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A 64‐year‐old obese gentleman attended for further evaluation of ongoing dyspnoea in the context of a previous diagnosis of moderate COPD treated with dual long‐acting bronchodilators. A cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) was performed, which demonstrated reduced peak work and oxygen consumption with evidence of dynamic hyperinflation, abnormal gas exchange and ventilatory limitation despite cardiac reserve. The CPET clarified the physiological process underpinning the patient's dyspnoea and limiting the patient's activities. This, in turn, helped the clinician tailor the patient's management plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contrasts in electromagnetic properties between the target feature and surrounding soil are of importance for detection of archaeological features with Ground Penetrating Radar. These vary because of changing climatic conditions and soil type and are currently poorly understood. Long‐term in situ monitoring of apparent relative dielectric permittivity, bulk electrical conductivity and soil temperature over two archaeological ditch features on sites with different soil types (one clay and one free draining) was employed to understand the detection dynamics and processes by which these properties change over time. Results were correlated with geotechnical properties of the soil for both archaeological ditchfills and the surrounding natural soil matrix and previously derived laboratory relationships between water content, temperature and geophysical properties to find the timing and reasons for the optimum geophysical contrasts. Monitoring included two distinct, relatively stable periods: one wet and one dry. In contrast to previous perception that there are significant differences in infiltration between the ditch and surrounding natural soil, time‐lagged correlation analysis showed no significant differences in infiltration speed. The key differences between archaeological and natural soils were the amount of water held in a saturated state, the rates at which the different soils dried and the temperature. Thus, the optimum time for surveys was after a sustained period of several days of hot (>15°C) weather, which accentuates both water content and temperature contrasts. However, on freely draining sites that had a greater difference in the soil texture and therefore water holding capacity between the archaeological and natural soils, the timing is less critical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perennial ryegrass (PRG, Lolium perenne L.) breeding effort in New Zealand (NZ) has increased since c. 1990, resulting in greater functional trait diversity (e.g. heading date, ploidy, and associated Epichloë endophyte strain) in commercial products. This study quantified the variation, associations and interactions in dry matter (DM) yield, nutritive value and persistence‐related traits among commercial cultivar‐endophyte combinations released between 1973 and 2012, as a basis for assessing gains in value being delivered to the pasture‐based livestock industries. Twenty‐four or 28 combinations were compared over 3 years in two trials in each of two regions: Waikato in northern NZ (dryland), and Canterbury in central eastern South Island (irrigated). Cultivar‐endophyte combinations were sown in mixtures with white clover, and pastures were intensively grazed 8–11 times per year by dairy cows. Principal Component Analysis identified 4 distinct clusters for the DM yield variables and for metabolisable energy (ME) content in each of the four trials. A broadly‐adapted group of three late‐season flowering, AR37‐infected diploids with NZ and Spanish breeding backgrounds dominated the highest‐yielding clusters. Tetraploids dominated the high ME content clusters. Interactions with region were observed throughout the data set: the strongest of these was driven by endophyte strain effects in Waikato. High‐yielding cultivar‐endophyte combinations in these trials were also generally high‐yielding in the standard cultivar merit testing system operated in New Zealand, as interpreted via the DairyNZ Forage Value Index. However, alignment was poorer for medium‐ and lower‐yielding cultivar‐endophyte combinations. Several implications for forage evaluation methods and end‐user industries are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) plant breeding has delivered several high performing and broadly adapted cultivar‐endophyte (Epichloë) combinations for the New Zealand pasture‐based livestock industries. However, the trends in key traits and the potential economic value being added to farm systems have not previously been addressed systematically. Rates of gain in yield, nutritive value, phenological and morphological traits, and the economic value of those traits, were estimated among and within ryegrass functional groups (heading date, ploidy) traded commercially between 1973 and 2012. Whole pasture dry matter yield improvements of c. 80 and 60 kg DM/ha per year were identified in in late‐season heading diploids and tetraploids respectively. Trends in metabolisable energy were negative within functional groups, but positive when all cultivar‐endophyte combinations were included in the analysis due to the addition of tetraploids and late‐season heading diploids from the mid‐1990s. The estimated trend in overall economic value (all cultivar‐endophyte combinations included) was $7/ha per year based on DM yield only, about half the rate of gain previously estimated using small‐plot merit testing data. The trend increased to $15/ha per year when ME was included due to the emergence of commercial tetraploids from the early 2000s onwards. Estimated economic gains were high within late‐season heading diploids and tetraploids but not mid‐season diploids. These trends suggest that, if high performing cultivar‐endophyte combinations had been adopted in New Zealand dairy systems, then pasture utilization should have increased by ~1 t DM/ha above the current industry average. Reasons for this apparent