bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in TCR of amorphous Ni–P resistive films as a function of thermal stabilization parameters
Authors: Kowalik P. , Pruszowski Z. , Kulawik J. , Czerwiński Andrzej , Pluska Mariusz 
Published: August 2014

Purpose
– This paper aims to select parameters such as temperature thermal stability and temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) for Ni–P resistive alloys obtained by electroless metallization. Ni–P alloys are used in the manufacture of precision resistors characterized by TCR in the range of ± 10 ppm/K. The correlation of the technological parameters with the electrical properties of resistors enables the accurate prediction of the TCR resistors.

Design/methodology/approach
– The Ni–P layers were obtained by a continuous process at about 373 K in a solution with the acidity of pH = 2 and then dried for two hours at 393 K. Subsequently, the Ni–P layer was stabilized for two hours in the temperature range of 453-533 K. Resistance was measured with an accuracy of 1 mΩ. TCR was determined with an accuracy of 1 ppm/K in the temperature range 298-398 K. In the next stage of the investigation, the increase in TCR of the Ni–P alloy was correlated with the increase in stabilization temperature. Scanning electron microscope images of the alloy surface were studied to assess grain sizes and to relate the average grain size with TCR values of resistive alloys. The X-ray diffraction analysis was performed to determine the crystallization temperature of Ni–P alloy.

Findings
– The conducted investigation showed that the TCR increase in alloy is a linear function of stabilization temperature in the temperature range in which transition from amorphous phase to crystalline phases did not occur. TCR increase in Ni–P alloy arises from the increase of average size of grains resulting in decrease of scattering of electrons on grain boundaries. The analysis of alloy composition in chosen fragments of surface shows inhomogeneity growing with decreasing analyzed surface dimensions which proves that, before the stabilization, the structural arrangement of alloy is inconsiderable.

Originality/value
– The obtained results are the first attempt to relate the morphology of surface with TCR of alloy and demonstration of linear dependence between an increase in TCR of amorphic Ni–P alloy and stabilization temperature of resistive layer. Such correlations are not described in available literature.
Influence of disk brake friction on the dynamic behaviour of a directly coupled spur gear transmission
Authors: Khabou M.T. , Ksentini O. , Jarraya A. , Abbes M.S. , Chaari F. , Haddar M. 
Published: August 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of friction phenomenon generated by a disc brake on the dynamic behaviour of a one-stage spur gear.Design/methodology/approach– A theoretical model is proposed and is based on both theories of Coulomb and Dahl in order to analyse the influence of disc brake friction phenomenon on the dynamic behaviour of one-stage spur gear transmission.Findings– The influence of brake friction on the dynamic behaviour of the transmission is investigated using the proposed model and leads to observe higher vibration levels when the braking is occurring as well as the emergence of significant efforts at the gear teeth.Originality/value– A new numerical model based on the implicit numerical integration technique of Newmark coupled with Newton-Raphson method is proposed to study the influence of friction phenomenon of a disc brake on the dynamic behaviour of one-stage spur gear.
Introducing a new medical waste tracking and classification system for Jordan
Authors: Y. Ammary Bashaar 
Published: August 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to introduce a cradle to grave manifest system for medical waste in Jordan. As part of this program, medical waste classification, generation rates, and tracking in different parts of the world and in Jordan are described.

Design/methodology/approach
– After reviewing different classification systems, the program adopted the World Health Organization definition with minor modification to be used with the proposed manifest, as it is very similar to the current bylaw regulating medical waste in Jordan. In addition, the generation rates of hazardous medical waste in 11 public hospitals and one governmental university hospital in the northern part of Jordan were calculated. These were based on the weights of these wastes that were transferred to the sole incinerator used by these hospitals over a 12-month period. These weights were obtained through interviews with personnel in charge of the medical waste incinerator.

Findings
– This project has devised a manifest form to be used for medical waste transport. In addition, the generation rate was found to vary from 0.88 to 3.05 kg/bed/day based on 100 percent occupancy rates. The generation weight was found to be different for different months of the year.

