bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relative exposure to controller therapy and asthma exacerbations: a validation study in community pharmacies
Authors: Laforest Laurent , Licaj Idlir , Devouassoux Gilles , Chatté Gérard , Belhassen Manon , Van Ganse Eric , Chamba Geneviève 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTPurpose“Controllers‐to‐total asthma drug” ratios computed from claims data identify asthmatics at risk of exacerbations. Direct link of ratios to data obtained from patients, such as control and recent outcomes, would facilitate their interpretation. We studied the relationship between R1 ratio (inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)/total anti‐asthma drug ratio) and the Asthma Control Test. Comparisons were also conducted for secondary outcomes (asthma‐related hospital contacts, monthly medical contacts, use of oral corticosteroids, and perception of disease burden). Results with R1 ratio were compared with those obtained with a second ratio, “ICS‐plus‐leukotriene receptor antagonist/total asthma drug” (R2 = ICS + leukotriene receptor antagonist/total anti‐asthma drugs).MethodsA survey was conducted in community pharmacies. Patients visiting with a prescription of anti‐asthma drug and ≥12 months of drug dispensing recorded in the pharmacy were consecutively recruited. Dispensing data were linked to patient‐reported outcomes. Asthma control and secondary outcomes were compared for both ratios between low‐controller‐ratio (R < 50%) and high‐controller‐ratio groups (R ≥ 50%), after excluding null values.ResultsOf the 919 eligible patients (mean age 37 years, 55% women), 90.2% and 92.4% had non‐null values for R1 and R2, respectively. Compared with the low‐controller‐ratio groups, adjusted risks of being uncontrolled were significantly lower in the high‐controller‐ratio groups (RR = 0.64, 95%CI [0.54, 0.77] and RR = 0.57, 95%CI [0.47, 0.70], for R1 and R2 ratios, respectively). Likewise, fewer patients with secondary outcomes were observed in the high‐controller‐ratio groups, for both ratios.ConclusionAsthma was better controlled among patients with high controller ratios, along with fewer asthma‐related outcomes, for both R1 and R2 ratios. This confirms the utility of asthma/drug ratios in identifying patients at risk of exacerbations, notably in claims data. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ENDOMORPHISMS OF VERMA MODULES FOR RATIONAL CHEREDNIK ALGEBRAS
Authors: BELLAMY G. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
We study the endomorphism algebras of Verma modules for rational Cherednik algebras at t = 0. It is shown that, in many cases, these endomorphism algebras are quotients of the centre of the rational Cherednik algebra. Geometrically, they define Lagrangian subvarieties of the generalized Calogero–Moser space. In the introduction, we motivate our results by describing them in the context of derived intersections of Lagrangians.
Technoeconomic evaluation of bio-based styrene production by engineered Escherichia coli
Authors: Claypool Joshua T , Raman D Raj , Jarboe Laura R , Nielsen David R 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Styrene is an important commodity chemical used in polymers and resins, and is typically produced from the petrochemical feedstocks benzene and ethylene. Styrene has recently been produced biosynthetically for the first time using engineered Escherichia coli, and this bio-based route may represent a lower energy and renewable alternative to petroleum-derived styrene. However, the economics of such an approach has not yet been investigated. Using an early-stage technoeconomic evaluation tool, a preliminary economic analysis of bio-based styrene from C6-sugar feedstock has been conducted. Owing to styrene’s limited water solubility, it was assumed that the resulting fermentation broth would spontaneously form two immiscible liquid phases that could subsequently be decanted. Assuming current C6 sugar prices and industrially achievable biokinetic parameter values (e.g., product yield, specific growth rate), commercial-scale bio-based styrene has a minimum estimated selling price (MESP) of 1.90 USD kg−1 which is in the range of current styrene prices. A Monte Carlo analysis revealed a potentially large (0.45 USD kg−1) standard deviation in the MESP, while a sensitivity analysis showed feedstock price and overall yield as primary drivers of MESP.