discrepancy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) and the Australian and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science (ANZSRS) commissioned a joint position paper on pulmonary function testing during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in July 2021. A working group was formed via an expression of interest to members of both organizations and commenced work in September 2021. A rapid review of the literature was undertaken, with a 'best evidence synthesis' approach taken to answer the research questions formed. This allowed the working group to accept findings of prior relevant reviews or societal document where appropriate. The advice provided is for providers of pulmonary function tests across all settings. The advice is intended to supplement local infection prevention and state, territory or national directives. The working group's key messages reflect a precautionary approach to protect the safety of both healthcare workers (HCWs) and patients in a rapidly changing environment. The decision on strategies employed may vary depending on local transmission and practice environment. The advice is likely to require review as evidence grows and the COVID‐19 pandemic evolves. While this position statement was contextualized specifically to the COVID‐19 pandemic, the working group strongly advocates that any changes to clinical/laboratory practice, made in the interest of optimizing the safety and well‐being of HCWs and patients involved in pulmonary function testing, are carefully considered in light of their potential for ongoing use to reduce transmission of other droplet and/or aerosol borne diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prostate cancer (Pca) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in New Zealand (NZ) men and the third leading cause of cancer deaths. Temporal changes in Pca incidence and mortality have not been reported despite changes in the Pca landscape. This study aims to analyse the temporal trends in Pca with focus on ethnic and regional variations. Methods: The study cohort was identified from the NZ Cancer Registry and the mortality collection databases. Men who were diagnosed with Pca between 2000 and 2018 were included in the incidence analysis. Men who died from Pca between 2000 and 2015 were included in the mortality analysis. Other data collected were ethnicity and geographical information. Pca incidence and mortality were calculated as age‐standardized rates using the 2001 World Health Organization population. Results: A total of 58 966 men were diagnosed (incidence: 105.2 per 100 000) and 14 749 men died (mortality: 49.3 per 100 000) from Pca. When compared to European men, Māori and Asian men had significantly lower Pca incidence. Mortality rates demonstrated a steady decline, which was more prominent until 2010. Māori and Pacific men had higher mortality rates when compared to European men. In most recent years, the difference in mortality is decreasing for Māori but increasing for Pacific men. There were no regional differences in mortality. Conclusion: Pca incidence in NZ has fluctuated over the last 20 years, while mortality rates have shown to steadily decline. Pca mortality was shown to disproportionately affect Māori and Pacific men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To characterise the working arrangements of medical research scientists and support staff in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to evaluate factors (in particular: wearing pyjamas) that influence the self-assessed productivity and mental health of medical institute staff working from home.Design: Prospective cohort survey study, 30 April - 18 May 2020.Setting, Participants: Staff (scientists and non-scientists) and students at five medical research institutes in Sydney, New South Wales.Main Outcome Measures: Self-assessed overall and task-specific productivity, and mental health.Results: The proportions of non-scientists and scientists who wore pyjamas during the day were similar (3% v 11%; P = 0.31). Wearing pyjamas was not associated with differences in self-evaluated productivity, but was significantly associated with more frequent reporting of poorer mental health than non-pyjama wearers while working from home (59% v 26%; P < 0.001). Having children in the home were significantly associated with changes in productivity. Larger proportions of people with toddlers reported reduced overall productivity (63% v 32%; P = 0.008), and reduced productivity in writing manuscripts (50% v 17%; P = 0.023) and data analysis (63% v 23%; P = 0.002). People with primary school children more frequently reported reduced productivity in writing manuscripts (42% v 16%; P = 0.026) and generating new ideas (43% v 19%; P = 0.030). On a positive note, the presence of children in the home was not associated with changes in mental health during the pandemic. In contrast to established researchers, early career researchers frequently reported reduced productivity while working at home.Conclusions: Our findings are probably applicable to scientists in other countries. They may help improve work-from-home policies by removing the stigma associated with pyjama wearing during work and by providing support for working parents and early career researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prescribing physicians should combine e-cigarettes with structured behavioural support to promote tobacco cessation and, ideally, complete nicotine abstinence, rather than seeking to reduce patients' nicotine intake through dual use of e-cigarettes and tobacco cigarettes. Various nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) have been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as safe and effective smoking cessation aids. Keywords: Public health; Policy, drugs and alcohol; Clinical decision-making; Respiratory system agents EN Public health Policy, drugs and alcohol Clinical decision-making Respiratory system agents 14 16 3 01/18/22 20220101 NES 220101 An Australian standard for prescribing e-cigarette nicotine has arrived - are you prepared with the facts?. [Extracted from the article]

