bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is parent–child bed-sharing a risk for wheezing and asthma in early childhood?
Authors: Luijk Maartje P.C.M. , Sonnenschein-van der Voort Agnes M.M. , Mileva-Seitz Viara R. , Jansen Pauline W. , Verhulst Frank C. , Hofman Albert , Jaddoe Vincent W.V. , de Jongste Johan C. , van IJzendoorn Marinus H. , Duijts Liesbeth , Tiemeier Henning 
Published: December 2014

Household crowding can place young children at risk for respiratory infections which subsequently provoke asthma symptoms. However, crowding might also protect against asthma, in accordance with the hygiene hypothesis. We tested if parent–infant bed-sharing, an important dimension of household crowding, increases or decreases the risk for asthma.In a population-based prospective cohort (N = 6160) we assessed bed-sharing at 2 and 24 months; wheezing between 1 and 6 years of age; and asthma at 6 years of age. Generalised estimating equation models were used to assess repeated measures of wheezing and asthma.We found no association between bed-sharing in early infancy and wheezing or diagnosis of asthma. By contrast, we found a positive association between bed-sharing in toddlerhood and both wheezing (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.15–1.74) and asthma (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.03–2.38). Wheezing was not associated with bed-sharing when using cross-lagged modelling.This study suggests that bed-sharing in toddlerhood is associated with an increased risk of asthma at later ages, and notvice versa. Further studies are needed to explore the underlying causal mechanisms.
Right ventricular reserve in a piglet model of chronic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Guihaire Julien , Haddad François , Noly Pierre-Emmanuel , Boulate David , Decante Benoit , Dartevelle Philippe , Humbert Marc , Verhoye Jean-Philippe , Mercier Olaf , Fadel Elie 
Published: December 2014

Right ventricular (RV) response to exercise or pharmacological stress is not well documented in pulmonary hypertension (PH). We investigated the relationship between RV reserve and ventricular–arterial coupling.Surgical ligation of the left pulmonary artery was performed in 13 Large White piglets (PH group), thereafter weekly embolisations of the right lower lobe were performed for 5 weeks. A control group of six piglets underwent sham procedures. Right heart catheterisation and echocardiography were performed at week 6. Pressure–volume loops were recorded before and after dobutamine infusion.Induction of experimental PH resulted in a higher mean±sdpulmonary artery pressure (34±9versus14±2 mmHg; p<0.01) and in a lower ventricular–arterial coupling efficiency (0.66±0.18versus1.24±0.17; p<0.01) compared with controls at 6 weeks. Dobutamine-induced relative changes in RV stroke volume index (SVI) and end-systolic elastance were lower in the PH group (mean±sd47±5%versus20±5%, p<0.01, and 81±37%versus32±14%, p<0.01, respectively). Change in SVI was strongly associated with resting ventricular–arterial coupling (R2=0.74; p<0.01).RV reserve was associated with ventricular–arterial coupling in a porcine model of chronic pressure overload.
Asthma inhaler adherence determinants in adults: systematic review of observational data
Authors: Dima Alexandra L. , Hernandez Gimena , Cunillera Oriol , Ferrer Montserrat , de Bruin Marijn ,   the ASTRO-LAB group
Published: December 2014

Nonadherence to inhaled medication leads to poor asthma control and increased healthcare utilisation. Many studies exploring adherence determinants have been conducted, but summaries of the evidence are scarce. We performed a systematic review of observational research on determinants of asthma inhaler adherence among adults.We searched for articles in English reporting quantitative observational studies on inhaler adherence correlates among adults in developed countries, published in EMBASE, Medline, PsychInfo and PsychArticles in 1990–2014. Two coders independently assessed eligibility and extracted data, and assessed study quality. Results were summarised qualitatively into social and economic, and healthcare-, therapy-, condition- and patient-related factors.The 51 studies included mainly examined patient-related factors and found consistent links between adherence and stronger inhaler-necessity beliefs, and possibly older age. There was limited evidence on the relevance of other determinants, partly due to study heterogeneity regarding the types of determinants examined. Methodological quality varied considerably and studies performed generally poorly on their definitions of variables and measures, risk of bias, sample size and data analysis.A broader adoption of common methodological standards and health behaviour theories is needed before cumulative science on the determinants of adherence to asthma inhalers among adults can develop further.
Some results for demimartingales and N-demimartingales
Authors: Dai Pingping , Shen Yan , Hu Shuhe , Yang Wenzhi 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
In this paper, we obtain some results such as maximal and minimal type inequalities for demisubmartingales and demimartingales. Meanwhile, by giving an example, we point out that the Chow type maximal inequality of N-demimartingales is not true, which affects some maximal type inequalities for N-demimartingales.

