bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Small airway involvement in cystic fibrosis lung disease: Routine spirometry as an early and sensitive marker
Authors: Bakker E. Marije , Borsboom Gerard J.J.M. , van der Wiel‐Kooij Els C. , Caudri Daan , Rosenfeld Margaret , Tiddens Harm A.W.M. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn young children with cystic fibrosis (CF) the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) is often normal and a more sensitive measure to detect early obstructive lung disease is needed.AimTo evaluate the progression of selected spirometry parameters with age in a cohort of CF patients and healthy children aged 6 to 20 years.MethodsRetrospective comparison of longitudinal spirometry data from CF patients with data from two cohort studies in healthy subjects. Quantile regression was used to calculate the longitudinal 10th percentile (P10), 50th percentile (P50), and 90th percentile (P90) of forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1, and the forced expiratory flow at 75% of FVC (FEF75). Sample size estimates were calculated using these three parameters as clinical trial endpoints.ResultsFVC, FEV1, and FEF75 were all significantly lower in CF patients than healthy children. Abnormalities in FEF75 occurred at younger ages and remained substantially larger than abnormalities in FEV1 or FVC throughout childhood. Therefore, fewer patients would be required to detect a similar treatment effect if FEF75 is used as a primary endpoint compared with FEV1 or FVC.ConclusionsOur data support the use of FEF75 as a more sensitive marker of early CF lung disease than FEV1 and FVC, because abnormalities in FEF75 occur at younger age and FEF75 is diminished more than other parameters. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:1081–1088. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fungal sensitization in childhood persistent asthma is associated with disease severity
Authors: Vicencio Alfin G. , Santiago Maria Teresa , Tsirilakis Kalliope , Stone Anne , Worgall Stefan , Foley Elizabeth A. , Bush Douglas , Goldman David L. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractRationaleRecent observations, especially in adults, suggest that asthma severity may be associated with fungal sensitization. Other studies suggest that some patients with severe asthma and fungal sensitization may benefit from anti‐fungal therapy. Currently, the prevalence of fungal sensitization among children with severe asthma is not well characterized.MethodsWe determined prevalence of fungal sensitization among children with moderate to severe persistent asthma and compared clinical characteristics between sensitized and non‐sensitized children, including asthma severity, serum immunoglobulin E, and pulmonary function.ResultsOf the 64 children enrolled, 25 (39%) had evidence of sensitization to one or more fungi. Nineteen of 25 (76%) children with fungal sensitization were categorized as severe persistent compared to 13 of 39 (33%) children without evidence of fungal sensitization (odds ratio = 6.33, 95% confidence interval 2.04–19.68, P = 0.0014). Of 32 severe persistent asthmatics, 19 (59%) demonstrated evidence of fungal sensitization. Serum immunoglobulin E was significantly higher (P < 0.001), and pulmonary function (including FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and FEF25–75%) significantly lower in the fungal‐sensitized patients (P = 0.016, 0.0004, and 0.002, respectively). Bronchial biopsy of sensitized children revealed basement membrane thickening and eosinophil infiltration.ConclusionsFungal sensitization in children with persistent asthma is associated with disease severity. Almost 60% of our severe persistent asthma patients had evidence of fungal sensitization and, based on our previous studies, may be potential candidates for anti‐fungal therapy. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:8–14. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An interesting case of dysautonomia presenting with dyspnea
Authors: Popatia Rizwana , Subramaniam Meera 
Published: February 2013

AbstractDysautonomia such as POTS syndrome presenting with respiratory symptoms can often be misdiagnosed for other common pulmonary conditions. It can be diagnosed with a comprehensive history and orthostatic vital measurement. Simple diagnostic test such as diffusing capacity in supine and standing position can emerge as a noninvasive tool to guide the long‐term monitoring and treatment response.Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:E25–E26.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tidal breathing FeNO measurements: A new algorithm