The TSANZ develops position statements where insufficient data exist to write formal clinical guidelines. In 2018, the TSANZ addressed the question of potential benefits and health impacts of electronic cigarettes (EC). The working party included groups focused on health impacts, smoking cessation, youth issues and priority populations. The 2018 report on the Public Health Consequences of E‐Cigarettes from the United States NASEM was accepted as reflective of evidence to mid‐2017. A search for papers subsequently published in peer‐reviewed journals was conducted in August 2018. A small number of robust and important papers published until March 2019 were also identified and included. Groups identified studies that extended, modified or contradicted the NASEM report. A total of 3793 papers were identified and reviewed, with summaries and draft position statements developed and presented to TSANZ membership in April 2019. After feedback from members and external reviewers, a collection of position statements was finalized in December 2019. EC have adverse lung effects and harmful effects of long‐term use are unknown. EC are unsuitable consumer products for recreational use, part‐substitution for smoking or long‐term exclusive use by former smokers. Smokers who require support to quit smoking should be directed towards approved medication in conjunction with behavioural support as having the strongest evidence for efficacy and safety. No specific EC product can be recommended as effective and safe for smoking cessation. Smoking cessation claims in relation to EC should be assessed by established regulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forage evaluation indices are available to assist farmer decision‐making on the most appropriate ryegrass cultivars to grow. However, these indices currently take no account of any feeding value trait that reflects the interaction between the animal and the structural and morphological characteristics of the pasture. Information on the feeding value of ryegrass cultivars can be confounded by nutritive value, arising from the relationship between nutritive value and heading date. The objective of this study was to determine the milk production response of dairy cows grazing four perennial ryegrass diploid cultivars: two morphologies within two different heading dates and on three occasions during lactation across two years: late spring, summer and autumn. No consistent phenotypic effect occurred on milk production across the two years. Milk production responses were more closely aligned to energy intake. The sward structure changed physiologically from year 1 to year 2, with a reduction in the ratio of leaf to stem and subsequent increase in stem mass in year 2. Despite this, the relative difference in leaf to stem between mid‐season and late‐season heading dates remained consistent between years and had no effect on milk production. In one year, the apparent dry‐matter intake was higher but it was not possible to determine which sward structure traits or group of traits contributed to this response. We conclude that, at this time, the evidence is insufficient to support inclusion of a phenotypic trait as represented by "feeding value" in forage evaluation indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Abnormal peripheral airway function is an important feature of asthma and relates to asthma symptoms and poor asthma control. We aimed to determine whether peripheral airway function, as measured by forced oscillatory impedance and multiple‐breath nitrogen washout (MBNW), relates to symptom improvement in asthmatic participants with uncontrolled asthma, after stepping up to high‐dose ICS/LABA treatment. Methods: A total of 19 subjects (14 females, mean age: 29.9 ± 13.6 years) with uncontrolled asthma, as defined by an ACQ5 > 1.5, taking 500 μg/day fluticasone equivalent or less, underwent spirometry, plethysmography, fractional exhaled FeNO, forced oscillatory resistance (Rrs5Hz) and reactance (Xrs5Hz), and indices of MBNW ventilation heterogeneity (lung clearance index (LCI), diffusion‐convection‐dependent (Sacin) and convection‐dependent (Scond)). Measurements were made before and after 8 weeks of treatment with fluticasone/formoterol combination inhaler 250/10 μg, 2 puffs twice daily. Results: Treatment improved ACQ5 (P = 0.0002), FEV1 (P = 0.02), FVC (P = 0.04), FeNO (P = 0.0008), Xrs5Hz (P = 0.01), LCI (P = 0.0002), Sacin (P = 0.006) and Scond (P = 0.01). At baseline, ACQ5 correlated with Xrs5Hz (rs = 0.52, P = 0.03) and Rrs5Hz (rs = 0.55, P = 0.02). The improvement in ACQ5 was predicted by more abnormal baseline LCI (P = 0.03), Scond (P = 0.02) and Rrs5Hz (P = 0.006). Baseline Scond was the best predictor of a clinically meaningful improvement in asthma control (ΔACQ > 0.5, ROC‐AUC = 0.91, P = 0.007). Conclusion: Step‐up to high‐dose combination treatment in uncontrolled asthma is associated with improved peripheral airway function as measured by Xrs5Hz and MBNW. Baseline MBNW and FOT parameters correlated with the improvement in symptoms and may predict a positive response to up‐titration in uncontrolled asthmatic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Fixed airflow obstruction (FAO) in asthma occurs despite optimal inhaled treatment and no smoking history, and remains a significant problem, particularly with increasing age and duration of asthma. Increased lung compliance and loss of lung elastic recoil has been observed in older people with asthma, but their link to FAO has not been established. We determined the relationship between abnormal lung elasticity and airflow obstruction in asthma. Methods: Non‐smoking asthmatic subjects aged >40 years, treated with 2 months of high‐dose inhaled corticosteroid/long‐acting beta‐agonist (ICS/LABA), had FAO measured by spirometry, and respiratory system resistance at 5 Hz (Rrs5) and respiratory system reactance at 5 Hz (Xrs5) measured by forced oscillation technique. Lung compliance (K) and elastic recoil (B/A) were calculated from pressure–volume curves measured by an oesophageal balloon. Linear