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The aim of the study was to examine the effect of Turkish adolescents' social appearance anxiety on their perception of their appearance-related social media consciousness. This cross-sectional and descriptive study involved 364 adolescents aged 15–18 years. The study used a demographic information form, the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS) and the Appearance-Related Social Media Consciousness Scale (ASMC). The data were analysed using descriptive analyses, independent groups t -test, one-way ANOVA test, Tukey post hoc test, point bi-serial and Pearson correlation analysis. It was found that adolescents' social appearance anxiety predicts their perceptions of their appearance-related social media consciousness, and as adolescents' social appearance anxiety levels increase, there may be a 54.4 % increase in their appearance-related social media consciousness. The results of the study show that social appearance anxiety in adolescents also leads to negative perceptions of their appearance-related social media consciousness. By liaising with psychiatric nurses, school teachers and school psychological counsellors, paediatric nurses can educate adolescents about the potential risks of excessive social media use, social appearance anxiety and perception of appearance on social media, and help them to be aware and act consciously. School-based interventions can be implemented to educate adolescents, especially girls, about healthy use of social media. • A significant relationship was identified between social appearance anxiety and appearance-related social media consciousness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2008.10.024 Byline: Robert Hodyss, Paul V. Johnson, Julie V. Stern, Jay D. Goguen, Isik Kanik Keywords: Ices; Ices; IR spectroscopy; Satellites; surfaces; Photochemistry Abstract: We report a study on the broadband ultraviolet photolysis of methane-water ice mixtures, at low methane concentrations and temperatures relevant to the icy satellites of the outer Solar System. The photochemistry of these mixtures is dominated by the action of hydroxyl radicals on methane and the resulting products. This implies that, given sufficient exposure time, the methane will eventually be completely oxidized to carbon dioxide. The presence of methane inhibits the formation of hydrogen peroxide by serving as a trap for hydroxyl radicals. The distribution of photochemical products is broadly similar to that previously conducted using ion and electron sources, with some differences possibly attributable to the difference in radiation source. The results are applicable to a variety of icy bodies in the Solar System. On Enceladus, where methane mixed with water is measured in the plumes, methane in the surface ices is subject to oxidation and will eventually be converted to CO.sub.2. The CH stretch feature detected in the VIMS spectra of the Enceladus surface ice suggests that methane is currently being supplied to the surface ice, likely from re-condensation of the plume gas. Author Affiliation: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Mail Stop 183-301, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109-8099, USA Article History: Received 25 July 2008; Revised 29 October 2008; Accepted 31 October 2008

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2008.03.023 Byline: Robert Hodyss, Jay D. Goguen, Paul V. Johnson, Colin Campbell, Isik Kanik Keywords: Ices; Satellite; surfaces; Enceladus; Atmospheres; composition Abstract: We vapor deposit at 20 K a mixture of gases with the specific Enceladus plume composition measured in situ by the Cassini INMS [Waite, J.H., Combi, M.R., Ip, W.H., Cravens, T.E., McNutt, R.L., Kasprzak, W., Yelle, R., Luhmann, J., Niemann, H., Gell, D., Magee, B., Fletcher, G., Lunine, J., Tseng, W.L., 2006. Science 311, 1419-1422] to form a mixed molecular ice. As the sample is slowly warmed, we monitor the escaping gas quantity and composition with a mass spectrometer. Pioneering studies [Schmitt, B., Klinger, J., 1987. Different trapping mechanisms of gases by water ice and their relevance for comet nuclei. In: Rolfe, E.J., Battrick, B. (Eds.), Diversity and Similarity of Comets. SP-278. ESA, Noordwijk, The Netherlands, pp. 613-619; Bar-Nun, A., Kleinfeld, I., Kochavi, E., 1988. Phys. Rev. B 38, 7749-7754; Bar-Nun, A., Kleinfeld, I., 1989. Icarus 80, 243-253] have shown that significant quantities of volatile gases can be trapped in a water ice matrix well above the temperature at which the pure volatile ice would sublime. For our Enceladus ice mixture, a composition of escaping gases similar to that detected by Cassini in the Enceladus plume can be generated by the sublimation of the H.sub.2O:CO.sub.2:CH.sub.4:N.sub.2 mixture at temperatures between 135 and 155 K, comparable to the high temperatures inferred from the CIRS measurements [Spencer, J.R., Pearl, J.C., Segura, M., Flasar, F.M., Mamoutkine, A., Romani, P., Buratti, B.J., Hendrix, A.R., Spilker, L.J., Lopes, R.M.C., 2006. Science 311, 1401-1405] of the Enceladus 'tiger stripes.' This suggests that the gas escape phenomena that we measure in our experiments are an important process contributing to the gases emitted from Enceladus. A similar experiment for ice deposited at 70 K shows that both the processes of volatile trapping and release are temperature dependent over the temperature range relevant to Enceladus. Author Affiliation: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Mail Stop 183-601, Pasadena, CA 91109-8099, USA Article History: Received 8 January 2008; Revised 26 March 2008