Authors: van Mastrigt Esther , de Groot Ruben C.A. , van Kesteren Hans W. , Vink Anton T.J. , de Jongste Johan C. , Pijnenburg Mariëlle W.H. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectiveInternational guidelines recommend measuring fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) during a single slow exhalation with a constant flow of 50 ml/sec. We developed a new algorithm to compute FeNO at 50 ml/sec from tidal breathing measurements. The main objective is to assess the correlation and agreement of this algorithm with the conventional single breath FeNO measurements.MethodsWe recruited children aged 6–18 years, who performed both a single breath and a tidal breathing FeNO measurement in random order. Both maneuvers were performed on the Eco Medics NO‐analyser (Eco Physics AG, Duernten, Switzerland).ResultsWe included 109 patients between January 2011 and April 2011. Geometric mean (95% CI) FeNO values did not differ significantly between single breath and tidal breathing technique: 21.0 (17.7–24.8) ppb and 20.0 (17.0–23.6) ppb (P = 0.18), respectively. We found an excellent intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.96 (0.94–0.97) and moderate agreement with a mean difference of 4% (95% limits of agreement −43% and +90%).ConclusionTidal breathing FeNO values could be transformed with a new algorithm to match single breath FeNO at a constant flow of 50 ml/sec. This algorithm opens the way to standardized FeNO measurements in preschool children and uncooperative patients. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:15–20. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of grand maternal nicotine exposure during gestation and lactation on lung integrity of the F2 generation
Authors: Maritz Gert S. , Mutemwa Muyunda 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundMaternal nicotine exposure during gestation and lactation adversely affects lung development in the offspring. It has been suggested that the “program” that control long‐term maintenance of the structural integrity of the lung may be compromised. The aim of the study was to establish whether the effect of grand‐maternal nicotine exposure during gestation and lactation can be transferred to the F2 generation.MethodsAfter mating, rats were randomly divided into two groups (F0). One group received nicotine (1 mg/kg body weight/day). The controls receive saline. Body weight (BW), lung volume (Lv), linear intercept (Lm), alveolar wall thickness (Tsept), senescent and proliferating cell numbers were used to evaluate changes in the lung structure of the offspring (F1). The F1 generation was divided into four groups, namely, (1) control (F1 males mated with F1 females, (2) NmCf (F1 nicotine exposed male mated with F1 control female), (3) NfCm (F1 nicotine exposed female mated with F1 control male), and (4) NmNf (F1 male exposed to nicotine mated with F1 female also exposed to nicotine). The F1 nicotine exposed males and females were exposed to nicotine via the placenta and mother's milk (F0 generation) only. The F2 progeny was never exposed to nicotine.DiscussionGrand‐maternal nicotine (F0) resulted in parenchymal deterioration and emphysema in the F2 progeny due to increased numbers of premature senescent cells together with a slower cell proliferation. The transfer of premature aging characteristics from the F1 progeny to the F2 progeny is via the male and female germ cell line.ConclusionGrand‐maternal nicotine exposure induces structural changes in the lungs of the F2 generation that resembled premature aging. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:67–75. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prenatal diagnosis using combined quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction and array comparative genomic hybridization analysis as a first‐line test: results from over 1000 consecutive cases