correlations between K and B/A, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC), Rrs5 and Xrs5 were assessed. Results: Eighteen subjects (11 males; mean ± SD age: 64 ± 8 years, asthma duration: 39 ± 22 years) had moderate FAO measured by spirometry ((mean ± SD z‐score) post‐bronchodilator FEV1: −2.2 ± 0.5, FVC: −0.7 ± 1.0, FEV1/FVC: −2.6 ± 0.7) and by increased Rrs5 (median (IQR) z‐score) 2.7 (1.9 to 3.2) and decreased Xrs5: −4.1(−2.4 to −7.3). Lung compliance (K) was increased in 9 of 18 subjects and lung elastic recoil (B/A) reduced in 5 of 18 subjects. FEV1/FVC correlated negatively with K (rs = −0.60, P = 0.008) and Rrs5 correlated negatively with B/A (rs = −0.52, P = 0.026), independent of age. Xrs5 did not correlate with lung elasticity indices. Conclusion: Increased lung compliance and loss of elastic recoil relate to airflow obstruction in older non‐smoking asthmatic subjects, independent of ageing. Thus, structural lung tissue changes may contribute to persistent, steroid‐resistant airflow obstruction.Clinical trial registration: ACTRN126150000985583 at anzctr.org.au (UTN: U1111‐1156‐2795) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited persistence of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) in dairy pastures is a significant issue in parts of New Zealand. The contribution of plant genetic background to this problem is not well understood. Temporal changes were investigated in genotypic and phenotypic composition of two perennial ryegrass cultivars (Nui SE and Alto AR37, older and newer cultivars respectively) sown as fields plots at three locations. Samples from survivor populations collected annually over 6 years from each location were established in a field nursery, analysed by simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and assessed for vigour, leaf morphology and tiller number. SSR‐based estimates of the statistic G′ST indicated no significant (p >.05) genetic differentiation between survivor populations and plants grown from remnant seed (ex‐seed) after 5 years, and no significant change (p >.05) in within‐population genetic diversity for either cultivar at any location. SSR analysis of endophytic fungus (Epichloë festucae var. lolii) type revealed only limited ingress of off‐type ryegrass volunteers into plots at two locations. Vigour scores of survivor plants were not significantly (p >.05) different among plants collected from different locations and ex‐seed plants. Leaves on ex‐seed plants were longer (p <.001) than those on the survivor plants after four but not 6 years and may reflect a short‐term response to climatic conditions experienced in the field nursery. Our results suggest that the reported poor ryegrass persistence is not driven by changes in population genetic structure and that the sown cultivars survived and remained true to type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent years have seen a decline in herbage production and tiller populations in New Zealand's perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) dairy pastures. One hypothesis is that modern genotypes are less suited to the warmer, drier weather experienced under changing climate patterns. In this study, a combination of long‐term trial data (2011–2017) and a process‐based pasture model (BASGRA) was used to explore the causes and possible mitigation of the observed production and population loss at three sites (dryland sites in Northland and Waikato and an irrigated site in Canterbury). Bayesian calibration was used to identify the model parameter sets that were consistent with the trial data and to identify differences in plant morphology and responses between sites. The model successfully simulated the observed differences in tiller numbers between the dryland sites, where populations and production declined rapidly after the second year and the irrigated site where populations and production were maintained. Analysis of the model calibrations along with preliminary scenario simulations suggests that increased tiller mortality associated with drought was the main cause of persistence failure at the dryland sites and that decreasing grazing pressure or breeding for tolerance to higher temperatures may not be successful in preventing this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The accurate modelling of gravity is of crucial importance for a variety of issues including, but not restricted to, the identification of buried objects. Gravity is an unbounded problem, which causes challenges when applying numerical models, i..e.., it results in computational difficulties when specifying the relevant boundary conditions. In order to address this, previous research has tended to generate artificial boundary conditions, e.g., truncating the simulated domain and adding many unrealistic zero‐density layers, which introduces more unknown parameters and unnecessarily excessive computational time. In order to overcome such inaccuracies, this paper proposes an innovative development of the finite element modelling technique, which represents a step change in the field of gravity forward modelling. A comprehensive formulation of an infinite element to reproduce the far‐field boundary effect using only one layer of infinite elements is presented. The developed model considerably reduces the computational time while obtaining high degrees of accuracy. The model is validated against the exact solution of the problem, and its results show an excellent performance. The proposed method can significantly improve the postprocessing and interpretation stages of data analysis relevant to micro‐gravity sensors. The new method is applied to subsurface civil engineering although its applicability is manifold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine a wide range of two-date economies populated by heterogeneous agents with the most common forms of nonexpected utility preferences used in finance and macroeconomics. We demonstrate that the risk premium and the risk-free rate in these models are sensitive to ignoring heterogeneity. This follows because of endogenous withdrawal