Originality/value
– Management of waste disposal and treatment, including medical waste is very important in a water poor country like Jordan. The introduction of a manifest system and the adoption of a medical classification system, in addition to the calculation of the generation rates are very important for sustainable development in the country.
Environmental perturbation, grazing pressure and soil wetness jointly drive mountain tundra toward divergent alternative states
Authors: Saccone Patrick , Pyykkonen Tuija , Eskelinen Anu , Virtanen Risto 
Published: August 2014

Summary

Plant communities are structured by complex interactions between multiple factors, which veil our understanding of the effects of environmental changes on communities and ecosystems. Besides the relative role of biotic and abiotic factors as community‐structuring processes, addressing how they jointly affect the ecological resilience and resistance of plant communities is crucial to understand better the long‐term response of communities facing global changes.

Here, we used the results from a long‐term (23 years) perturbation experiment set up in Fennoscandian mountain tundra to test these mechanisms. The experiment consisted of a transplantation of twenty blocks of Vaccinium myrtillus heath vegetation including upper soil layer from a lower elevation tundra heath habitat to a snowbed habitat 150 m higher in elevation where V. myrtillus lies at its upper limit. In the snowbed with contrasting levels of soil wetness, half of the transplanted blocks were protected from mammalian herbivores.

Our results revealed that in addition to the important role of environmental conditions as a structuring force, the joint effects of multiple drivers resulted in divergent patterns in both plant functional composition and species diversity among transplanted communities. Under environmental perturbation (i.e. transplantation to snowbed), the heath vegetation was altered by grazing pressure that reduced the cover of shrubs (especially V. myrtillus). In grazed dry snowbed, a species‐rich community with high functional type evenness and diversity developed. Reversely, in dry exclosures, V. myrtillus gained high dominance associated with only few graminoids and forbs. In wet snowbed conditions, shrubs tended to decline both in grazed plots and exclosures whereas bryophytes attained high abundance. Grazing promoted species richness while soil waterlogging tended to promote among‐plot heterogeneity (β‐diversity) which was highest in wet exclosures.