MSC:60E15, 60F15.
Regularized hybrid iterative algorithms for triple hierarchical variational inequalities
Authors: Ceng Lu-Chuan , Wong Ngai-Ching , Yao Jen-Chih 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce and study a triple hierarchical variational inequality (THVI) with constraints of minimization and equilibrium problems. More precisely, letFix(T)be the fixed point set of a nonexpansive mapping, letMEP(Θ,φ)be the solution set of a mixed equilibrium problem (MEP), and letΓbe the solution set of a minimization problem (MP) for a convex and continuously Frechet differential functional in Hilbert spaces. We want to find a solutionx∗∈Fix(T)∩MEP(Θ,φ)∩Γof a variational inequality with a variational inequality constraint over the intersection ofFix(T),MEP(Θ,φ), andΓ. We propose a hybrid iterative algorithm with regularization to compute approximate solutions of the THVI, and we present the convergence analysis of the proposed iterative algorithm.MSC:49J40, 47J20, 47H10, 65K05, 47H09.
Forced oscillation of second-order differential equations with mixed nonlinearities
Authors: Wang Yongfang , Li Tongxing , Thandapani Ethiraju 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
We study oscillatory behavior of a class of second-order forced differential equations with mixed nonlinearities. Some new oscillation theorems are presented that improve and complement those related results given in the literature. An example is provided to illustrate the main results.

MSC:34K11.
Doping concentration dependence of microstructure and magnetic behaviours in Co-doped TiO2 nanorods
Authors: Tseng Li-Ting , Luo Xi , Tan Thiam Teck , Li Sean , Yi Jiabao 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Co-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanorods with different doping concentrations were fabricated by a molten salt method. It is found that the morphology of TiO2 changes from nanorods to nanoparticles with increasing doping concentration. The mechanism for the structure and phase evolution is investigated in detail. Undoped TiO2 nanorods show strong ferromagnetism at room temperature, whereas incorporating of Co deteriorates the ferromagnetic ordering. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron spin resonance (ESR) results demonstrate that the ferromagnetism is associated with Ti vacancy.
Electrophysical behavior of ion-conductive organic-inorganic polymer system based on aliphatic epoxy resin and salt of lithium perchlorate
Authors: Matkovska Liubov , Iurzhenko Maksym , Mamunya Yevgen , Matkovska Olga , Demchenko Valeriy , Lebedev Eugene , Boiteux Gisele , Serghei Anatoli 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn the present work, ion-conductive hybrid organic-inorganic polymers based on epoxy oligomer of diglycide aliphatic ester of polyethylene glycol (DEG) and lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) were synthesized. The effect of LiClO4content on the electrophysical properties of epoxy polymers has been studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS). The effect of LiClO4content on the structure has been studied by wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). It was found that LiClO4impacts on the structure of the synthesized hybrid epoxy polymers, probably, by formation of coordinative complexes {ether oxygen-lithium cations-ether oxygen} as evidenced from a significant increase in their glass transition temperatures with increasing LiClO4concentration and WAXS studies. The presence of ether oxygen in DEG macromolecules provides a transfer mechanism of the lithium cations with the ether oxygen similar to polyethylene oxide (PEO). Thus, the obtained hybrid polymers have high values of ionic conductivityσ'(approximately 10−3S/cm) and permittivityϵ'(6 × 105) at elevated temperatures (200°С). On the other hand, DEG has higher heat resistance compared to PEO that makes these systems perspective as solid polymer electrolytes able to operate at high temperature.PACS81.07.Pr; 62.23.St; 66.30.hk
Nonlinear fractional Caputo-Langevin equation with nonlocal Riemann-Liouville fractional integral conditions
Authors: Yukunthorn Weera , Ntouyas Sotiris K , Tariboon Jessada 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
In this paper, we study the existence and uniqueness of solution for a problem consisting of a sequential nonlinear fractional Caputo-Langevin equation with nonlocal Riemann-Liouville fractional integral conditions. A variety of fixed point theorems, such as Banach’s fixed point theorem, Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem, Leray-Schauder’s nonlinear alternative and Leray-Schauder degree theory, are used. Examples illustrating the obtained results are also presented.