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2007.10.005 Byline: Robert Hodyss, Paul V. Johnson, Grazyna E. Orzechowska, Jay D. Goguen, Isik Kanik Keywords: Ices; Ices; IR spectroscopy; Satellites; surfaces; Photochemistry Abstract: The mid-infrared spectra of mixed vapor deposited ices of CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2O were studied as a function of both deposition temperature and warming from 15 to 100 K. The spectra of ices deposited at 15 K show marked changes on warming beginning at 60 K. These changes are consistent with CO.sub.2 segregating within the ice matrix into pure CO.sub.2 domains. Ices deposited at 60 and 70 K show a greater degree of segregation, as high as 90% for 1:4 CO.sub.2:H.sub.2O ice mixtures deposited at 70 K. As the ice is warmed above 80 K, preferential sublimation of the segregated CO.sub.2 is observed. The kinetics of the segregation process is also examined. The segregation of the CO.sub.2 as the ice is warmed corresponds to temperatures at which the structure of the water ice matrix changes from the high density amorphous phase to the low density amorphous phase. We show how these microstructural changes in the ice have a profound effect on the photochemistry induced by ultraviolet irradiation. These experimental results provide a framework in which observations of CO.sub.2 on the icy bodies of the outer Solar System can be considered. Author Affiliation: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109-8099, USA Article History: Received 25 June 2007; Revised 11 October 2007

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2007.08.019 Byline: Susanne Douglas, William Abbey, Randall Mielke, Pamela Conrad, Isik Kanik Keywords: Astrobiology; Mars; surface; Mineralogy; Geological processes Abstract: For in situ astrobiological studies of Mars or other planets, we must employ strategies that will enable us to verify whether our approach and prototype instruments are actually capable of distinguishing life from non-life. This must be done against a background of rigorously conducted scientific characterization of the environment or sample types being considered for measurement by the instruments under development. In this study we show how a combination of mineralogical and textural features can be considered a biosignature in an early Mars analogue environment, Death Valley, California. We propose that it is a combination of features in context of the geologic matrix which allows determination of biogenicity to be made. Polymineralic microbialites (organosedimentary formations constructed by microorganisms) from a spring pool at Badwater, within Death Valley National Park, are composed of alternating biogenic and abiogenic minerals in a distinct triplet sequence related to wet and dry seasons. A microbial community, occurring as a black biofilm, produced paired layers of two different mineral types: manganese oxyhydroxides and calcite. These biogenic layers are separated from the next pair by a gypsum layer and appear to be laid down in the wet season, with the gypsum (a mineral positively identified on Mars) precipitating in the dry part of the year, abiogenically (i.e., not dependent on microbial metabolic activity for its deposition). In addition, textural features (smaller grain size and less geometric morphology) unique to the biogenic vs the abiogenic layers, were consistently observed so that texture served as a biosignature in this environment. Author Affiliation: California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, MS 183-301, 4800 Oak Grove Dr., Pasadena, CA 91109-8099, USA Article History: Received 9 October 2006; Revised 10 August 2007

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2006.10.018 Byline: Grazyna E. Orzechowska, Jay D. Goguen, Paul V. Johnson, Alexandre Tsapin, Isik Kanik Keywords: Ices; Exobiology; Organic chemistry; Satellites; surfaces; Europa Abstract: We report the rates of decomposition by ultraviolet (UV) photolysis of four amino acids in millimeter-thick crystalline water ice matrices at 100 K to constrain the survivability of these important organic molecules within ice lying near the surfaces of outer Solar System bodies. We UV-irradiated crystalline ice samples containing known concentrations of the amino acids glycine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and phenylalanine, then we measured the surviving concentrations using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. From these experiments, we determine photolytic decomposition rates and half-lives. The half-life varies linearly with the ice thickness for all acids studied here. For example, glycine is the most resistant to photolytic destruction with a half-life of 50, 12, and 3.7 h in 1.6, 0.28, and 0.14 mm thick ices, respectively. We explain this linear variation of half-life with thickness as a consequence of extinction, mostly due to scattering, within these macroscopically thick ice samples. Applied to low latitude surface ice on Jupiter's satellite Europa, this analysis indicates that the concentration of any of these amino acids within the top meter of similar ice will be halved within a [approximately equal to]10 year timescale. Author Affiliation: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Mail Stop 183-601, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109-8099, USA Article History: Received 30 June 2006; Revised 1 September 2006