by nonexpected utility agents from the market for the risky asset. This finding is important precisely because these alternative preferences have frequently been proposed as possible resolutions to various asset pricing puzzles, and they have all been examined exclusively in a representative agent framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ait-Sahalia (1996) and Stanton (1997) use nonparametric estimators applied to short-term interest rate data to conclude that the drift function contains important nonlinearities. We study the finite-sample properties of their estimators by applying them to simulated sample paths of a square-root diffusion. Although the drift function is linear, both estimators suggest nonlinearities of the type and magnitude reported in Ait-Sahalia (1996) and Stanton (1997). Combined with the results of a weighted least squares estimator, this evidence implies that nonlinearity of the short rate drift is not a robust stylized fact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: The reduction of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) in response to methacholine challenge in asthma may reflect two components: airway narrowing, assessed by the change in FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC), and airway closure, assessed by the change in FVC. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree and determinants of airway closure in response to methacholine in a large group of asthmatic patients participating in studies conducted by the American Lung Association‐Airways Clinical Research Centers (ALA‐ACRC). Methods: We used the methacholine challenge data from participants in five studies of the ALA‐ACRC to determine the closing index, defined as the contribution of airway closure to the decrease in FEV1, and calculated as %ΔFVC/%ΔFEV1. Results: There were a total of 936 participants with asthma, among whom the median closing index was 0.67 relative to that of a published healthy population of 0.54. A higher closing index was associated with increased age (10‐year increments) (0.04, 95% CI = 0.02, 0.05, P < 0.005) and obesity (0.07, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.10, P < 0.001). There was no association between the closing index and asthma control. Conclusion: Our findings confirm that airway closure in response to methacholine occurs in a large, diverse population of asthmatic participants, and that increased airway closure is associated with older age and obesity. These findings suggest that therapies targeting airway closure may be important in patients with a high closing index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Obesity produces restrictive effects on lung function. We previously reported that obese patients with asthma exhibit a propensity towards small airway closure during methacholine challenge which improved with weight loss. We hypothesized that increased abdominal adiposity, a key contributor to the restrictive effects of obesity on the lung, mediates this response. This study investigates the effect of body mass index (BMI) versus waist circumference (WC) on spirometric lung function, sensitivity to airway narrowing and closure, and airway closure during bronchoconstriction in patients with asthma. Methods: Participants underwent spirometry and methacholine challenge. Sensitivity to airway closure and narrowing was assessed from the dose–response slopes of the forced vital capacity (FVC) and the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) to FVC, respectively. Airway closure during bronchoconstriction (closing index) was computed as the percent reduction in FVC divided by the percent reduction in FEV1 at maximal bronchoconstriction. Results: A total of 116 asthmatic patients (56 obese) underwent methacholine challenge. Spirometric lung function was inversely related to WC (P < 0.05), rather than BMI. Closing index increased significantly during bronchoconstriction in obese patients and was related to increasing BMI (P = 0.01), but not to WC. Sensitivity to airway closure and narrowing was not associated with BMI or WC. Conclusion: Although WC is associated with restrictive effects on baseline lung function, increased BMI, rather than WC, predisposes to airway closure during bronchoconstriction. These findings suggest that obesity predisposes to airway closure during bronchoconstriction through mechanisms other than simple mass loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article tests a simple consumption-based asset pricing model by approximating the true asset pricing kernel using low-order orthonormal polynomials based on the model's state variables. Approximated kernels based solely on next period's consumption growth are not rejected by overall measures of model fit, but they produce statistically and economically large pricing errors. Approximated kernels based on two quarters of future consumption growth and technology shocks have substantially improved overall fit. In particular, the best of these kernels are capable of eliminating the small firm effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microgravity measurements are a useful tool for detecting subsurface features, especially deep targets or those in conductive ground which lie outside the capabilities of other methods based on electromagnetic signal transmission. However, the method is limited by a range of noise sources including vibrational noise from the environment, one source of which being the microseism noise due to ocean waves. This noise travels through the bedrock and manifests itself in the data. It varies as a function of time and location. The effect of the wave noise on microgravity measurements in the United Kingdom was assessed for the first time using a field gravimeter (Scintrex CG5) and a link was demonstrated between the noise from microgravity measurements and those from a broadband seismometer. As a result, a new method for assessing the impact of this noise on microgravity measurements in the United Kingdom is proposed using readily available data from the continuously monitoring seismic network