Synthesis. Our long‐term experiment reveals that environmental perturbation, grazing and soil wetness exhibit joint effects that induce divergent trajectories of tundra plant communities. We suggest that a strong environmental perturbation triggers mountain tundra heath community to move away from its equilibrium state. The outcome of this shift depends on the interplay between grazing pressure and soil wetness that drive tundra plant communities toward divergent alternative states.
First European data from the network of severe allergic reactions (NORA)
Authors: Worm M. , Moneret‐Vautrin A. , Scherer K. , Lang R. , Fernandez‐Rivas M. , Cardona V. , Kowalski M. L. , Jutel M. , Poziomkowska‐Gesicka I. , Papadopoulos N. G. , Beyer K. , Mustakov T. , Christoff G. , Bilò M. B. , Muraro A. , Hourihane J. O. B. , Grabenhenrich L. B. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundOccurrence, elicitors and treatment of severe allergic reactions are recognized and reported differently between countries. We aimed to collect standardized data throughout Europe on anaphylaxis referred for diagnosis and counselling.MethodsTertiary allergy, dermatology and paediatric units in 10 European countries took part in this pilot phase of the first European Anaphylaxis Registry, from June 2011 to March 2014. An online questionnaire was used to collect data on severe allergic reactions based on the medical history and diagnostics.ResultsFifty‐nine centres reported 3333 cases of anaphylaxis, with 26.7% below 18 years of age. Allergic reactions were mainly caused by food (children and adults 64.9% and 20.2%, respectively) and insect venom (20.2% and 48.2%) and less often by drugs (4.8% and 22.4%). Most reactions occurred within 30 min of exposure (80.5%); a delay of 4+ hours was mainly seen in drug anaphylaxis (6.7%). Symptom patterns differed by elicitor, with the skin being affected most often (84.1%). A previous, usually milder reaction to the same allergen was reported by 34.2%. The mainstay of first‐line treatment by professionals included corticoids (60.4%) and antihistamines (52.8%). Only 13.7% of lay‐ or self‐treated reactions to food and 27.6% of insect anaphylaxis received on‐site adrenaline.ConclusionThis pilot phase of a pan‐European registry for severe allergic reactions provides for the first time data on anaphylaxis throughout Europe, demonstrates its potential functionality and allows a comparison of symptom patterns, elicitors and treatment habits between referral centres and countries.
How French paediatric emergency departments manage painful vaso‐occlusive episodes in sickle cell disease patients
Authors: Galeotti Caroline , Courtois Emilie , Carbajal Ricardo 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimThe most common manifestation of sickle cell disease (SCD) is painful vaso‐occlusive episodes (PVOE), and inappropriate treatment leads to unnecessary suffering and potentially fatal complications. This study describes how French paediatric emergency departments (EDs) manage PVOE and their knowledge, and implementation of the French National Authority for Health recommendations on the management of sickle cell patients.MethodsA questionnaire on managing PVOE was sent to all the 111 French paediatric EDs.ResultsWe received responses from 81 (72.9%) of the EDs. Of those who responded to each individual question, 85% said that they had read the national recommendations, 71.6% said they used nalbuphine for moderate PVOE, and 85% used intravenous morphine for severe PVOE. The majority (91.7%) of EDs thought that intravenous morphine provided relief for severe PVOE, but only 30.9% thought that intravenous nalbuphine did. A 50:50 nitrous oxide/oxygen mix was used by 71.3% of departments to relieve procedural pain and by 48% to enhance analgesia when morphine was insufficient for severe pain.ConclusionsMost French EDs follow the national recommendations for PVOE. Nalbuphine was the most commonly used opioid for moderate PVOE and morphine for severe PVOE. A nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture was widely used for PVOE.
Atopy does not affect the frequency of adenotonsillar hypertrophy and sleep apnoea in children who snore
Authors: Alexopoulos Emmanouel I. , Bizakis John , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos , Kaditis Athanasios G. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimViral respiratory infections and atopy have been implicated in the pathogenesis of adenotonsillar hypertrophy and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), but the role of atopy is controversial. We aimed to test our hypothesis that atopy, expressed as physician‐diagnosed eczema, was associated with adenotonsillar hypertrophy and OSA among children who snored.MethodsData on children who snored and were referred for polysomnography were reviewed. The primary outcome measures were adenotonsillar hypertrophy and OSA.ResultsWe analysed data on 855 children with a mean age (±standard deviation) of 6.3 (±2.5) years and median obstructive apnoea–hypopnea index of 2.1 episodes per hour. Of the 855 subjects, 133 (15.6%) had physician‐diagnosed eczema, 591 (69.1%) had adenoidal hypertrophy, 605 (70.8%) had tonsillar hypertrophy, 219 (25.6%) were obese and 470 (55%) had OSA. Eczema was not related to adenoidal or tonsillar hypertrophy after adjustment for gender and age, with odds ratios (OR) of 1.00 (95% confidence interval 0.67–1.49; p = 0.98) and 0.88 (95% confidence interval 0.59–1.32; p = 0.54), respectively. Similarly, eczema did not affect OSA frequency after adjustment for adenoidal and tonsillar hypertrophy, obesity, gender and age, with an adjusted OR of 0.82 (0.56–1.21; p = 0.32).ConclusionsAtopy was not related to adenotonsillar hypertrophy or OSA in children who snore.
Observation is a valid way of assessing common variables in typical babbling and identifies infants who need further support
Authors: Lieberman Marion , Lohmander Anette 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimIt is important to identify speech and language difficulties in children as early as possible. This study investigated the validity of observing babbling structure and consonant articulation.MethodsWe focused on the language capabilities of children, with and without cleft palates, at 12 months of age (n = 29) and 18 months of age (n = 38), comparing observations made by speech and language pathologists on babbling structure and consonant articulation to audio recordings phonetically transcribed by experts blinded to the aim of the study. Descriptive cross‐tabs, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were analysed to investigate the validity of agreement between the methods.ResultsWe found high mean agreement between the two methods (94%) and within the observation (100%) and transcription (88.5%) teams when it came to canonical babbling, high‐pressure/oral stop consonants and anterior placement of bilabial and dental/alveolar consonants. The observations had high specificity and negative predictive values (0.90–1) at both ages, with low to moderate sensitivity (0–0.86). However, there was low agreement, between and within the groups, on the number of consonant types and the unproven predictive variable glottal place of articulation.ConclusionPreviously suggested predictive measures of babbling were shown to be valid and observation is a reliable method of identifying children who need further support.
High doses of benzodiazepine predict analgesic and sedative drug withdrawal syndrome in paediatric intensive care patients
Authors: Amigoni A , Vettore E , Brugnolaro V , Brugnaro L , Gaffo D , Masola M , Marzollo A , Pettenazzo A 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimCritically ill children can develop withdrawal syndrome after prolonged analgesia and sedation in a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), when treatment is stopped abruptly or reduced quickly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of withdrawal syndrome in patients after three or more days of analgesic or sedative drug therapy, using a validated scale. We also analysed the association between withdrawal syndrome and the patients’ outcome and factors related to analgesia and sedation treatment.MethodsThis prospective observational study analysed 89 periods of weaning from analgesia and sedation in 60 children between October 2010 and October 2011. Of these, 65% were less than six months old and 45% were admitted to the PICU after heart surgery. Withdrawal syndrome was assessed using the Withdrawal Assessment Tool‐1 (WAT‐1) scale.ResultsThe incidence of withdrawal syndrome was 37%, and the only variable that predicted its presence was the highest administered dose of benzodiazepine. The duration of weaning, Sophia Observational Withdrawal Symptom scale score and nurse judgment were also associated with positive WAT‐1 scores.ConclusionWithdrawal syndrome should be considered after three or more days of analgesic or sedative treatment. A high dose of benzodiazepine increases the risk of developing withdrawal symptoms.
Galla Chinensis Attenuates Cigarette Smoke‐associated Lung Injury by Inhibiting Recruitment of Inflammatory Cells into the Lung
Authors: Lee Hyojung , Yu Seung‐Ryeol , Lim Dahae , Lee Hyejung , Jin Eun‐Young , Jang Young‐Pyo , Kim Jinju 
Published: August 2014