In this study, we determined the consistency of support elements from empirical rock mass classification systems, to obtain optimum support elements via comparative numerical analyses. For this purpose, the Macka tunnel, on the Trabzon-Gumushane highway and still under construction, was selected as the study area. Along the tunnel route, Late Cretaceous-aged Catak, Macka and Esiroglu Formations crop out. All the formations are cut by a Late Cretaceous Kackar Rhyodacite. Laboratory and field studies were done to determine the properties of the rock material and discontinuities. The results were used to define rock mass properties. Preliminary support systems were defined by using Rock Mass Rating (RMR), Rock Mass Quality (Q) and Rock Mass Index (RMi) systems, respectively. The suggested support elements of all classification systems were in turn evaluated using the Finite Elements Method (FEM), allowing the thickness of the plastic zone and total displacement values to be determined. Results of the analyses showed that it is possible to remove the instabilities around the tunnel section by applying lower numbers of support elements. When using the support systems from the numerical analyses it was found that the optimum support systems were compatible with the support systems suggested by the RMi system. Besides, when the shotcrete strength was increased to 40 MPa, the displacements and thickness of the plastic zone around the tunnel could be reduced to minimal values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Low back pain is among the most common musculoskeletal system disorders. Outcome measures are needed for the measurement of function, to establish a treatment program, and for monitoring the improvement in low back pain. There exist several questionnaires enquiring about function in low back pain. One of these is Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire, whose reliability and validity were previously established. Other than the original version of the questionnaire, only its Persian version exists. The present study aims to investigate the cross-cultural adaptation, reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire.Methods: The study included 103 patients with low back pain. For reliability assessment of the questionnaire, test-retest and internal consistency analyses were performed. The results of test-retest analysis were assessed by Intraclass Correlation Coefficient method. For internal consistency, Cronbach Alpha value was used. Validity analyses of the questionnaire were performed by construct validity. For construct validity, convergent validity was tested. Convergent validity of the questionnaire was calculated via its correlation with suitable subscales of the Short Form-36 and the total score of the Oswestry Disability Index by using Pearson's correlation coefficient.Results: Intraclass Correlation Coefficient values for test-retest reliability were found to be in the range of 0.765-0.924, which indicate a sufficient level of test-retest reliability. Cronbach's Alpha value was found to be 0.804 indicating a high internal consistency. Pearson's correlation coefficient between Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire to Short Form-36 and Oswestry Disability Index values were ranged between 0.424 and -0.810, indicating a good correlation.Conclusions: Considering all these data, it was concluded that the Turkish version of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire is valid and reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main goals of severe accident management strategies is to maintain containment integrity to prevent radioactive release into the environment. As a result, containment internal loads need to be investigated during a postulated accident. In the present study, short-term containment thermal-hydraulic (TH) parameters of a VVER-1000/V446 reactor are analysed during a LB-LOCA. To achieve this goal, in the first step as-built 3D structure of VVER-1000/V446 containment was modelled in detail by using AutoCAD. The AutoCAD model has been processed to be prepared for GOTHIC 3D input. Meanwhile, an equivalent GOTHIC lumped parameter (LP) model is also prepared to validate the modelling procedure and results against the FSAR. Finally, LP profiles and 3D TH contour results of GOTHIC code were presented and discussed. LP results show a close agreement with FSAR reference and can approve the accuracy of the simulation procedure. 3D contours present all-coordinate detailed TH parameters versus time inside the containment. Spatial distribution of TH parameters and minor short-term effects of spray as Engineering Safety Features (ESFs) to tackle the containment pressurization can be evaluated by employing these contours. 3D simulation results can provide advantages for the precise locating and installation of ESFs in design and operation to achieve the highest efficiency in case of containment accident. • 3D simulation of Thermal-Hydraulic parameters inside VVER-1000 containment. • As-built 3D modelling of a unique VVER-1000/V446 containment structure using CAD. • The capability of detecting compartment hot spots using resulted 3D contours. • Evaluating Lumped Parameter and 3D simulation methods pros and cons. • Benchmarking the LP and volume-averaged 3D results against FSAR reference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to highlight the importance of the numerical approach in realistic support design for tunneling. The Macka Tunnel, which is planned to be constructed between the Trabzon-Gumushane highways, located in the Northeastern Turkey, was selected for a field study. The lithology of the study