bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paediatric trainees and end-of-life care: a needs assessment for a formal educational intervention
Authors: Arzuaga Bonnie H , Caldarelli Leslie 
Published: February 2015

Background Literature suggests a paucity of formal training in end-of-life care in contemporary American medical education. Similar to trainees in adult medicine, paediatric trainees are frequently involved in end-of-life cases.
Objective To determine current experience and comfort levels among paediatric trainees when caring for dying patients with the hypothesis that more clinical experience alone would not improve comfort.
Methods Paediatric residents, subspeciality fellows and programme directors at the University of Chicago completed a voluntary electronic needs assessment in June and July 2013. Ten question pairs determined frequency of experiencing various aspects of end-of-life care in clinical practice and comfort levels during these encounters.
Results 118 respondents participated (63.8 % response rate): 66.4 % were female; 53 % had previous education in end-of-life care. The proportion of those with experience in end-of-life care increased through the third year of training, and remained at 1.0 thereafter. Conversely, positive comfort scores increased gradually throughout all six years of training to a maximum proportion of 0.45. Comfort in many specific aspects of care lagged behind experience. Previous education had a significant positive effect on comfort levels of most, but not all, aspects of care. 58 % or more of trainees desired further education on specific end-of-life topics.
Conclusions Paediatric trainees are often involved in end-of-life care but may not be comfortable in this role. More experience alone does not improve comfort levels; however, there is a positive correlation with comfort and previous education.
Ventricular bigeminy in acute organophorous poisoning – A rare ECG finding
Authors: Taksande Bharati , Dhirawani Bhawik 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIndia being a land of farmer, the pesticides are freely and easily available and therefore organophosphorous poisoning is one of the major health issues. Suicidal poisoning is more common than accidental poisoning. Cardiac manifestations of organophosphorous poisoning are well known. It results in various electrocardiographic changes from sinus tachycardia to ST elevation. We hereby present a rare ECG finding of ventricular bigeminy in a case of acute organophosphorous poisoning.
Numerical investigation of the possibility of macroscopic turbulence in porous media: a direct numerical simulation study
Authors: Jin Y. , Uth M.-F. , Kuznetsov A. V. , Herwig H. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractWhen a turbulent flow in a porous medium is determined numerically, the crucial question is whether turbulence models should account only for turbulent structures restricted in size to the pore scale or whether the size of turbulent structures could exceed the pore scale. The latter would mean the existence of macroscopic turbulence in porous media, when turbulent eddies exceed the pore size. In order to determine the real size of turbulent structures in a porous medium, we simulated the turbulent flow by direct numerical simulation (DNS) calculations, thus avoiding turbulence modelling of any kind. With this study, which for the first time uses DNS calculations, we provide benchmark data for turbulent flow in porous media. Since perfect DNS calculations require the resolution of scales down to the Kolmogorov scale, often only approximate DNS solutions can be obtained, especially for high Reynolds numbers. This is accounted for by using and comparing two different DNS approaches, a finite volume method (FVM) with grid refinement towards the wall and a lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) with equal grid distribution. The solid matrix was simulated by a large number of rectangular bars arranged periodically. The number of bars in the solution domain with periodic boundary conditions was reduced systematically until a minimum size was found that does not suppress any large-scale turbulent structures. Two-point correlations, integral length scales and energy spectra were determined in order to answer the question of whether or not macroscopic turbulence can be found in porous media.
Associations between dietary inflammatory index and inflammatory markers in the Asklepios Study
Authors: Shivappa Nitin , Hébert James R. , Rietzschel Ernst R. , De Buyzere Marc L. , Langlois Michel , Debruyne Evi , Marcos Ascensión , Huybrechts Inge 
Published: February 2015

Previous research has shown that nutrients and certain food items influence inflammation. However, little is known about the associations between diet, as a whole, and inflammatory markers. In the present study, we examined the ability of a FFQ-derived dietary inflammatory index (DII) to predict inflammation. Data from a Belgian cross-sectional study of 2524 generally healthy subjects (age 35–55 years) were used. The DII is a population-based, literature-derived dietary index that was developed to predict inflammation and inflammation-related chronic diseases. The DII was calculated from FFQ-derived dietary information and tested against inflammatory markers, namely C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, homocysteine and fibrinogen. Analyses were performed using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for energy, age, sex, BMI, smoking status, education level, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, blood pressure, use of oral contraceptives, anti-hypertensive therapy, lipid-lowering drugs and physical activity. Multivariable analyses showed significant positive associations between the DII and the inflammatory markers IL-6 (>1·6 pg/ml) (OR 1·19, 95 % CI 1·04, 1·36) and homocysteine (>15 μmol/l) (OR 1·56, 95 % CI 1·25, 1·94). No significant associations were observed between the DII and the inflammatory markers CRP and fibrinogen. These results reinforce the fact that diet, as a whole, plays an important role in modifying inflammation.
IRRIGATION OF CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUML.) INCREASES YIELD BUT NOT WATER PRODUCTIVITY
Authors: SINGH GURIQBAL , RAM HARI , AGGARWAL NAVNEET , TURNER NEIL C. 
Published: February 2015

