND
Topical bimatoprost is a topical prostaglandin analog originally used to treat glaucoma and more recently used to cosmetically induce hypertrichosis of the eyelashes. Iris pigmentation change has been noted in the treatment of glaucoma but has not been assessed with the cosmetic periorbital application of bimatoprost.

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate for iris pigmentation change with the long-term cosmetic use of topical bimatoprost.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
A retrospective chart review in a cosmetic dermatology practice of women (N = 50) who consistently purchased topical bimatoprost over an average of 4.59 years was compared with that of age-matched non–bimatoprost patients (N = 50). A blinded evaluator assessed each patient for iris pigmentary change.

RESULTS
No iris pigmentation change was noted with the cutaneous application of bimatoprost.

CONCLUSION
The cutaneous application of bimatoprost appears to be safe with minimal risk for iris pigmentation change.
IMPROVING THE AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION CONSTRUCT
Authors: Spaide Richard F. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Previous models of disease in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were incomplete in that they did not encompass subretinal drusenoid deposits (pseudodrusen), subtypes of neovascularization, and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. In addition, Type 3 neovascularization starts in the retina and may not necessarily involve the choroid. As such, the term choroidal neovascularization is not appropriate for these eyes. The new aspects in the AMD construct are to include specific lipoprotein extracellular accumulations, namely drusen and subretinal drusenoid deposits, as early AMD. The deposition of specific types of deposit seems to be highly correlated with choroidal thickness and topographical location in the macula. Late AMD includes macular neovascularization or atrophy. The particular type of extracellular deposit is predictive of the future course of the patient. For example, eyes with subretinal drusenoid deposits have a propensity to develop outer retinal atrophy, complete outer retinal and retinal pigment epithelial atrophy, or Type 3 neovascularization as specific forms of late AMD. Given Type 3 neovascularization may never involve the choroid, the term macular neovascularization is suggested for the entire spectrum of neovascular disease in AMD. In contrast to older classification systems, the proposed system encompasses the relevant presentations of disease and more precisely predicts the future course of the patient. In doing so, the concept was developed that there may be genetic risk alleles, which are not necessarily the same alleles that influence disease expression.
STELLATE NONHEREDITARY IDIOPATHIC FOVEOMACULAR RETINOSCHISIS: RESPONSE TO TOPICAL DORZOLAMIDE THERAPY
Authors: Ajlan Radwan S. , Hammamji Karim S. 
Published: May 2017

Purpose:
To report the clinical course of a patient presenting with stellate nonhereditary idiopathic foveomacular retinoschisis (SNIFR) in response to topical Dorzolamide treatment.

Methods:
Case report, with multimodal imaging findings, including spectral domain optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography. Topical Dorzolamide Hydrochloride 2% drops were used three times per day in the affected eye.

Results:
We identified a 27-years-old male patient who presented with 1-week history of decreased vision in his left eye. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography of the affected eye showed macular splitting of the inner plexiform layer and outer plexiform layer involving the fovea with no other evidence of a hereditary or acquired predisposing condition. The patient was started on the topical treatment for 6 months with visual improvement from 20/40 to 20/30 in the left eye, after which the decision to stop topical dorzolamide therapy was made. On 3 months of follow-up, visual acuity decreased back to 20/40 in the left eye with an increase in retinal thickening on spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Topical dorzolamide was restarted three times per day in the left eye. At 1-year point after restarting treatment, visual acuity was 20/20 in the left eye, with resolved inner plexiform layer and outer plexiform layer splitting on spectral domain optical coherence tomography in the left eye.

Conclusion:
Stellate nonhereditary idiopathic foveomacular retinoschisis can be a devastating problem causing decrease in vision. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature to report the complete resolution of SNIFR in response to topical dorzolamide hydrochloride 2% therapy. Further prospective studies are vital to better elucidate our understanding of this new disease identity.