area consists of Late Cretaceous-aged sedimentary rocks, known as the Catak and Esiroglu formations, and the Late Cretaceous-aged Kackar Rhyodacite. In order to determine the geotechnical properties of rock masses and intact rocks, field and laboratory studies were carried out. The rock masses were classified in terms of the Rock Mass Rating (RMR) using the versions of RMR 89 and RMR 14 and then the preliminary support systems for the tunnel were determined, accordingly. The support systems obtained from the RMR versions were analyzed using the finite element method (FEM). The maximum total displacement and the maximum thickness of plastic zone occurred around the Macka Tunnel after installation the support systems suggested by the RMR 89 and RMR 14 versions were compared to determine which the RMR version suggests more realistic support system. The results showed that the support systems obtained from the RMR 14 version suggests more realistic support element for fair rock masses and great horizontal stress values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether plasma levels of amino-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) could differentiate between heart failure and lung disease among infants with acute bronchiolitis. Methods: Sixty-eight infants (age range, 1-26 months; median age, 5.9 ± 5.0 months) who presented with respiratory distress underwent physical examination, plasma BNP measurement, and echocardiography within 24 hours after admission. Nineteen (28%) patients had congenital heart disease. The control group was consisted of 30 healthy infants. Results: Although mean plasma BNP levels were 118.9 ± 219.5 pg/mL in patients with isolated bronchiolitis (n = 49), it was 841.2 ± 1475.8 pg/mL in patients with congenital heart disease (n = 19). Plasma BNP levels were significantly higher in infants with congenital heart disease (P = .001). Conclusion: It was shown that plasma BNP levels were affected much more in cardiac disease rather than lung disease. Among infants with respiratory distress, plasma BNP measurements can differentiate congenital heart disease and lung disease and can be used to monitor the effects of treatment for infants with heart failure. Response To Reviewers: The comments were taken for consideration. The patient groups control BNP levels were attached to the results. As it was a clinical study and multiple factors (respiratory score, respiratory rate, treatment, etc) may effect on BNP levels, the tables could not be decreased to 1 table. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel amperometric biosensor based on a conducting polymer using multi walled carbon nanotube modified electrode was developed for detection of organophosphorus pesticides. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was successfully immobilized by covalent linkage on the modified graphite electrode. Carbon nanotubes were functionalized by electrochemical treatment. A conducting polymer; poly(4-(2,5-di(thiophen-2-yl)-1 H -pyrrol-1-yl)benzenamine) (poly(SNS-NH 2 )) was synthesized via electropolymerization to examine its matrix properties for biomolecule immobilization. This strategy enhanced electron transfer rate at a lower potential (+100 mV vs. Ag reference) and catalyzed electrochemical oxidation of acetylthiocholine effectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), contact angle measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) techniques were used to monitor changes in surface morphologies and electrochemical characterizations. The proposed biosensor design offered a fast response time (6 s), a wide linear range (0.05 mM and 8.00 mM) and a low detection limit (0.09 mM) with a high sensitivity (24.16 μA mM −1 cm −2 ) for acetylthiocholine. The inhibition responses of paraoxon, parathion and chlorfenvinphos on the enzymatic activity of AChE were detected. The fabricated biosensor was tested for the detection of pesticides in fortified tap water samples. The results were found to be in good agreement with the ones determined by HPLC/DAD technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Synthesis of a novel flexible hydrophilic polyphosphazene polymer. [•] Covalent binding using polyphosphazene and conducting polymer for efficient enzyme immobilization. [•] Effective application for the determination of glucose content in commercial beverages. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Synthesis of a novel monomer for production of a functional conducting polymer. [•] Covalent immobilization for excellent enzyme immobilization. [•] Sensitive and reliable alcohol biosensor. [•] Effective application for the determination of ethanol in commercial alcoholic beverages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Combination of nanoparticles and biomolecules attracted considerable attention in biosensing applications. In this study, effective surface design was investigated by modifying the electrode surface with pristine and functionalized gold nanoparticles. For this purpose, spherical gold nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized with UV–vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. Then, gold nanoparticles were modified with mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) yielding Au–S bonds (Au NPs/MPA). Moreover, a novel functional monomer, 6-(4,7-bis(2,3-dihydrothieno [3,4-b][1,4]dioxin-5-yl)-2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-2-yl)hexan-1-amine (BEDOA-6), was synthesized and used as an immobilization matrix for glucose biosensor. After successful electrochemical