Authors: Scott F. , Murphy K. , Carey L. , Greville W. , Mansfield N. , Barahona P. , Robertson R. , McLennan A. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTObjectivesFirst, to assess the performance of a prenatal diagnostic service using quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF‐PCR) and array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) as first‐line investigations. Second, to determine the incidence of copy number variants (CNVs) by indication for testing, with particular reference to ultrasound and biochemical parameters measured in combined first‐trimester screening.MethodsAll patients undergoing invasive prenatal testing at a specialist prenatal screening service in Sydney, Australia, were included in the study. All samples underwent QF‐PCR and targeted aCGH.ResultsOf 1049 cases, CNVs were reported in 156 (14.9%). Preliminary QF‐PCR identified abnormalities in 104 of these cases. Of the remaining 52 cases, 20 could have been detected on karyotype testing, leaving 32 cases (3.1%) with CNVs only detectable by aCGH, of which 13 (1.2%) were pathogenic. Variants of unknown significance (VOUS) were seen in only three cases. Fetal structural abnormalities identified in the first trimester were the group most likely to be associated with pathogenic CNVs (11.8%).ConclusionsCombining QF‐PCR and aCGH is an effective first‐tier prenatal testing regime that does not require conventional karyotyping. The incidence of VOUS in this study was very low owing to appropriate aCGH targeting and specific reporting criteria that reduced the number of potentially difficult counseling encounters. Pathogenic CNVs are positively correlated with the presence of fetal structural abnormalities, but not with enlarged nuchal translucency or abnormal first‐trimester serology results. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Na3SbS3: Single Crystal X‐ray Diffraction, Raman Spectroscopy, and Impedance Measurements
Authors: Pompe Constantin , Pfitzner Arno 
Published: February 2013

AbstractNa3SbS3 was prepared by the reaction of anhydrous Na2S, antimony, and sulfur in a ratio of 3:2:3 at 870 K. The pale yellow compound is air and moisture sensitive. A microcrystalline sample was obtained after annealing Na3SbS3 for two weeks at 720 K. The crystal structure of Na3SbS3 was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction at 123 K. Na3SbS3 crystallizes in the cubic space group P213 (No. 198) with a = 8.6420(1) Å, V = 645.42(1) Å3 and Z = 4. The structure refinement converged to R = 0.0099 (wR = 0.0181) for 592 independent reflections and 23 parameters. Na3SbS3 is isotypic with Na3AsS3. Sodium atoms are located on three different sites, which show a strongly distorted octahedral coordination sphere of sulfur. The coordination polyhedra of equivalent sodium sites share common vertices, whereas those of different sodium sites share common faces. Antimony and sulfur form trigonal SbS3 pyramids, which coordinate sodium as a mono‐, bi‐, or tridentate ligand. Raman spectroscopic investigations result in stretching modes ν(Sb–S) at 334, 321, and 312 cm–1, respectively. Thermoanalytical studies do not show any additional thermal effects up to the melting point of 875 K. Impedance spectroscopy on Na3SbS3 in a range from 325 to 570 K shows a temperature dependent Na+ conductivity, which is 1.9 × 10–6 Ω–1·cm–1 at 570 K.
Prospective Study of Sensation in Anterior Chest Areas Before and After a Bilateral Axillo‐breast Approach for Endoscopic/Robotic Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Kim Su‐jin , Lee Kyu Eun , Myong Jun Pyo , Koo Do Hoon , Lee Jeonghun , Youn Yeo‐Kyu 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe bilateral axillo‐breast approach for endoscopic/robotic thyroid surgery (BABA) shows good oncologic and surgical outcomes and does not result in neck scars. However, there is concern about potential sensory changes of the skin flaps after BABA, especially of the breast areas. This prospective study was undertaken to evaluate sensory changes in the skin flaps after BABA.Patients and MethodsA total of 19 women (mean age 36.9 ± 8.7; age range 21–51 years) who underwent BABA were enrolled. Skin flap sensory assessments were performed for each patient preoperatively and again at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. The Semmes‐Weinstein monofilament test was used to evaluate the cutaneous light‐pressure thresholds, a biothesiometer was used to evaluate the vibration thresholds, and an infrared thermometer was used to measure skin temperatures of the skin flaps.ResultsThere were changes in the sensations of the anterior chest areas over time, as determined by the Semmes‐Weinstein monofilament test (1.5 vs 4.3 versus 1.4; P < 0.05) and the biothesiometer (26.8 vs 31.2 vs 22.3; P < 0.05). The sensations in the anterior chest areas normalized to preoperative levels at 3 months postoperatively. No significant differences were seen in the infrared thermometer test at any of the time points (36.2 vs 36.2 vs 36.3 °C; P = 0.9927).ConclusionsWhile anterior chest area sensations were changed at 1 month postoperatively, the sensations normalized at 3 months after BABA. These results suggest that BABA has minimal adverse effects on anterior chest area sensation.