run by the British Geological Survey to create an accurate nowcast. Knowledge of this noise on the day of survey in conjunction with an approximate signal strength of the expected targets can be used to significantly improve survey planning in terms of the optimal observation time at which surveys for particular targets should be conducted, saving time and money on failed microgravity surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Background and objective: Smokers develop respiratory symptoms and peripheral airway dysfunction even when spirometry is preserved. Multiple breath nitrogen washout (MBNW) and impulse oscillometry system (IOS) are potentially useful measures of peripheral airway function but they have not been compared in such subjects. We hypothesized that MBNW and IOS are jointly abnormal in smokers with normal spirometry and that these abnormalities relate to respiratory symptoms. Methods: Eighty smokers with normal spirometry completed a symptom questionnaire, had ventilation heterogeneity in diffusion (Sacin) and convection‐dependent (Scond) airways and trapped gas volume at functional residual capacity as a percentage of vital capacity (%VtrFRC/VC) measured by MBNW. Respiratory resistance and reactance at 5 and 20 Hz were measured using IOS. Results: Respiratory symptoms were reported in 55 (68%) subjects. Forty (50%) subjects had at least one abnormal MBNW parameter, predominantly in Sacin. Forty‐one (51%) subjects had at least one abnormal IOS parameter, predominantly in resistance. Sixty‐one (76%) subjects had an abnormality in either MBNW or IOS. Chronic bronchitis symptoms were associated with an increased Scond, while wheeze was associated with lower spirometry and an increased resistance. Abnormalities in MBNW and IOS parameters were unrelated to each other. Conclusions: Respiratory symptoms and peripheral airway dysfunction are common in smokers with normal spirometry. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis related to conductive airway abnormalities, while wheeze was related to spirometry and IOS. The clinical significance of abnormalities in peripheral airway function in smokers remains undetermined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In characterizing the data-generating process for excess returns, an investor faces both parameter uncertainty (or 'estimation risk') and specification error. We examine the trade-off between these two effects, in the context of an optimal consumption/portfolio decision problem, by considering a minimal extension of the standard assumption of a linear vector autoregression for excess returns. The key additional assumption in our data-generating process is a positive linear relationship between market volatility and lagged market dividend yields. This simple specification is consistent with a long sample of U.S. data. We show that volatility adjusted rules are substantially less sensitive to variation in dividend yields, and volatility-related specification error is economically significant - even when the decisions are based on sample estimates from data sets of a realistic size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

publisher‐imprint‐name Springer volume‐issue‐count 1 issue‐article‐count 0 issue‐toc‐levels 0 issue‐pricelist‐year 2016 issue‐copyright‐holder The Author(s) issue‐copyright‐year 2016 article‐contains‐esm Yes article‐numbering‐style Unnumbered article‐registration‐date‐year 2016 article‐registration‐date‐month 8 article‐registration‐date‐day 10 article‐toc‐levels 0 toc‐levels 0 volume‐type Regular journal‐product ArchiveJournal numbering‐style Unnumbered article‐grants‐type OpenChoice metadata‐grant OpenAccess abstract‐grant OpenAccess bodypdf‐grant OpenAccess bodyhtml‐grant OpenAccess bibliography‐grant OpenAccess esm‐grant OpenAccess online‐first false pdf‐file‐reference BodyRef/PDF/40169_2016_Article_117.pdf pdf‐type Typeset target‐type OnlinePDF issue‐type Regular article‐type OriginalPaper journal‐subject‐primary Medicine & Public Health journal‐subject‐secondary Medicine/Public Health, general journal‐subject‐collection Medicine open‐access true --> Background: Lung remodeling and pulmonary fibrosis are serious, life‐threatening conditions resulting from diseases such as chronic severe asthma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Preclinical evidence suggests that JNK enzyme function is required for key steps in the pulmonary fibrotic process. However, a selective JNK inhibitor has not been investigated in translational models of lung fibrosis with clinically relevant biomarkers, or in IPF patients. Methods: The JNK inhibitor CC‐930 was evaluated in the house dust mite‐induced fibrotic airway mouse model, in a phase I healthy volunteer pharmacodynamic study, and subsequently in a phase II multicenter study of mild/moderate IPF (n = 28), with a 4‐week, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, sequential ascending‐dose period (50 mg QD, 100 mg QD, 100 mg BID) and a 52‐week open‐label treatment‐extension period. Results: In the preclinical model, CC‐930 attenuated collagen 1A1 gene expression, peribronchiolar collagen deposition, airway mucin MUC5B expression in club cells, and MMP‐7 expression in lung, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and serum. In the phase I study, CC‐930 reduced c‐Jun phosphorylation induced by UV radiation in skin. In the phase II IPF study, there was a CC‐930 dose‐dependent trend in reduction of MMP‐7 and SP‐D plasma protein levels. The most commonly reported adverse events were increased ALT, increased AST, and upper respiratory tract infection (six subjects each, 21.4 %). A total of 13 subjects (46.4 %) experienced adverse events that led to discontinuation of study drug. Nine out of 28 subjects experienced progressive disease in this study. The mean FVC (% predicted) declined after 26–32 weeks at doses of 100 mg QD and 100 mg BID. Changes in MMP‐7, SP‐D, and tenascin‐C significantly correlated with change in FVC (% predicted). Conclusions: These results illustrate JNK enzymatic activity involvement during pulmonary fibrosis, and support systemic biomarker use for tracking disease progression and the potential clinical benefit of this novel intervention in IPF. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01203943 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The short pulse duration, small effective source size and high flux of synchrotron radiation is ideally suited for probing a wide range of transient deformation processes in materials under extreme conditions. In this paper, the challenges of high-resolution time-resolved indirect X-ray detection are reviewed in the context of dynamic synchrotron experiments. In particular, the discussion is targeted at two-dimensional integrating detector methods, such as those focused on dynamic radiography and diffraction experiments. The response of a scintillator to periodic synchrotron X-ray excitation is modelled and validated against experimental data collected at the Diamond Light Source (DLS) and European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF). An upper bound on the dynamic range accessible in a time-resolved experiment for a given bunch separation is calculated for a range of scintillators. New bunch structures are suggested for DLS and ESRF using the highest-performing commercially available crystal LYSO:Ce, allowing time-resolved experiments with an interframe time of 189 ns and a maximum dynamic range of 98 (6.6 bits). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: Smoking; Public health; Respiratory system agents EN Smoking Public health Respiratory system agents 548 548 1 11/14/22 20221115 NES 221115 Competing interests All authors have received funding from funding bodies that are not associated with the tobacco, e-cigarette, or smoking cessation industry. As we stated, there is little evidence for an "ideal" nicotine concentration in e-liquids; however, 18 mg/mL has been shown to reduce nicotine cravings and promote tobacco cessation.3 As mentioned, we strongly advocate for timely follow-up support so nicotine dose can be appropriately adjusted as required for each user.2 Our concerns about nicotine toxicity are well founded. What doctors should consider before prescribing e-liquids for e-cigarettes. [Extracted from the article]

Background and objective There appears to be two distinct clinical phenotypes of obese patients with asthma-those with early-onset asthma and high serum IgE ( TH2-high), and those with late-onset asthma and low serum IgE ( TH2-low). The aim of the present study was to determine in the two phenotypes of obese asthma the effect of weight loss on small airway function. Methods TH2-low ( n = 8) and TH2-high ( n = 5) obese asthmatics underwent methacholine challenge before and 12 months following bariatric surgery. Dose-response slopes as measures of sensitivity to airway closure and narrowing were measured as maximum % fall forced vital capacity ( FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s/ FVC, respectively, divided by dose. Resting airway mechanics were measured by forced oscillation technique. Results Weight loss reduced sensitivity to airway closure in TH2-low but not TH2-high obese asthmatics (pre-post mean change ± 95% confidence interval: 1.8 ± 0.8 doubling doses vs −0.3 ± 1.7 doubling doses, P = 0.04). However, there was no effect of weight loss on the sensitivity to airway narrowing in either group ( P = 0.8, TH2-low: 0.8 ± 1.0 doubling doses, TH2-high: −1.1 ± 2.5 doubling doses). In contrast, respiratory resistance (20 Hz) improved in TH2-high but not in TH2-low obese asthmatics (pre-post change median interquartile range: 1.5 (1.3-2.8) cmH2O/L/s vs 0.6 (−1.8-0.8) cmH2O/L/s, P = 0.03). Conclusions TH2-low obese asthmatics appear to be characterized by increased small airway responsiveness and abnormalities in resting airway function that may persist following weight loss. However, this was not the case for TH2-high obese asthmatics, highlighting the complex interplay between IgE status and asthma pathophysiology in obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective Ventilation heterogeneity ( VH) has been linked to airway responsiveness ( AR) based on various measures of VH involving inert gas washout, forced oscillation and lung imaging. We explore whether VH at baseline, as measured by the simple ratio of single breath alveolar volume to plethysmographically determined total lung capacity ( VA/ TLC), would correlate with AR as measured by methacholine challenge testing. Methods We analysed data from spirometry, lung volumes, diffusing capacity and methacholine challenge to derive the VA/ TLC and the dose-response slope ( DRS) of forced expiratory volume in 1 s ( DRS- FEV1) during methacholine challenge from 136 patients. We separated out airway closure versus narrowing by examining the DRS for forced vital capacity ( DRS-FVC) and the DRS for FEV1/ FVC ( DRS- FEV1/ FVC), respectively. Similarly, we calculated the DRS for s Gaw ( DRS-s Gaw) as another measure of airway narrowing. We performed statistical analysis using Spearman rank correlation and multifactor linear regression using a backward stepwise modelling procedure. Results We found that the DRS- FEV1 correlated with baseline VA/ TLC (rho = −0.26, P < 0.01), and VA/ TLC and FEV1 were independently associated with DRS- FEV1 (R2 = 0.14, P = 0.01). In addition, VA/ TLC was associated with both airway narrowing and closure in response to methacholine. Conclusions These results confirm that baseline VA/ TLC is associated with AR, and reflects both airway closure and airway narrowing following methacholine challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noble gases are useful tracers for constraining groundwater recharge temperature and elevation, critical in determining source areas of groundwater recharge in mountainous terrain. A monitoring network in the alpine Brighton Basin in the Wasatch Mountains of northern Utah, USA, was established to examine the relationship between air temperatures, ground temperatures, and noble gas groundwater recharge temperatures. Maximum noble gas groundwater recharge temperatures computed using the closed-system