deposition of the polymer; poly(BEDOA-6) on graphite electrodes, immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOx) was carried out covalently with the help of crosslinking agent. During immobilization, Au NPs and Au NPs/MPA were used in biosensor fabrication in order to achieve the most effective surface design for target biosensor. In addition, SEM and fluorescence analyses were utilized to characterize the surface properties. The biosensor shows a wide linear range between 0.025 mM and 1.25 mM glucose concentration with a low detection limit of 0.025 mM. Also, kinetic parameters, operational and storage stabilities were determined. Finally, the biosensor was tested on beverages for glucose detection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An amperometric acetylcholine biosensor was prepared by the generation of the conducting polymer poly(4-(2,5-di(thiophen-2-yl)-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)benzenamine) (poly(SNS-NH2)) on graphite electrodes. For pesticide detection, the enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and choline oxidase (ChO) were co-immobilized onto the conducting polymer poly(SNS-NH2) films using covalent binding technique. Electrochemical polymerization was carried out using a three-electrode cell configuration via cyclic voltammetry. Characterization of resulting acetylcholine biosensor was done in terms of optimum pH, enzyme loading, range of linear response and shelf-life. Linear range was 0.12–10mM and shelf-life 4 weeks. Sensitivity was calculated as 2.19μAmM−1 cm−2. The designed biosensor was tested for the determination of paraoxon-ethyl in spiked tap water samples. The results were compared with a conventional quantification method using HPLC–DAD. Linear correlation of the quantification results with both methods (R 2 =0.998) was obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] A novel conducting copolymer for biosensor fabrication. [•] Combination of two surface characteristics for beneficial enzyme immobilization. [•] Sensitive, reliable and long-life cholesterol biosensor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Atmospheric water adsorbed onto clay mineral surfaces, of smectite group minerals in particular, can contaminate hydrogen released from structural hydroxyl groups during hydrogen-isotope analysis. Interlayer cation composition and cation hydration enthalpy, in particular, can affect the magnitude of this excess hydrogen yield and hence the hydrogen isotope composition (δ 2H) of smectites. To evaluate this problem, δ 2H of different cation-saturated (Ca2+, Na+, K+), dried forms of six smectite standards from the Clay Minerals Society Source Clays were measured using a modified sample drying and on-line High-Temperature-Conversion-Elemental-Analysis (TCEA) Continuous-Flow-Isotope-Ratio-Mass-Spectrometry (CF-IRMS) protocol. More negative interlayer cation hydration enthalpies (Ca2+ > Na+ > K+) led to higher residual adsorbed water contents, which produced poorer δ 2H reproducibility for the determination of smectite hydroxyl hydrogen. The lowest adsorbed water contribution and the most reproducible and possibly accurate δ 2H for smectite hydroxyl hydrogen was obtained for K-saturated smectites dried for both 4 and 24 h at 220 °C prior to isotopic analysis and transferred to a "Zero-Blank" autosampler in ≤2.5 min. This approach provided the lowest measurement error for hydroxyl δ 2H and facilitated much greater sample throughput than classical methods for smectitic clays. This study proposes a protocol for hydroxyl δ 2H determination in smectitic clay minerals, and reveals the effect of H-isotope fractionation of adsorbed water during sample preparation. • Smectite hydroxyl hydrogen isotopes (δ 2H OH) is impacted by interlayer cation type. • Dehydration without hydroxyl loss from K-saturated smectites dried at 220 °C for 4 h. • Ca-saturated smectites retain strongly bound water after heating at 220 °C for 24 h. • K-saturated smectite is best for δ 2H OH analysis using the described method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Rationale: To evaluate bacterial colonization and the airway inflammatory response, and its relationship to the frequency of exacerbation in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: Quantitative bacteriologic cultures, neutrophil elastase, myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-8 were measured in bronchoalveoler lavage (BAL) in 39 patients with stable COPD [19 with frequent exacerbation (⩾3/year), and 20 with infrequent] and in 18 healthy controls (10 smokers and 8 non-smokers). Results: BAL revealed the microorganisms with potential pathogenicity above the established threshold (⩾103 cfu/ml) in 68.4% of patients with frequent exacerbation, 55% of infrequent exacerbation, 40% of smokers and 12.5% of non-smokers controls (). BAL MPO, IL-8 and TNF-α levels were found to be significantly higher in COPD as compared to controls (). However, only IL-8 level was significantly higher in COPD patients with frequent exacerbation as compared to infrequent (). Airway bacterial load correlated with levels of airway inflammation markers in COPD (). Conclusion: The bacterial load and airway inflammation contributes to each other in stable COPD. However, there is a link only between interleukine (IL)-8 and frequent exacerbations. Clearly, the relationship between bacterial colonization, airway inflammation and frequent exacerbations is of major importance in understanding of the COPD pathogenesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]