Prediction of psychosis in clinical high-risk patients by the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire. Results of the EPOS project
Authors: Salokangas R.K.R. , Dingemans P. , Heinimaa M. , Svirskis T. , Luutonen S. , Hietala J. , Ruhrmann S. , Juckel G. , Graf von Reventlow H. , Linszen D. , Birchwood M. , Patterson P. , Schultze-Lutter F. , Klosterkötter J. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectiveSchizotypal features indicate proneness to psychosis in the general population. It is also possible that they increase transition to psychosis (TTP) among clinical high-risk patients (CHR). Our aim was to investigate whether schizotypal features predict TTP in CHR patients.MethodsIn the EPOS (European Prediction of Psychosis Study) project, 245 young help-seeking CHR patients were prospectively followed for 18 months and their TTP was identified. At baseline, subjects were assessed with the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ). Associations between SPQ items and its subscales with the TTP were analysed in Cox regression analysis.ResultsThe SPQ subscales and items describing ideas of reference and lack of close interpersonal relationships were found to correlate significantly with TTP. The co-occurrence of these features doubled the risk of TTP.ConclusionsPresence of ideas of reference and lack of close interpersonal relations increase the risk of full-blown psychosis among CHR patients. This co-occurrence makes the risk of psychosis very high.
Reactive oxygen species scavenging activities in a chemiluminescence model and neuroprotection in rat pheochromocytoma cells by astaxanthin, beta‐carotene, and canthaxanthin
Authors: Chang Chi‐Sen , Chang Chia‐Lin , Lai Guia‐Hung 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine chemiluminescence (CL) antioxidant activities and neuroprotective effects of astaxanthin, beta‐carotene (β‐carotene), and canthaxanthin on undifferentiated rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. We performed three CL antioxidant assays, and the three carotenoids showed varying degrees of antioxidant activity, with astaxanthin exhibiting the highest antioxidant activity than the other two samples. Results of a pyrogallol–luminol assay revealed β‐carotene to have higher antioxidant activity than canthaxanthin, whereas cupric sulfate–Phen–Vc–hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) assay showed canthaxanthin to have higher antioxidant activity than β‐carotene. Luminol–H2O2 assay showed the antioxidant activity series as canthaxanthin > β‐carotene at 62.5–1000 μg/mL and β‐carotene > canthaxanthin at 1000–4000 μg/mL. Astaxanthin exhibited partial neuroprotective activity against H2O2 and the strongest neuroprotective activity against amyloid beta‐peptide(25–35) [(Aβ)(25–35)]‐induced undifferentiated PC12 cell deaths at 0.5–5.0 μM. Canthaxanthin showed partial neuroprotective activity in Aβ(25–35)‐induced undifferentiated PC12 cell deaths at 1.0–5.0 μM. Astaxanthin protected undifferentiated PC12 cells from the damaging effects of H2O2 and Aβ(25–35) by the following ways: (1) scavenging superoxide anion radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and H2O2; (2) securing cell viability; (3) suppressing the production of reactive oxygen species; and (4) eliminating calcium ion influx. Our results conclusively show that astaxanthin has the merit as a potential neuron protectant.
Control of stationary cross-flow modes in a Mach 3.5 boundary layer using patterned passive and active roughness
Authors: Schuele Chan Yong , Corke Thomas C. , Matlis Eric 
Published: February 2013

AbstractSpanwise-periodic roughness designed to excite selected wavelengths of stationary cross-flow modes was investigated in a three-dimensional boundary layer at Mach 3.5. The test model was a sharp-tipped$1{4}^{\circ } $right-circular cone. The model and integrated sensor traversing system were placed in the Mach 3.5 supersonic low disturbance tunnel (SLDT) equipped with an axisymmetric ‘quiet design’ nozzle at NASA Langley Research Center. The model was oriented at a$4. {2}^{\circ } $angle of attack to produce a mean cross-flow velocity component in the boundary layer over the cone. The research examined both passive and active surface roughness. The passive roughness consisted of indentations (dimples) that were evenly spaced around the cone at an axial location that was just upstream of the first linear stability neutral growth branch for cross-flow modes. The active roughness consisted of an azimuthal array of micrometre-sized plasma actuators that were designed to produce the effect of passive surface bumps. Two azimuthal mode numbers of the passive and active patterned roughness were examined. One had an azimuthal mode number that was in the band of initially amplified stationary cross-flow modes. This was intended to represent a controlled baseline condition. The other azimuthal mode number was designed to suppress the growth of the initially amplified stationary cross-flow modes and thereby increase the transition Reynolds number. The results showed that the stationary cross-flow modes were receptive to both the passive and active patterned roughness. Only the passive roughness was investigated at a unit Reynolds number where transition would occur on the cone. Transition front measurements using the Preston tube approach indicated that the transition Reynolds number had increased by 35 % with the subcritical wavenumber roughness compared with the baseline smooth tip cone, and by 40 % compared with the critical wavenumber roughness. Based on the similarities in the response of the stationary cross-flow modes with the active roughness, we expect it would produce a similar transition delay.