Effects of topographic and edaphic conditions on alpine plant species distribution along a slope gradient on Mount Norikura, central Japan
Authors: Takahashi Koichi , Murayama Yoshinori 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis study examined the effects of topographic and edaphic conditions on alpine plant species distribution along a slope gradient on Mt. Norikura (3026 m a.s.l.), central Japan. Topographic and edaphic factors investigated at 40 plots were: slope inclination, ground surface texture, soil water content and soil inorganic nitrogen concentration (NO3‐N, NH4‐N). The topographic and edaphic factors changed with slope positions: slope inclination was steeper, soil texture was coarser, and soil water and inorganic nitrogen concentration decreased with increasing slope position. Five vegetation types were located along the slope gradient and related to two factor‐groups: (1) changes in soil water, NH4‐N, slope inclination along the slope gradient, and (2) ground surface texture. A tall herbaceous plant community developed at the low slope position, near tarns, with fine soil surface texture, high soil water and NH4‐N, while Dicentra peregrina dominated on an unstable rubble slope near the ridge top. The distribution of each species was predictable from the two factor‐groups. Although the five vegetation types were related to the two factor‐groups, responses to the two factor‐groups differed among species, even within the same vegetation type. Therefore, this study showed that the topography of the terrain largely regulated alpine plant distribution by affecting edaphic conditions, and that global warming may alter species composition by changing edaphic conditions.
The risk of inter‐specific competition in Australian short‐necked turtles
Authors: Spencer Ricky‐John , Georges Arthur , Lim Dorothy , Welsh Mick , Reid Adele M. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractFreshwater turtles are threatened globally; however, short‐necked turtles in Eastern Australia have been particularly successful in exploiting natural and man‐made permanent water bodies. The catchments of eastern Australia offer a unique opportunity to compare the diets of species in habitats where both genera co‐exist, but only one genus is usually locally dominant. We compared the diets of species ofEmyduraandMyuchelysandFlaviemysin inland and coastal catchments in eastern Australia to determine the breadth of diets. We also conducted a more in depth study of the ecology and habitat preferences of the Bellinger River Emydura (Emydura macquarii macquarii) andMyuchelys georgesi.We found that diets of short‐necked turtles on the east coast of Australia are separated by water conditions, and largely independent of species and location. Species ofMyuchelysandEmyduraare omnivorous. A high proportion of their food is from benthic macro‐invertebrate communities in clear water. Terrestrial invertebrates and filamentous algae are present more in the diets of species inhabiting turbid water. Competition between species ofEmyduraandMyuchelys/Flaviemysis likely to occur when in sympatry, because species ofEmyduracan adapt their diets to various habitats and water quality.Myuchelys georgesiis restricted to, but common in, the Bellinger River. Interspecific competition may occur betweenE. m. macquariiandM. georgesibecause of similar habitat preferences, diets and life histories.Emydura m. macquariiis not unique to the Bellinger River and hybridization with the endemicM. georgesiis a threatening process.
The flux of radionuclides in flowback fluid from shale gas exploitation
Authors: Almond S. , Clancy S. A. , Davies R. J. , Worrall F. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
This study considers the flux of radioactivity in flowback fluid from shale gas development in three areas: the Carboniferous, Bowland Shale, UK; the Silurian Shale, Poland; and the Carboniferous Barnett Shale, USA. The radioactive flux from these basins was estimated, given estimates of the number of wells developed or to be developed, the flowback volume per well and the concentration of K (potassium) and Ra (radium) in the flowback water. For comparative purposes, the range of concentration was itself considered within four scenarios for the concentration range of radioactive measured in each shale gas basin, the groundwater of the each shale gas basin, global groundwater and local surface water. The study found that (i) for the Barnett Shale and the Silurian Shale, Poland, the 1 % exceedance flux in flowback water was between seven and eight times that would be expected from local groundwater. However, for the Bowland Shale, UK, the 1 % exceedance flux (the flux that would only be expected to be exceeded 1 % of the time, i.e. a reasonable worst case scenario) in flowback water was 500 times that expected from local groundwater. (ii) In no scenario was the 1 % exceedance exposure greater than 1 mSv—the allowable annual exposure allowed for in the UK. (iii) The radioactive flux of per energy produced was lower for shale gas than for conventional oil and gas production, nuclear power production and electricity generated through burning coal.