SUMMARYThe depth to ground water is increasing in several regions of the world due to use of high-yielding, but also high water-requiring crops such as rice (Oryza sativa) and wheat (Triticum aestivum), in order to maintain food security for an ever increasing world population. There is a need not only to increase the water productivity of food crops, but also to find less water-requiring crops. Irrigated chickpea (Cicer arietinumL.), traditionally grown without irrigation, may provide an alternative crop to irrigated wheat in some regions. Two field experiments were conducted to determine the effects of irrigation on chickpea yields, yield components and grain and biomass water productivity (based on irrigation (WPI) and irrigation + rainfall (WPI+R)) grown in a loamy sand soil. In the first year, 75 mm of irrigation at the vegetative stage and at the vegetative plus podding stages resulted in a 59% and a 73% increase in grain yield, respectively, compared to no irrigation, but with little change in WPI+R. Overall yields in the second year were significantly higher due to warmer temperatures and fewer frosts during flowering and podding. Compared to no irrigation, 75 mm of irrigation at flowering or at podding resulted in a 7% and a 27% increase in grain yield, but a decrease in grain and biomass water productivity (WPI+R). Irrigation had a significant effect on the number of pods plant−1in both the years and on 100-seed weight in the first year. We conclude that application of a single irrigation during podding to chickpea grown in a loamy sand soil will reliably increase yields and may provide a water-saving alternative to wheat in water-scarce environments.
Being-in-the-world of the international
Authors: VAN DER REE GERARD 
Published: February 2015

AbstractEven though the international permeates our daily lives in many ways, it rarely discloses itself as part of our everyday engagements. Drawing from Martin Heidegger’s phenomenology, this article seeks to explore the ways in which the international remains hidden to, as well as the ways in which the international can become part of, our being-in-the-world. Additionally, it will show the terms in which International Relations (IR) scholars can disclose the world of the international, and what the implications of that ‘knowing’ are for the discipline. Finally, it will explore the possibilities and limitations of a Heidegerrian phenomenology for a social science such as IR.
The conditioning of intervention effects on early adolescent alcohol use by maternal involvement and dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) and serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) genetic variants
Authors: Cleveland H. Harrington , Schlomer Gabriel L. , Vandenbergh David J. , Feinberg Mark , Greenberg Mark , Spoth Richard , Redmond Cleve , Shriver Mark D. , Zaidi Arslan A. , Hair Kerry L. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractData drawn from the in-home subsample of the PROSPER intervention dissemination trial were used to investigate the moderation of intervention effects on underage alcohol use by maternal involvement and candidate genes. The primary gene examined was dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4). Variation in this gene and maternal involvement were hypothesized to moderate the influence of intervention status on alcohol use. The PROSPER data used were drawn from 28 communities randomly assigned to intervention or comparison conditions. Participating youth were assessed in five in-home interviews from sixth to ninth grades. A main effect of sixth-grade pretest maternal involvement on ninth-grade alcohol use was found. Neither intervention status norDRD4variation was unconditionally linked to ninth-grade drinking. However, moderation analyses revealed a significant three-way interaction amongDRD4status, maternal involvement, and intervention condition. Follow-up analyses revealed that prevention reduced drinking risk, but only for youth with at least oneDRD4seven-repeat allele who reported average or greater pretest levels of maternal involvement. To determine if this conditional pattern was limited to theDRD4gene, we repeated analyses using the serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region site near the serotonin transporter gene. The results for this supplemental analysis revealed a significant three-way interaction similar but not identical to that found forDRD4.
Managing local breeds: a dynamic connected to livestock farming systems that concerns different levels of organization
Authors: Lauvie A. , Paoli J.C. , Moulin C.H. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryManagement of local breeds is closely linked to the global challenges involved in genetic resources management. However, it cannot be reduced to this genetic dimension alone and is an integral part of the entire farming system of which it is a part. The aim of this paper is to show why it is essential to have an approach to local breed management that takes the dynamics of livestock farming systems (LFS) into account. After a presentation of the LFS approach, we show how genetic management is strongly linked to other dimensions of farming systems, at the farm scale as well as at more comprehensive scales. We illustrate our claim with different examples of the management of local breeds of different species.
Scalar model for frictional precursors dynamics
Authors: Taloni Alessandro , Benassi Andrea , Sandfeld Stefan , Zapperi Stefano 
Published: February 2015

