bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Absence of airway inflammation in a large proportion of adolescents with asthma
Authors: Brooks Collin R. , van Dalen Christine J. , Zacharasiewicz Angela , Simpson Jodie L. , Harper Jacquie L. , Le Gros Graham , Gibson Peter G. , Pearce Neil , Douwes Jeroen 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackground and objectiveNeutrophilic inflammation has been implicated in non‐eosinophilic asthma (NEA) in adults, but little is known about NEA in children/adolescents. We assessed clinical and inflammatory characteristics of NEA in adolescent asthma.MethodsAirway inflammation, sputum endotoxin, airway hyper‐reactivity, atopy and lung function were assessed in 77 adolescents with asthma and 68 without asthma (12–17 years). Asthma was identified on the basis of wheeze and asthma history.ResultsThe proportion of NEA (sputum eosinophils <2.5%) was 54%. In this group, atopy, sputum neutrophil, eosinophil, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), endotoxin, neutrophil elastase and IL‐8 levels were not different from those without asthma. In contrast, eosinophilic asthma (EA) was associated with atopy and sputum ECP and IL‐8. The majority of NEA had no evidence of inflammation; only 14% had neutrophilia (≥61% neutrophils), compared with 11% of EA, and 15% of those without asthma. Small differences in FEV1 (NS) were found between EA and NEA, but symptom prevalence and severity was not different (63% of EA and 52% of NEA were classified moderate to severe).ConclusionNEA is common in adolescent asthma and has similar clinical characteristics as EA. Neutrophils do not appear to play a role in NEA in adolescents, and underlying mechanisms may not involve airway inflammation.
Vibrational Spectroscopic Study for Qualitative Assessment of Mn‐oxide Ore
Authors: Pani Swatirupa , Singh Saroj K. , Mohapatra Birendra K. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractManganese oxide ore from the Bonai‐Keonjhar belt of Odisha, India, has been qualitatively assessed through Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. Three categories of ore, namely, high‐grade (MnO2: >72%), medium‐grade (MnO2: 55‐72%) and low‐grade (MnO2:40‐55%) from four mine profiles, Purnapani, Joda West, Khandbandh and Bamebariwere, were collected and subjected to vibrational spectroscopic studies. The use of Raman analysis in the microscopic configuration allowed the spectra to be taken at different points on the polished ore. Besides the Raman features of the ß‐MnO2(Pyrolusite) phases, other signals were assigned to isolated FeO ions accommodated in vacancies and to some aluminium silicates. The three grades of ore show different Raman spectra. The FTIR spectra also exhibit contrasting pattern in different grade sample and support these findings. This study demonstrates the use of vibrational spectroscopy to assess the quality of Mn‐oxide ore that could provide a substitute to cumbersome wet chemical analysis
Experimental Determination of Inflatable, Braided Tube Constitutive Properties
Authors: Clapp J. D. , Davids W. G. , Goupee A. J. , Young A. C. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe primary objective of this study was to conduct constitutive tests of relatively large diameter inflatable, braided fabric tubes at different inflation pressures and braid angles in order to quantify the longitudinal modulus, in‐plane shear modulus and effective lamina stiffness properties. The stiffness properties quantified here are of high interest because the same braided fabric tubes have been used in the construction of test articles for a major, multi‐year, ground based test campaign led by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration. These properties are also input directly into high‐fidelity yet computationally intensive 3D shell‐based finite‐element simulations of the large, inflatable structures. Experimental methods employed during this study included tension–torsion testing, uniaxial tension testing of individual fibre tows, and uniaxial tension testing of gas bladder coupons. Digital image correlation was used to measure all of the geometric information that is necessary to perform netting theory calculations. The test results indicate that fabric in‐plane shear modulus is highly dependent on both braid angle and inflation pressure, but that longitudinal stiffness is quite small and relatively unaffected by braid angle and pressure. In addition to advancing the state‐of‐the art in experimental constitutive property determination of inflatable, braided fabric, this study includes the development of a method to back calculate lamina properties from the experimental results that are suitable for use as input to commonly used finite‐element programmes. The digital image correlation data revealed spatial variation of shear strain that was important to consider when computing the gross shear stiffness. Digital image correlation data also captured the braid surface flattening with increasing inflation pressure, which supports the fibre de‐crimping theory.