Evidence for Safe Tourniquet Use in 500 Consecutive Upper Extremity Procedures
Authors: Drolet Brian C. , Okhah Zachary , Phillips Benjamin Z. , Christian Benjamin P. , Akelman Edward , Katarincic Julia , Schmidt Scott T. 
Published: June 2014

Background Although pneumatic tourniquets are widely used in upper extremity surgery, further evidence is needed to support their safe use. Excessive pressure and prolonged ischemic time can cause soft-tissue injury. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety of tourniquet use in a yearlong, consecutive series of patients. Methods A retrospective review of all patients who underwent upper extremity surgery by two board-certified hand surgeons over a 1-year period was performed. Demographic variables, comorbidities, and complications were noted along with tourniquet parameters, including application site, ischemic pressure, and time. Results A total 505 patients were included in the study because a tourniquet was used during their operation. Patients ranged in age from 3 months to 90 years old (mean 40.1 years). More than half of the population was overweight (mean body mass index (BMI) 27.1), and 77.1 % of adults had at least one cardiac risk factor. No immediate or delayed tourniquet-related injuries were identified. The average operative time was 35.9 min, with an average tourniquet time of 33.1 min. Tourniquet inflation pressure of 250 or 225 mmHg was utilized in 78 and 21 % of adult patients, respectively; no patients had a pressure setting exceeding 275 mmHg. Conclusion In this series of more than 500 operations, there were no immediate or delayed tourniquet-related events using parameters determined perioperatively by the attending surgeon. Tourniquet pressures of 250 mmHg or less in adult patients with less than 2 h of ischemic time appear to be safe, even in the elderly and patients with multiple medical comorbidities.
Multifactorial Approach to Biosurfactant Production by Adaptive Strain Candida tropicalis MTCC 230 in the Presence of Hydrocarbons
Authors: Verma Ashish , Gupta Neeraj , Verma Shiv Kr. , Das Mira Debnath 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIn this study, Candida tropicalis MTCC 230 was used to adapted in hydrocarbon along with glucose for biosurfactant production, showing diauxic growth during the production. Biosurfactant was characterized through TLC and FTIR analysis as surfactin, a lipopeptide. Process parameters were optimized one factor at a time, showing the highest emulsification index (%E24) at 54 %. The production of biosurfactant was enhanced by using biostatistically based experimental design with the interactive effect of different parameters. On the basis of Placket–Burman design, four factors, hydrocarbon, ammonium chloride, microelements and temperature are found to be significant (P < 0.05) for the production of biosurfactant. A second order polynomial regression model in central composite design estimated the maximum biosurfactant production in terms of the emulsification index (%E24). The optimum combination of different parameters for the biosurfactant production, obtained for hydrocarbon, ammonium chloride, microelements and temperature are 81.41 %, 1.63 (g/l), 1.69 (g/l) and 35.25 °C, respectively. The biosurfactant production was increased twofold after optimization and selection of interactive parameters by response surface methodology.