Nonlinear dust–ion acoustic waves in a dusty plasma with non-extensive electrons and ions
Authors: BACHA MUSTAPHA , TRIBECHE MOULOUD 
Published: February 2013

AbstractUsing the reductive perturbation approach, dust–ion acoustic solitons and double layers (DLs) have been studied in a dust–electron–positron–ion (d-e-p-i) plasma composed of q-distributed electrons and positrons, warm fluid ions, and a fraction of immobile dust grains. Existence domains of either solitary waves or DLs are presented and their parametric dependence determined. It is found that particle non-extensivity, dust concentration and positron concentration may drastically affect these existence domains and may play a key role in defining the polarity of these localized structures. Our results should assist in interpreting the nonlinear structures that may occur in astrophysical environments.
Race and Recruitment in the Indian Army: 1880–1918
Authors: ROY KAUSHIK 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIn 1914, the Indian Army was deployed against the enemies of the British Empire. This paper analyses the administrative mechanism as well as the imperial assumptions and attitudes which shaped the recruitment policy of the Indian Army during the First World War. From the late nineteenth century, the Martial Race theory (a bundle of contradictory ideas) shaped the recruitment policy. With certain modifications, this theory remained operational to the first decade of the twentieth century. The construction of the ‘martial races’ enabled the British to play-off different communities against each other to prevent the emergence of a unified anti-British sentiment among the colonized. During the Great War, faced with the rising demands of manpower, the army was forced to modify the Martial Race theory. However, a conscript army did not emerge in British-India. This was due to imperial policies, the inherent social divisions of Indian society, and because the demands for military manpower remained relatively low in comparison to India's demographic resources. Due to innovations in the theory and praxis of recruitment, the volume of recruitment showed a linear increase from 1914 to 1918, with maximum intensification of recruitment occurring during 1917 and 1918. But as the war ended in November 1918, despite the entry of several new communities, the bulk of the Indian Army still came from the traditional martial races.
Worlds beyond Westphalia: Daoist dialectics and the ‘China threat’
Authors: LING L. H. M. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractDiscourse in the US/West that a rising China threatens world order serves no national interest or international purpose. It subscribes only to Westphalian anxieties about the Other. Drawing on Daoist dialectics, this article shows how we can reframe this issue by revealing the complicities that bind even seemingly intractable opposites, thereby undermining the rationale for violence. By recognising the ontological parity between (US/Western) Self and (Chinese/non-Western) Other, we may begin to shift IR/world politics from hegemony to engagement, the ‘tragedy’ of great power politics to the freedom of discovery and creativity.
Pathways to global democracy? Escaping the statist imaginary
Authors: LITTLE ADRIAN , MACDONALD KATE 
Published: February 2013

AbstractCritics of global democracy have often claimed that the social and political conditions necessary for democracy to function are not met at the global level, and are unlikely to be in the foreseeable future. Such claims are usually developed with reference to national democratic institutions, and the social conditions within national democratic societies that have proved important in sustaining them. Although advocates of global democracy have contested such sceptical conclusions, they have tended to accept the method of reasoning from national to global contexts on which they are based. This article critiques this method of argument, showing that it is both highly idealised in its characterisation of national democratic practice, and overly state-centric in its assumptions about possible institutional forms that global democracy might take. We suggest that if aspiring global democrats – and their critics – are to derive useful lessons from social struggles to create and sustain democracy within nation states, a less idealised and institutionally prescriptive approach to drawing global lessons from national experience is required. We illustrate one possible such approach with reference to cases from both national and global levels, in which imperfect yet meaningful democratic practices have survived under highly inhospitable – and widely varying – conditions.