AbstractRecent experiments indicate that frictional sliding occurs by nucleation of detachment fronts at the contact interface that may appear well before the onset of global sliding. This intriguing precursory activity is not accounted for by traditional friction theories but is extremely important for friction dominated geophysical phenomena as earthquakes, landslides or avalanches. Here we simulate the onset of slip of a three dimensional elastic body resting on a surface and show that experimentally observed frictional precursors depend in a complex non-universal way on the sample geometry and loading conditions. Our model satisfies Archard's law and Amontons' first and second laws, reproducing with remarkable precision the real contact area dynamics, the precursors' envelope dynamics prior to sliding and the normal and shear internal stress distributions close to the interfacial surface. Moreover, it allows to assess which features can be attributed to the elastic equilibrium and which are attributed to the out-of-equilibrium dynamics, suggesting that precursory activity is an intrinsically quasi-static physical process. A direct calculation of the evolution of the Coulomb stress before and during precursors nucleation shows large variations across the sample, explaining why earthquake forecasting methods based only on accumulated slip and Coulomb stress monitoring are often ineffective.
Cigarette smoke alters primary human bronchial epithelial cell differentiation at the air-liquid interface
Authors: Schamberger Andrea C. , Staab-Weijnitz Claudia A. , Mise-Racek Nikica , Eickelberg Oliver 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe differentiated human airway epithelium consists of different cell types forming a polarized and pseudostratified epithelium. This is dramatically altered in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by basal and goblet cell hyperplasia and squamous cell metaplasia. The effect of cigarette smoke on human bronchial epithelial cell (HBEC) differentiation remains to be elucidated. We analysed whether cigarette smoke extract (CSE) affected primary (p)HBEC differentiation and function. pHBEC were differentiated at the air-liquid interface (ALI) and differentiation was quantified after 7, 14, 21, or 28 days by assessing acetylated tubulin, CC10, or MUC5AC for ciliated, Clara, or goblet cells, respectively. Exposure of differentiating pHBEC to CSE impaired epithelial barrier formation, as assessed by resistance measurements (TEER). Importantly, CSE exposure significantly reduced the number of ciliated cells, while it increased the number of Clara and goblet cells. CSE-dependent cell number changes were reflected by a reduction of acetylated tubulin levels, an increased expression of the basal cell marker KRT14 and increased secretion of CC10, but not by changes in transcript levels of CC10, MUC5AC, or FOXJ1. Our data demonstrate that cigarette smoke specifically alters the cellular composition of the airway epithelium by affecting basal cell differentiation in a post-transcriptional manner.
Elabela-Apelin Receptor Signaling Pathway is Functional in Mammalian Systems
Authors: Wang Zhi , Yu Daozhan , Wang Mengqiao , Wang Qilong , Kouznetsova Jennifer , Yang Rongze , Qian Kun , Wu Wenjun , Shuldiner Alan , Sztalryd Carole , Zou Minghui , Zheng Wei , Gong Da-Wei 
Published: February 2015

AbstractElabela (ELA) or Toddler is a recently discovered hormone which is required for normal development of heart and vasculature through activation of apelin receptor (APJ), a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), in zebrafish. The present study explores whether the ELA-APJ signaling pathway is functional in the mammalian system. Using reverse-transcription PCR, we found that ELA is restrictedly expressed in human pluripotent stem cells and adult kidney whereas APJ is more widely expressed. We next studied ELA-APJ signaling pathway in reconstituted mammalian cell systems. Addition of ELA to HEK293 cells over-expressing GFP-AJP fusion protein resulted in rapid internalization of the fusion receptor. In Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) cells over-expressing human APJ, ELA suppresses cAMP production with EC50 of 11.1 nM, stimulates ERK1/2 phosphorylation with EC50 of 14.3 nM and weakly induces intracellular calcium mobilization. Finally, we tested ELA biological function in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells and showed that ELA induces angiogenesis and relaxes mouse aortic blood vessel in a dose-dependent manner through a mechanism different from apelin. Collectively, we demonstrate that the ELA-AJP signaling pathways are functional in mammalian systems, indicating that ELA likely serves as a hormone regulating the circulation system in adulthood as well as in embryonic development.
Truncation and activation of GSK-3β by calpain I: a molecular mechanism links to tau hyperphosphorylation in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Jin Nana , Yin Xiaomin , Yu Dian , Cao Maohong , Gong Cheng-Xin , Iqbal Khalid , Ding Fei , Gu Xiaosong , Liu Fei 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAbnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau is pivotally involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related tauopathies. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) is a primary tau kinase that is most implicated in tau pathology in AD. However, the exact molecular nature of GSK-3β involved in AD is unclear. In the present study, we found that GSK-3β was truncated at C-terminus and correlated with over-activation of calpain I in AD brain. Truncation of GSK-3β was positively correlated with tau hyperphosphorylation, tangles score and Braak stage in human brain. Calpain I proteolyzed GSK-3βin vitroat C-terminus, leading to an increase of its kinase activity, but keeping its characteristic to preferentially phosphorylate the protein kinase A-primed tau. Excitotoxicity induced by kainic acid (KA) caused GSK-3β truncation at C-terminus and hyperphosphorylation of tau in mouse brain. Inhibition of calpain prevented the KA-induced changes. These findings suggest that truncation of GSK-3β by Ca2+/calpain I markedly increases its activity and involvement of this mechanism probably is responsible for up-regulation of GSK-3β and consequent abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau and neurofibrillary degeneration in AD.
Q‐switched Brillouin fibre laser with multi‐wall carbon nanotube saturable absorber
Authors: Zarei Arman , Tiu Z. C. , Ahmad F. , Ahmad Harith , Harun Sulaiman Wadi 
Published: February 2015