AbstractInflammation is a common feature in the pathogenesis of cigarette smoke (CS)‐associated diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of Galla Chinensis (GC) extract on pulmonary inflammatory responses in a CS‐exposed mouse model. In vitro studies showed that GC extract reduced MCP‐1 production in a dose‐dependent manner. In addition, the recruitment of inflammatory cells into the lung was significantly inhibited in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of the GC‐treated mice after 3 weeks of daily CS exposure. GC treatment down‐regulated TNF‐α, IL‐6 and MCP‐1 mRNA expression levels in lung tissue. Finally, GC‐treated mice showed less emphysematous change of alveolar compared to mice only exposed to CS. Our results show that GC extract reduces lung inflammation and emphysematous change by inhibiting the infiltration of inflammatory cells to the lung. These data indicate that GC extract is a therapeutic candidate for CS‐induced lung injury.
Medical burden in bipolar disorder: findings from the Clinical and Health Outcomes Initiative in Comparative Effectiveness for Bipolar Disorder study (Bipolar CHOICE)
Authors: Sylvia Louisa G , Shelton Richard C , Kemp David E , Bernstein Emily E , Friedman Edward S , Brody Benjamin D , McElroy Susan L , Singh Vivek , Tohen Mauricio , Bowden Charles L , Ketter Terence A , Deckersbach Thilo , Thase Michael E , Reilly‐Harrington Noreen A , Nierenberg Andrew A , Rabideau Dustin J , Kinrys Gustavo , Kocsis James H , Bobo William V , Kamali Masoud , McInnis Melvin G , Calabrese Joseph R 
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesIndividuals with bipolar disorder have high rates of other medical comorbidity, which is associated with higher mortality rates and worse course of illness. The present study examined common predictors of medical comorbidity.MethodsThe Clinical and Health Outcomes Initiative in Comparative Effectiveness for Bipolar Disorder study (Bipolar CHOICE) enrolled 482 participants with bipolar I or bipolar II disorder in a six‐month, randomized comparative effectiveness trial. Baseline assessments included current and lifetime DSM‐IV‐TR diagnoses, demographic information, psychiatric and medical history, severity of psychiatric symptoms, level of functioning, and a fasting blood draw. Medical comorbidities were categorized into two groups: cardiometabolic (e.g., diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome) and non‐cardiovascular (e.g., seizures, asthma, and cancer). Additionally, we looked at comorbid substance use (e.g., smoking and drug dependence).ResultsWe found that 96.3% of participants had at least one other medical comorbidity. Older age predicted a greater likelihood of having a cardiometabolic condition. Early age of onset of bipolar symptoms was associated with a lower chance of having a cardiometabolic condition, but a greater chance of having other types of medical comorbidity. Additional predictors of other medical comorbidities in bipolar disorder included more time spent depressed, less time spent manic/hypomanic, and longer duration of illness. Medications associated with weight gain were associated with low high‐density lipoprotein and abnormal triglycerides.ConclusionsThere appears to be a substantial medical burden associated with bipolar disorder, highlighting the need for collaborative care among psychiatric and general medical providers to address both psychiatric and other medical needs concomitantly in this group of patients.
A lower intensity of treatment may underlie the increased risk of thrombosis in young patients with masked polycythaemia vera
Authors: Lussana Federico , Carobbio Alessandra , Randi Maria L. , Elena Chiara , Rumi Elisa , Finazzi Guido , Bertozzi Irene , Pieri Lisa , Ruggeri Marco , Palandri Francesca , Polverelli Nicola , Elli Elena , Tieghi Alessia , Iurlo Alessandra , Ruella Marco , Cazzola Mario , Rambaldi Alessandro , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Barbui Tiziano 
Published: August 2014