MSC:26A33, 34A08, 34B10.
More on recent evidence on the effects of minimum wages in the United States
Authors: Neumark David , Salas JM Ian , Wascher William 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
A central issue in estimating the employment effects of minimum wages is the appropriate comparison group for states (or other regions) that adopt or increase the minimum wage. In recent research, Dube et al. (Rev Econ Stat 92:945-964, 2010) and Allegretto et al. (Ind Relat 50:205-240, 2011) argue that past U.S. research is flawed because it does not restrict comparison areas to those that are geographically proximate and fails to control for changes in low-skill labor markets that are correlated with minimum wage increases. They argue that using “local controls” establishes that higher minimum wages do not reduce employment of less-skilled workers. In Neumark et al. (Ind Labor Relat Rev 67:608-648, 2014), we present evidence that their methods fail to isolate more reliable identifying information and lead to incorrect conclusions. Moreover, for subsets of treatment groups where the identifying variation they use is supported by the data, the evidence is consistent with past findings of disemployment effects. Allegretto SA, Dube A, Reich M, Zipperer B (2013a) Credible research designs for minimum wage studies. IZA Discussion Paper No. 7638, Bonn, Germany have challenged our conclusions, continuing the debate regarding some key issues regarding choosing comparison groups for estimating minimum wage effects. We explain these issues and evaluate the evidence. In general, we find little basis for their analyses and conclusions and argue that the best evidence still points to job loss from minimum wages for very low-skilled workers – in particular, for teens.

JEL codes

J23; J38
Use of nano gold obtained by laser ablation for SEIRA analyses of colorants
Authors: Prati Silvia , Quaranta Marta , Sciutto Giorgia , Bonacini Irene , Litti Lucio , Meneghetti Moreno , Mazzeo Rocco 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The analysis of dyes in cultural heritage samples is a well-known challenging task, due to their inherent high tinting strength and consequent low concentration in the carrying matrix a fact that severely limits the number of analytical techniques that can be efficiently and micro-destructively employed for their detection and unambiguous identification.
In the present study, an advanced and alternative SEIRA based analytical protocol for the analysis of small quantities of synthetic colorants has been proposed.
The method has been set up for the identification of Acid Orange 7 (AO7) using Au nanoparticles obtained by laser ablation in solution (LASiS). Analyses have been performed applying a drop containing a mixture between the colorant and the Au colloidal solution in its unaggregated state on a gold coated glass slide for RAS (Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy) analysis. The first results showed that, thanks to the enhancement produced by the nanoparticles, it is possible to analyze small amount of diluted solutions containing the colorant. Thus, the method has been successfully applied for the analysis of few pieces of dyed wool, after the development of a suitable micro extraction procedure.
Anionic Polymerization of Optically Active Propene Oxides Bearing Substituted N,N-Diphenylamino Moiety
Authors: Zhang Jin , Zhao Chun-Hui , Yang Li-Wen , Yang Nian-Fa 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
A series of novel chiral propene oxides bearing substituted N,N-diphenylamino moiety were synthesized and anionically polymerized. Most of propene oxides gave polymers possessing high specific rotation and intensive circular dichroism (CD) signals, which were attributed to the helical conformation of the main chain. Poly(3-(4,4′-dimethoxy)diphenylaminopropene oxide) exhibited the highest specific rotation ([α ]36520 = −5400).
L-arginine supplementation and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases in healthy men: a double-blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Pahlavani Naseh , Jafari Mostafa , Rezaei Masoud , Rasad Hamid , Sadeghi Omid , Rahdar Hossein Ali , Entezari Mohammad Hasan 
Published: December 2014