A Q‐switched Brillouin fibre laser (BFL) is successfully demonstrated using multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) embedded in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film as a passive saturable absorber (SA) for the first time. The SA is obtained by sandwiching the developed MWCNTs–PVA film between two FC/PC fibre connectors after depositing index‐matching gel onto the fibre ends. The proposed Q‐switched BFL incorporates a 5 km long dispersion shifted fibre in a ring cavity structure to generate Stokes shifted by 0.08 nm from the Brillouin pump wavelength. The BFL starts to generate a Q‐switching pulse train at threshold pump power of 5 dBm. As the BP power is varied from 5.0 to 6.0 dBm, the repetition rate of the Q‐switched BFL exhibits an increasing trend from 27.75 to 30.21 kHz, whereas the pulse width exhibits a decreasing trend from 3.25 μs to 1.11 μs. The maximum pulse energy of 0.13 nJ is obtained at maximum BP power of 6.0 dBm.
Characterisation of Raman distributed temperature sensor using deconvolution algorithms
Authors: Pradhan Himansu Shekhar , Sahu Prasant Kumar 
Published: February 2015

The behaviour of distributed temperature sensors based on spontaneous Raman scattering using deconvolution algorithm is studied for improvement of temperature and spatial resolution in Raman distributed temperature sensor (RDTS). The deconvolution algorithms such as Fourier deconvolution (FourD), Fourier regularised deconvolution and Fourier wavelet regularised deconvolution (FourWaRD) are investigated in this study. Numerical simulation shows that the temperature resolution is enhanced by six times using the proposed FourWaRD algorithm compared with conventional FourD algorithm. In this study, for a light source with 60 ns pulse width, a spatial resolution of 3 m is achieved using the FourWaRD algorithm. The proposed sensing system exhibits a temperature resolution of 0.45 K because of the reduction of noise. In addition, the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of proposed RDTS is realised using Indium Gallium Arsenide avalanche photo detector over a 30 km sensing range. The authors have achieved about 4 dB improvement of SNR using FourWaRD algorithm compared with FourD algorithm at a distance of 25 km for an input power of 10 dBm. The numerical simulation results indicate that the proposed deconvolution algorithms are beneficial complements for RDTS to realise accurate detection and temperature monitoring of sharp temperature variations.
Arginine Metabolic Endotypes in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Kao Christina C. , Wedes Samuel H. , Hsu Jean W. , Bohren Kurt M. , Comhair Suzy A. A. , Jahoor Farook , Erzurum Serpil C. 
Published: February 2015

Decreased synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) by NO synthases (NOS) is believed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Multiple factors may contribute to decreased NO bioavailability, including increased activity of arginase, the enzyme that converts arginine to ornithine and urea, which may compete with NOS for arginine; inadequate de novo arginine production from citrulline; and increased concentration of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of NOS. We hypothesized that PAH patients with the lowest arginine availability secondary to increased arginase activity and/or inadequate de novo arginine synthesis might have a slower rate of NO synthesis and greater pulmonary vascular resistance. Nine patients with group 1 PAH and 10 healthy controls were given primed, constant intravenous infusions of 15N2‐arginine, 13C,2H4‐citrulline, 15N2‐ornithine, and 13C‐urea in the postabsorptive state. The results showed that, compared with healthy controls, PAH patients had a tendency toward increased arginine clearance and ornithine flux but no difference in arginine and citrulline flux, de novo arginine synthesis, or NO synthesis. Arginine‐to‐ADMA ratio was increased in PAH patients. Two endotypes of patients with low and high arginase activity were identified; compared with the low‐arginase group, the patients with high arginase had increased arginine flux, slower NO synthesis, and lower plasma concentrations of ADMA. These results demonstrate that increased breakdown of arginine by arginase occurs in PAH and affects NO synthesis. Furthermore, there is no compensatory increase in de novo arginine synthesis to overcome this increased utilization of arginine by arginase.