Re‐esterified Palm Oils, Compared to Native Palm Oil, do not Alter Fat Absorption, Postprandial Lipemia or Growth Performance in Broiler Chicks
Authors: Vilarrasa E. , Tres A. , Bayés‐García L. , Parella T. , Esteve‐Garcia E. , Barroeta A. C. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractRe‐esterified palm oils are obtained from the chemical esterification of palm acid oils (rich in free fatty acids) with glycerol, both economically interesting by‐products from oil refining and biodiesel industries, respectively. Thus, re‐esterified palm oils could be an economically interesting alternative to native palm oil in broiler chick diets. However, because they may have different physicochemical properties than have their corresponding native oil, we assessed the effect of fatty acid (FA) positional distribution within acylglycerol molecules and the effect of acylglycerol composition on FA apparent absorption, and their possible consequences on the evolution of postprandial lipemia and growth performance in broiler chicks. Seventy‐two 1‐day‐old female broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 18 cages. The three treatments used were the result of a basal diet supplemented with 6 wt% of native palm oil (N‐TAG), re‐esterified palm oil (E‐TAG), or re‐esterified palm oil high in mono‐ and diacylglycerols (E‐MDAG). Chemical esterification raised the fraction of palmitic acid at the sn‐2 position from 9.63 mol% in N‐TAG oil to 17.9 mol% in E‐TAG oil. Furthermore, E‐MDAG oil presented a high proportion of mono‐ (23.1 wt%) and diacylglycerols (51.2 wt%), with FA mainly located at the sn‐1,3 positions, which resulted in a lower gross‐energy content and an increased solid‐fat index at the chicken's body temperature. However, re‐esterified palm oils did not alter fat absorption, postprandial lipemia, or growth performance, compared to native palm oil, so they can be used as alternative fat sources in broiler chick diets.
Sterol and Fatty Acid Compositions of Olive Oil as an Indicator of Cultivar and Growing Area
Authors: Noorali Mehri , Barzegar Mohsen , Sahari Mohammad Ali 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBecause of the importance of cultivar and growing area on the quality and quantity of extracted olive oil, this study examined the effects of two different growing areas (Qom (subdesertic) and Gorgan (Caspian zone) that have important differences in altitude, latitude, and climatic conditions on the physicochemical characteristics of extracted oils from three common cultivars (Beleydi, Mission and Koroneiki) growing in Iran. Independently of the growing area conditions, Beleydi cultivars showed the lowest values of oil content (16.93 ± 1.55 and 43.54 ± 0.18 % in Qom and Gorgan, respectively) the greatest acidity, even higher than the limits specified by the International Olive Council (IOC) regulations (1.04 and 0.46 % in Qom and Gorgan, respectively), and the lowest oxidative stability (9.0 and 6.7 h in Qom and Gorgan, respectively) among the studied cultivars. All cultivars growing in Qom had lower oil contents, but they had higher oleic acid and β‐sitosterol content and lower PUFA/SFA ratios in comparison with cultivars grown in Gorgan. Therefore, cultivars grown in Qom had higher oxidative stability. Finally, when principal component analysis (PCA) was applied, the fatty acid and sterol profiles could be used to separate olive samples according to their cultivar and growing area, respectively.
Approach and avoidant emotion regulation prevent depressive symptoms in children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Rieffe Carolien , De Bruine Marieke , De Rooij Mark , Stockmann Lex 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe prevalence of depression is high in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), but its etiology has not yet been studied in this group. Emotion dysregulation is a well‐known contributor to the development of depression in typically developing (TD) children, which might also apply to children with ASD. In this study, we examined the longitudinal relationship between three different ways of emotion regulation (approach, avoidance and worry/rumination) and depressive symptoms in children with ASD and a group of TD children which were compatible with the ASD group (age 9–15‐years old). Children filled out self‐report questionnaires at 3 time points (with a 9‐month break between each session). To account for missing data multiple imputations were used. A regression model with clustered bootstrapping was used to establish which factors contributed to depression and to identify possible differences between the ASD and TD group. Approach and avoidant strategies prevented the development of depressive symptoms in both respective groups, whereas elevated levels of worry/rumination in turn increased children's depressive symptoms. Besides differences in absolute levels (children with ASD scored higher on symptoms of depression and lower on approach strategies than the TD group), no other differences between the groups emerged.
Computational analysis of image‐based drug profiling predicts synergistic drug combinations: Applications in triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Brandl Miriam B. , Pasquier Eddy , Li Fuhai , Beck Dominik , Zhang Sufang , Zhao Hong , Kavallaris Maria , Wong Stephen T.C. 