Context: The effect of L-arginine on risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has mostly focused on western countries. Since cardiovascular diseases is the second cause of death in Iran and, as far as we are aware, there have been no studies about the effect of L-arginine on CVD risk factors, the aim of this trial was to assess the effects of L-arginine supplementation on CVD risk factors in healthy men. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-dose L-arginine supplementation on CVD risk factors (lipid profile, blood sugar and blood pressure) in Iranian healthy men. Design, setting, participants: We conducted a double-blind randomized controlled trial in 56 patients selected from sport clubs at the Isfahan University of Medical Science between November 2013 and December 2013. Interventions: Healthy men received L-arginine supplementation (2000 mg daily) in the intervention group or placebo (2000 mg maltodextrin daily) in the control group for 45 days. Main outcome measure: The primary outcome measures were we measured the levels of fasting blood sugar, blood pressure and lipid profile including triglyceride (TG), cholesterol, LDL and HDL in healthy subjects. It was hypothesized that these measures would be significantly improved in those receiving L–arginine supplementation. at the beginning and end of the study. Results: In this trial, we had complete data for 52 healthy participants with mean age of 20.85±4.29 years. At the end of study, fasting blood sugar (P=0.001) and lipid profile (triglycerideTG (P<0.001), cholesterol (P<0.001), LDL (P=0.04), HDL (P=0.015)) decreased in the L-arginine group but we found no significant change in the placebo group. In addition, the reduction of fasting blood sugar and lipid profile in L-arginine was significant compared with placebo group. No significant changes were found about systolic (P=0.81) and diastolic blood pressure either in L-arginine or placebo group. (P=0.532). Conclusion: The use of L-arginine significantly improved outcomes compared to placebo.
Does apical membrane GLUT2 have a role in intestinal glucose uptake?
Authors: Naftalin Richard J. 
Published: December 2014

It has been proposed that the non-saturable component of intestinal glucose absorption, apparent following prolonged exposure to high intraluminal glucose concentrations, is mediated via the low affinity glucose and fructose transporter, GLUT2, upregulated within the small intestinal apical border.The evidence that the non-saturable transport component is mediated via an apical membrane sugar transporter is that it is inhibited by phloretin, after exposure to phloridzin. Since the other apical membrane sugar transporter, GLUT5, is insensitive to inhibition by either cytochalasin B, or phloretin, GLUT2 was deduced to be the low affinity sugar transport route.As in its uninhibited state, polarized intestinal glucose absorption depends both on coupled entry of glucose and sodium across the brush border membrane and on the enterocyte cytosolic glucose concentration exceeding that in both luminal and submucosal interstitial fluids, upregulation of GLUT2 within the intestinal brush border will usually stimulate downhill glucose reflux to the intestinal lumen from the enterocytes; thereby reducing, rather than enhancing net glucose absorption across the luminal surface.These states are simulated with a computer model generating solutions to the differential equations for glucose, Na and water flows between luminal, cell, interstitial and capillary compartments. The model demonstrates that uphill glucose transport via SGLT1 into enterocytes, when short-circuited by any passive glucose carrier in the apical membrane, such as GLUT2, will reduce transcellular glucose absorption and thereby lead to increased paracellular flow. The model also illustrates that apical GLUT2 may usefully act as an osmoregulator to prevent excessive enterocyte volume change with altered luminal glucose concentrations.
Sources and sinks of carbon in boreal ecosystems of interior Alaska: A review
Authors: Douglas Thomas A. , Jones Miriam C. , Hiemstra Christopher A. , Arnold Jeffrey R. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBoreal ecosystems store large quantities of carbon but are increasingly vulnerable to carbon loss due to disturbance and climate warming. The boreal region in Alaska and Canada, largely underlain by discontinuous permafrost, presents a challenging landscape for itemizing carbon sources and sinks in soil and vegetation. The roles of fire, forest succession, and the presence (or absence) of permafrost on carbon cycle, vegetation, and hydrologic processes have been the focus of multidisciplinary research in boreal ecosystems for the past 20 years. However, projections of a warming future climate, an increase in fire severity and extent, and the potential degradation of permafrost could lead to major landscape and carbon cycle changes over the next 20 to 50 years. To assist land managers in interior Alaska in adapting and managing for potential changes in the carbon cycle we developed this review paper by incorporating an overview of the climate, ecosystem processes, vegetation, and soil regimes. Our objective is to provide a synthesis of the most current carbon storage estimates and measurements to guide policy and land management decisions on how to best manage carbon sources and sinks. We surveyed estimates of aboveground and belowground carbon stocks for interior Alaska boreal ecosystems and summarized methane and carbon dioxide fluxes. These data have been converted into similar units to facilitate comparison across ecosystem compartments. We identify potential changes in the carbon cycle with climate change and human disturbance. A novel research question is how compounding disturbances affect carbon sources and sinks associated with boreal ecosystem processes. Finally, we provide recommendations to address the challenges facing land managers in efforts to manage carbon cycle processes. The results of this study can be used for carbon cycle management in other locations within the boreal biome which encompasses a broad distribution from 45° to 83° north.
Incisional hernia rate after laparoscopic colorectal resection is reduced with standardisation of specimen extraction
Authors: Navaratnam AV , Ariyaratnam R , Smart NJ , Parker M , Motson RW , Arulampalam TH 
Published: December 2014