Climate Justice: High‐Status Ingroup Social Models Increase Pro‐Environmental Action Through Making Actions Seem More Moral
Authors: Sweetman Joseph , Whitmarsh Lorraine E. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractRecent work has suggested that our cognitive biases and moral psychology may pose significant barriers to tackling climate change. Here, we report evidence that through status and group‐based social influence processes, and our moral sense of justice, it may be possible to employ such characteristics of the human mind in efforts to engender pro‐environmental action. We draw on applied work demonstrating the efficacy of social modeling techniques in order to examine the indirect effects of social model status and group membership (through perceptions of efficacy, pro‐environmental social identity and moral judgments of how fair it is for individuals to perform particular pro‐environmental actions) on pro‐environmental action tendencies. We find evidence that high‐ (vs. low‐) status models increase pro‐environmental action, in part, through making such actions seem morally fairer to undertake. This effect of high‐status models only occurs when they share a meaningful ingroup membership with the target of influence. Further, we find evidence that this conditional effect of high‐status models may also have a direct impact on action tendencies. While the exact behaviors that are influenced may vary across student and non‐student samples, we argue that a focus on the “justice pathway” to action and the social‐cognitive features of models may offer a good opportunity for cognitive and behavioral scientists to integrate insights from basic research with those stemming from more applied research efforts.
Practice of transfusing D‐positive platelets in D‐negative recipients – a reappraisal (POINT‐R)
Authors: Dara R. C. , Tiwari A. K. , Arora D. , Aggarwal G. , Acharya D. , Raina V. 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundMany centres provide D‐mismatched platelet transfusions. Platelet concentrates may contain enough red cells leading to the formation of anti‐D antibody in D‐negative recipient. In resource‐poor settings, random donor platelet concentrate (RDPC) is used often and carries higher risk of alloimmunization. At our institution, platelets are transfused across the ABO and Rh blood group barrier without any RhIG immunoprophylaxis. In this study, we retrospectively appraised alloimmunization after D‐positive platelet transfusion in D‐negative patients.Materials and MethodsSingle‐centre 5‐year data were collected from Hospital Information System (HIS) for D‐negative patients who received D‐positive platelet transfusions. Naive patients who had neither pre‐existing antibody nor received D‐positive platelet transfusion before admission were included. Those who had repeat antibody screening at least 28 days after D‐positive platelet transfusion were considered.ResultsA total of 332 D‐negative patients who received 1996 D‐positive platelet transfusions were analysed. Median follow‐up was 7 weeks (range = 4–90). Anti‐D was detected in three (0·9%) D‐negative patients at 5, 8 and 24 weeks after receiving D‐positive platelet transfusions. Two of these patients received RDPCs and one received both RDPCs and single donor platelet concentrates.ConclusionD‐positive platelet transfusion to D‐negative patients seems an acceptable practice as only 0·9% patients developed anti‐D antibody.
A Single-Amino-Acid Substitution in Obg Activates a New Programmed Cell Death Pathway in Escherichia coli
Authors: Dewachter Liselot , Verstraeten Natalie , Monteyne Daniel , Kint Cyrielle Ines , Versées Wim , Pérez-Morga David , Michiels Jan , Fauvart Maarten 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT

Programmed cell death (PCD) is an important hallmark of multicellular organisms. Cells self-destruct through a regulated series of events for the benefit of the organism as a whole. The existence of PCD in bacteria has long been controversial due to the widely held belief that only multicellular organisms would profit from this kind of altruistic behavior at the cellular level. However, over the past decade, compelling experimental evidence has established the existence of such pathways in bacteria. Here, we report that expression of a mutant isoform of the essential GTPase ObgE causes rapid loss of viability in
Escherichia coli
. The physiological changes that occur upon expression of this mutant protein—including loss of membrane potential, chromosome condensation and fragmentation, exposure of phosphatidylserine on the cell surface, and membrane blebbing—point to a PCD mechanism. Importantly, key regulators and executioners of known bacterial PCD pathways were shown not to influence this cell death program. Collectively, our results suggest that the cell death pathway described in this work constitutes a new mode of bacterial PCD.

IMPORTANCE
Programmed cell death (PCD) is a well-known phenomenon in higher eukaryotes. In these organisms, PCD is essential for embryonic development—for example, the disappearance of the interdigital web—and also functions in tissue homeostasis and elimination of pathogen-invaded cells. The existence of PCD mechanisms in unicellular organisms like bacteria, on the other hand, has only recently begun to be recognized. We here demonstrate the existence of a bacterial PCD pathway that induces characteristics that are strikingly reminiscent of eukaryotic apoptosis, such as fragmentation of DNA, exposure of phosphatidylserine on the cell surface, and membrane blebbing. Our results can provide more insight into the mechanism and evolution of PCD pathways in higher eukaryotes. More importantly, especially in the light of the looming antibiotic crisis, they may point to a bacterial Achilles’ heel and can inspire innovative ways of combating bacterial infections, directed at the targeted activation of PCD pathways.
Subcutaneous fat patterning in athletes: selection of appropriate sites and standardisation of a novel ultrasound measurement technique: ad hoc working group on body composition, health and performance, under the auspices of the IOC Medical Commission
Authors: Müller Wolfram , Lohman Timothy G , Stewart Arthur D , Maughan Ronald J , Meyer Nanna L , Sardinha Luis B , Kirihennedige Nuwanee , Reguant-Closa Alba , Risoul-Salas Vanessa , Sundgot-Borgen Jorunn , Ahammer Helmut , Anderhuber Friedrich , Fürhapter-Rieger Alfred , Kainz Philipp , Materna Wilfried , Pilsl Ulrike , Pirstinger Wolfram , Ackland Timothy R 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundPrecise and accurate field methods for body composition analyses in athletes are needed urgently.AimStandardisation of a novel ultrasound (US) technique for accurate and reliable measurement of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT).MethodsThree observers captured US images of uncompressed SAT in 12 athletes and applied a semiautomatic evaluation algorithm for multiple SAT measurements.ResultsEight new sites are recommended: upper abdomen, lower abdomen, erector spinae, distal triceps, brachioradialis, lateral thigh, front thigh, medial calf. Obtainable accuracy was 0.2 mm (18 MHz probe; speed of sound: 1450 m/s). Reliability of SAT thickness sums (N=36): R2=0.998, SEE=0.55 mm, ICC (95% CI) 0.998 (0.994 to 0.999); observer differences from their mean: 95% of the SAT thickness sums were within ±1 mm (sums of SAT thicknesses ranged from 10 to 50 mm). Embedded fibrous tissues were also measured.ConclusionsA minimum of eight sites is suggested to accommodate inter-individual differences in SAT patterning. All sites overlie muscle with a clearly visible fascia, which eases the acquisition of clear images and the marking of these sites takes only a few minutes. This US method reaches the fundamental accuracy and precision limits for SAT measurements given by tissue plasticity and furrowed borders, provided the measurers are trained appropriately.