SummaryIn patients who do not meet the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for overt polycythaemia vera (PV), a diagnosis of masked PV (mPV) can be determined. A fraction of mPV patients may display thrombocytosis, thus mimicking essential thrombocythaemia (ET). No previous studies have examined clinical outcomes of mPV among young JAK2‐mutated patients. We analysed a retrospective cohort of 538 JAK2‐mutated patients younger than 40 years, after a re‐assessment of the diagnosis according to the haemoglobin threshold for mPV. In this cohort of patients, 97 (18%) met the WHO criteria for PV, 66 patients (12%) were classified as mPV and 375 (70%) as JAK2‐mutated ET. Surprisingly, a significant difference in the incidence of thrombosis was found when comparing mPV versus overt PV patients (P = 0·04). In multivariate analysis, the only factor accounting for the difference in the risk of thrombosis was the less frequent use of phlebotomies and cytoreduction in mPV patients compared to those with overt PV. Thus, we emphasize the need for the identification of mPV in young JAK2‐mutated patients in order to optimize their treatments.
Characterizing pharmacological ligands to study the long‐chain fatty acid receptors GPR40/FFA1 and GPR120/FFA4
Authors: Milligan G , Alvarez‐Curto E , Watterson K R , Ulven T , Hudson B D 
Published: August 2014

The free fatty acid receptors (FFA) 1 (previously designated GPR40) and FFA4 (previously GPR120) are two GPCRs activated by saturated and unsaturated longer‐chain free fatty acids. With expression patterns and functions anticipated to directly or indirectly promote insulin secretion, provide homeostatic control of blood glucose and improve tissue insulin sensitivity, both receptors are being studied as potential therapeutic targets for the control of type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, genetic and systems biology studies in both humans and mouse models link FFA4 receptors to diabetes and obesity. Although activated by the same group of free fatty acids, FFA1 and FFA4 receptors are not closely related and, while the basis of recognition of fatty acids by FFA1 receptors is similar to that of the short‐chain fatty acid receptors FFA2 and FFA3, the amino acid residues involved in endogenous ligand recognition by FFA4 receptors are more akin to those of the sphingosine 1 phosphate receptor S1P1. Screening and subsequent medicinal chemistry programmes have developed a number of FFA1 receptor selective agonists that are effective in promoting insulin secretion in a glucose concentration‐dependent manner, and in lowering blood glucose levels. However, the recent termination of Phase III clinical trials employing TAK‐875/fasiglifam has caused a setback and raises important questions over the exact nature and mechanistic causes of the problems. Progress in the identification and development of highly FFA4 receptor‐selective pharmacological tools has been less rapid and several issues remain to be clarified to fully validate this receptor as a therapeutic target. Despite this, the ongoing development of a range of novel ligands offers great opportunities to further unravel the contributions of these receptors.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on 5th BPS Focused Meeting on Cell Signalling. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue‐13