Published: June 2014

An imaged‐based profiling and analysis system was developed to predict clinically effective synergistic drug combinations that could accelerate the identification of effective multi‐drug therapies for the treatment of triple‐negative breast cancer and other challenging malignancies. The identification of effective drug combinations for the treatment of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) was achieved by integrating high‐content screening, computational analysis, and experimental biology. The approach was based on altered cellular phenotypes induced by 55 FDA‐approved drugs and biologically active compounds, acquired using fluorescence microscopy and retained in multivariate compound profiles. Dissimilarities between compound profiles guided the identification of 5 combinations, which were assessed for qualitative interaction on TNBC cell growth. The combination of the microtubule‐targeting drug vinblastine with KSP/Eg5 motor protein inhibitors monastrol or ispinesib showed potent synergism in 3 independent TNBC cell lines, which was not substantiated in normal fibroblasts. The synergistic interaction was mediated by an increase in mitotic arrest with cells demonstrating typical ispinesib‐induced monopolar mitotic spindles, which translated into enhanced apoptosis induction. The antitumour activity of the combination vinblastine/ispinesib was confirmed in an orthotopic mouse model of TNBC. Compared to single drug treatment, combination treatment significantly reduced tumour growth without causing increased toxicity. Image‐based profiling and analysis led to the rapid discovery of a drug combination effective against TNBC in vitro and in vivo, and has the potential to lead to the development of new therapeutic options in other hard‐to‐treat cancers.
Gambling: an Irish perspective
Authors: Subramanian N. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractGambling legislation in Ireland has not been amended for the last several decades. The proposed Gambling Control Bill 2013 provides the opportunity to enact a bill in accordance with the current trends in gambling. The classification of Gambling Disorder in DSM 5 under Substance Use Disorders in 2013 highlights the addiction potential of gambling and the perils associated with the same. This editorial discusses the prevalence of gambling disorders, its societal implications, mental health conditions co-morbid with gambling disorders, screening tools available for gambling disorders, and the treatment options available for gambling disorders at present. Furthermore, factors to be considered before enacting the proposed Gambling Control Bill 2013 into legislation have also been discussed.
Clinical Experience in Late Antiquity: Alexander of Tralles and the Therapy of Epilepsy
Authors: Bouras-vallianatos Petros 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAlexander of Tralles, writing in the late sixth century, combined his wide-ranging practical knowledge with earlier medical theories. This article shows how clinical experience is used in Alexander’s works by concentrating on his therapeutic advice on epilepsy and, in particular, on pharmacology and the group of so-called natural remedies. I argue that clinical testing is used not only for the introduction of new medicines but also as an instrument for checking the therapeutic effect of popular healing practices. On another level, this article discusses Alexander’s role as the author of a medical compendium; it suggests that by marking the cases of clinical testing with a set of recurrent expressions, Alexander leads his audience to reflect on his medical authority and personal contribution.
Making Modern Migraine Medieval: Men of Science, Hildegard of Bingen and the Life of a Retrospective Diagnosis
Authors: Foxhall Katherine 
Published: June 2014

AbstractCharles Singer’s retrospective diagnosis of Hildegard of Bingen as a migraine sufferer, first made in 1913, has become commonly accepted. This article uses Hildegard as a case study to shift our focus from a polarised debate about the merits or otherwise of retrospective diagnosis, to examine instead what happens when diagnoses take on lives of their own. It argues that simply championing or rejecting retrospective diagnosis is not enough; that we need instead to appreciate how, at the moment of creation, a diagnosis reflects the significance of particular medical signs and theories in historical context and how, when and why such diagnoses can come to do meaningful work when subsequently mobilised as scientific ‘fact’. This article first traces the emergence of a new formulation of migraine in the nineteenth century, then shows how this context enabled Singer to retrospectively diagnose Hildegard’s migraine and finally examines some of the ways in which this idea has gained popular and academic currency in the second half of the twentieth century. The case of Hildegard’s migraine reminds us of the need to historicise scientific evidence just as rigorously as we historicise our other material and it exposes the cumulative methodological problems that can occur when historians use science, and scientists use history on a casual basis.