Sidecut radius and the mechanics of turning—equipment designed to reduce risk of severe traumatic knee injuries in alpine giant slalom ski racing
Authors: Spörri Jörg , Kröll Josef , Gilgien Matthias , Müller Erich 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundThere is limited empirical knowledge about the effect of ski geometry, particularly in the context of injury prevention in alpine ski racing. We investigated the effect of sidecut radius on biomechanical variables related to the mechanics of turning.MethodsDuring a field experiment, six European Cup level athletes skied on three different pairs of giant slalom (GS) skis varying in sidecut radii (30 m, 35 m and 40 m). Using a video-based three-dimensional (3D) kinematic system, a 22-point body segment model of the athletes was reconstructed in 3D, and the variables ground reaction force, centre of mass (COM) speed, COM turn radius, ski turn radius, edge angle, fore/aft position and skid angle were calculated.ResultsWhile steering out of the fall line after gate passage, ground reaction force significantly differed between the 30 m and 40 m skis and between the 35 m and 40 m skis. These differences were mainly explainable by larger COM turn radii when skiing on the 40 m ski. During the same turn phase, significant differences in ski turn radius also were found, but there were no differences in edge angle, fore/aft position and skid angle.SummaryThe sidecut-induced reduction in ground reaction force and the sidecut-induced increase in centre of mass and ski turn radius observed in this study provides indirect evidence of reduced self-steering of the ski. Self-steering plays a central role in the mechanism of anterior cruciate ligament rupture in alpine ski racing.
Effectiveness of systems changes suggested by simulation of adverse surgical outcomes
Authors: Garstka Meghan E , Slakey Douglas P , Martin Christopher A , Simms Eric R , Korndorffer James R 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundSimulation of adverse outcomes (SAO) has been described as a technique to improve effectiveness of root cause analysis (RCA) in healthcare. We hypothesise that SAO can effectively identify unsuspected root causes amenable to systems changes.MethodsSystems changes were developed and tested for effectiveness in a modified simulation, which was performed eight times, recorded and analysed.ResultsIn seven of eight simulations, systems changes were effectively utilised by participants, who contacted anaesthesia using the number list and telephone provided to express concern. In six of seven simulations where anaesthesia was contacted, they provided care that avoided the adverse event. In two simulations, the adverse event transpired despite implemented systems changes, but for different reasons than originally identified. In one case, appropriate personnel were contacted but did not provide the direction necessary to avoid the adverse event, and in one case, the telephone malfunctioned.ConclusionsSystems changes suggested by SAO can effectively correct deficiencies and help improve outcomes, although adverse events can occur despite implementation. Further study of systems concepts may provide suggestions for changes that function more reliably in complex healthcare systems. The information gathered from these simulations can be used to identify potential deficiencies, prevent future errors and improve patient safety.
Selective X-Sensitive Analysis Guided by Impact Pre-Analysis
Authors: Oh Hakjoo , Lee Wonchan , Heo Kihong , Yang Hongseok , Yi Kwangkeun 
Published: December 2015