Introduction Incisional hernia is a common complication of laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Extraction site may influence the rate of incisional hernias. Major risk factors for the development of incisional hernias include age, diabetes, obesity and smoking status. In this study, we investigated the effect of specimen extraction site on incisional hernia rate. Methods Two cohorts of patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal resections in a single centre in 2005 (n=85) and 2009 (n=139) were studied retrospectively. In 2005 all specimens were extracted through transverse muscle cutting incisions. In 2009 all specimens were extracted through midline incisions. Demographic variables, rate of incisional hernias and risk factors for hernia development were compared between the year groups. All patients had been followed up clinically for two years. Results A total of 224 patients (mean age: 67.5 years, standard deviation: 16.35 years) were included in this study. Of these, 85 patients were in the 2005 transverse group and 139 were in the 2009 midline group. The total incisional hernia rate for the series was 8.0% at the two-year follow-up visit. For the 2005 group, the incisional hernia rate was 15.3% (n=13) and for the 2009 group, it was 3.6% (n=5) (p<0.01). The body mass index was higher in patients who developed incisional hernias than in those who did not (p=0.02). Conclusions The 2005 group had a significantly higher incisional hernia rate than the 2009 group. This is due to the differences in the incision technique and extraction site between the two groups.
Patient reported outcome measures in septorhinoplasty surgery
Authors: Biggs TC , Fraser LR , Ward MJ , Sunkaraneni VS , Harries PG , Salib RJ 
Published: December 2014

Introduction Surgical procedures incorporating a cosmetic element such as septorhinoplasty and otoplasty are currently under threat in the National Health Service (NHS) as they are deemed to be procedures of ‘limited clinical benefit’ by many primary care providers. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), which assess the quality of care delivered from the patients’ perspective, are becoming increasingly important in documenting the effectiveness of such procedures. Methods The Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation (ROE) questionnaire, a validated PROM tool, was used to assess patient satisfaction in 141 patients undergoing septorhinoplasty surgery over a 90-month period at the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. Results Overall, 100 patients with a mean follow-up period of 36 months completed the study. The mean ROE score was 73.3%. In addition, 75% of patients questioned were happy with the final result of their operation and 83% would undergo the procedure again if required. These benefits occurred irrespective of age, sex and primary versus revision surgery, and were maintained for up to 71 months following surgery. Conclusions This study has shown that patients are generally satisfied with their functional and cosmetic outcomes following septorhinoplasty surgery. These results help support the case for septorhinoplasty surgery to continue being funded as an NHS procedure.