We present a method for selectively applying context-sensitivity during interprocedural program analysis. Our method applies context-sensitivity only when and where doing so is likely to improve the precision that matters for resolving given queries. The idea is to use a pre-analysis to estimate the impact of context-sensitivity on the main analysis’s precision, and to use this information to find out when and where the main analysis should turn on or off its context-sensitivity. We formalize this approach and prove that the analysis always benefits from the pre-analysis--guided context-sensitivity. We implemented this selective method for an existing industrial-strength interval analyzer for full C. The method reduced the number of (false) alarms by 24.4% while increasing the analysis cost by 27.8% on average.
The use of the selective method is not limited to context-sensitivity. We demonstrate this generality by following the same principle and developing a selective relational analysis and a selective flow-sensitive analysis. Our experiments show that the method cost-effectively improves the precision in the these analyses as well.
Uncoupling of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in Perivascular Adipose Tissue of Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Xia Ning , Horke Sven , Habermeier Alice , Closs Ellen I. , Reifenberg Gisela , Gericke Adrian , Mikhed Yuliya , Münzel Thomas , Daiber Andreas , Förstermann Ulrich , Li Huige 
Published: December 2015

Objective—
The present study was conducted to investigate the contribution of perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) to vascular dysfunction in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity.

Approach and Results—

Obesity was induced in male C57BL/6J mice with a high-fat diet for 20 weeks, and vascular function was studied with myograph. In PVAT-free aortas isolated from obese mice, the endothelium-dependent, nitric oxide–mediated vasodilator response to acetylcholine remained normal. In contrast, a clear reduction in the vasodilator response to acetylcholine was observed in aortas from obese mice when PVAT was left in place. Adipocytes in PVAT were clearly positive in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) staining, and PVAT nitric oxide production was significantly reduced in obese mice. High-fat diet had no effect on eNOS expression but led to eNOS uncoupling, evidenced by diminished superoxide production in PVAT after eNOS inhibition. As mechanisms for eNOS uncoupling, arginase induction and
l
-arginine deficiency were observed in PVAT. Obesity-induced vascular dysfunction could be reversed by ex vivo
l
-arginine treatment and arginase inhibition.

Conclusions—

Diet-induced obesity leads to
l
-arginine deficiency and eNOS uncoupling in PVAT. The combination therapy with
l
-arginine and arginase inhibitors may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for obesity-induced vascular disease.
Serum Ferritin Relates to Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Offspring of Fathers With Higher Serum Ferritin Levels
Authors: Prats-Puig Anna , Moreno María , Carreras-Badosa Gemma , Bassols Judit , Ricart Wifredo , López-Bermejo Abel , Fernández-Real José Manuel 
Published: December 2015

Objective—
Body iron status has been linked to atherosclerosis in adults. The purposes of our study were to determine (1) the association between circulating ferritin levels and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in a cohort of apparently healthy children and (2) the association between cIMT and parental ferritin levels.

Approach and Results—

Circulating ferritin levels (microparticle enzyme immunoassay), metabolic parameters, and cIMT (ultrasonography) were analyzed cross-sectionally in a cohort of 692 healthy white children with a mean age of 8±2 years (52% girls and 48% boys). In consecutive 123 children from the cross-sectional sample, the same serum assessments were also performed at baseline in their parents, and the cIMT was repeated after 3 years of follow-up in the children at a mean age of 11±2 years (53% girls and 47% boys). Weak but significant positive associations were evident between children’s circulating ferritin levels and cIMT (
r
=0.123;
P
=0.001) and with the change in cIMT 3 years later a tendency was also observed (
r
=0.185;
P
=0.048). In multiple regression analyses, circulating ferritin levels contributed independently to cIMT variance (β=0.090;
P
=0.026;
R
2
=10%) and cIMT change variance (β=0.216;
P
=0.019;
R
2
= 3.4%) after controlling for body mass index, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, age, sex, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels. This association was, however, remarkably significant (β=0.509;
P
=0.001;
R
2
= 20.4%) in children whose fathers had ferritin levels above the median value (122.5 ng/mL).The latter association remained significant after correction for multiple testing. Maternal’s ferritin levels showed no interaction in this association.

Conclusions—
These results suggest a paternal-specific effect on cIMT partially reflected by father’s ferritin levels.
Identification of an Amino Acid Residue Critical for Plasma Membrane Localization of ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter G1—Brief Report
Authors: Gu Hong-mei , Wang Faqi , Alabi Adekunle , Deng Shijun , Qin Shucun , Zhang Da-wei 
Published: December 2015

Objective—
ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1) mediates cholesterol efflux to lipidated lipoproteins. Conflicting data about cellular localization of ABCG1 and its effect on cholesterol efflux have been reported. Here, we investigated the underlying mechanisms for these different observations.

Approach and Results—
Confocal microscopy and biotinylation were used to assess cell surface localization of ABCG1. We found that mouse ABCG1 (mABCG1) used in one previous study has a substitution of Leu to Pro at position 550 (mG1-L550P). When the corresponding Leu at position 562 in human ABCG1 (hABCG1) was mutated to Pro (hG1-L562P), the mutant hABCG1, like mG1-L550P, mainly resided intracellularly, whereas wild-type mABCG1 and hABCG1 were localized on the plasma membrane. However, replacement of this Leu with Pro had no significant effect on mABCG1- and hABCG1-mediated cholesterol efflux.

Conclusions—
Leu at position 550/562 in mABCG1/hABCG1 is critical for their plasma membrane localization but not for ABCG1-mediated cholesterol efflux. Our findings indicate that the substitution of Leu to Pro at position 550 in mABCG1 may contribute to the non–cell surface localization of mABCG1 observed in the previous study.