equilibration model from 25 samples collected over the 2 year period 2007 to 2009 averaged 2.9 ± 1.2°C, within the experimental error of the mean ground temperature of 2.3°C measured within the probable recharge area. Maximum noble gas recharge temperatures vary from 0 to 7°C, also comparable to ground temperature variations in the region. Groundwater ages in the collected samples vary from 0 to 7 years indicating changing flow paths to the collection site during the experiment. Mean ground temperatures in the upper 1m of soil over the 2 year time period is 2.3°C, which is 1°C cooler than the mean surface air temperature extrapolated from a nearby meteorological station. This comparison contradicts an earlier observation that mean annual ground temperatures in central Utah are generally warmer than air temperatures. The offset in the Brighton Basin is explained by modeling a snow effect on ground temperature. This detailed study suggests that interpretation of groundwater recharge temperatures derived from noble gases should be attentive to the complex local ground temperature effects in the recharge areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of microalgae in hypersaline conditions requires that cells accumulate osmoprotectants. In many instances, these are polyols. We isolated the diatom Nitzschia ovalis H. J. Arn. from the saline and alkaline water body Mono Lake (CA, USA). This isolate can grow in salinities ranging from 5 to 120 parts per thousand (ppt) of salt but normally at 90 ppt salinity. In this report, we identified the major polyol osmoprotectant as 1,4/2,5 cyclohexanetetrol by electron ionization-mass spectrometry (EI–MS), 1H, 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and infrared (IR) and showed an increase in cellular concentration in response to rising salinity. This increase in the cyclitol concentration was evaluated by gas chromatography of the derived tetraacetylated cyclohexanetetrol obtaining an average of 0.7 fmol · cell−1 at 5 ppt and rising to 22.5 fmol · cell−1 at 120 ppt. The 1,4/2,5 cyclohexanetetrol was also detected in the red alga Porphyridium purpureum. Analysis of the free amino acid content in N. ovalis cultures exposed to changes in salinity showed that proline and lysine also accumulate with increased salinity, but the cellular concentration of these amino acids is about 10-fold lower than the concentration of 1,4/2,5 cyclohexanetetrol. The comparison of amino acid concentration per cell with cyclitol suggests that this polyol is important in compensating the cellular osmotic pressure due to increased salinity, but other physiological functions could also be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Vulpia ( Vulpia bromoides and V. myuros) and barley grass Hordeum murinum are prevalent annual grass weeds of native grasslands and grazed pastures in temperate climates, for which more effective control strategies are needed. Annual grass weeds can negatively impact natural grassland ecosystem function, in addition to causing productivity loss in agricultural systems. 2. We investigated the effects of gap size, time of sowing, grazing method (continuous or rotational grazing) and species sown in the gap (vulpia and/or barley grass) on vulpia and barley grass panicle production and intrinsic rate of population growth (λ) in southern Australian pastures. From these data, we estimated the critical gap size below which vulpia and barley grass populations would decline (λ < 1). 3. Panicle production declined rapidly with decreasing gap size, particularly in rotationally grazed pastures. Barley grass produced more panicles than vulpia in some treatments, while time of sowing, and sowing these annual species in mixture had little effect on panicle production. 4. The rate of population growth (λ) increased with gap size, but at the same rate in rotationally and continuously grazed pastures. There was no effect of annual species treatment (vulpia or barley grass) or time of sowing on the rate of population growth. The critical gap diameter was 0·04 cm and 2·31 cm for continuously and rotationally grazed pastures, respectively. 5. A sensitivity analysis showed that reducing plant fecundity (seeds plant−1) and propagule survival prior to seedling establishment by 60% could increase the critical gap diameter by 1·8 cm. 6. Synthesis and applications. The results of this study highlight the importance of minimizing bare ground throughout autumn and winter to suppress annual grass weed population growth, as λ was unaffected by time of sowing. Estimates of λ and the critical gap diameter show that rotational grazing will better control weedy annual grasses than continuous grazing. Further, similar sensitivities of the critical gap diameter to fecundity and propagule survival prior to establishment lend support to weed management strategies that focus on reducing both fecundity and propagule survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single polypeptide subunit, Caf1, polymerizes to form a dense, poorly defined structure (F1 capsule) on the surface of Yersinia pestis. The caf-encoded assembly components belong to the chaperone–usher protein family involved in the assembly of composite adhesive pili, but the Caf1M chaperone itself belongs to a distinct subfamily. One unique feature of this subfamily is the possession of a long, variable sequence between the F1 β-strand and the G1 subunit binding β-strand (FGL; F1 β-strand to G1 β-strand long). Deletion and insertion mutations confirmed that the FGL sequence was not essential for folding of the protein but was absolutely essential for function. Site-specific mutagenesis of individual residues identified Val-126, in particular, together with Val-128 as critical residues for the formation of a stable subunit–chaperone complex and the promotion of surface assembly. Differential effects on periplasmic polymerization of the subunit were also observed with different mutants. Together with the G1 strand, the FGL sequence has the potential to form an interactive surface of five alternating hydrophobic residues on Caf1M chaperone as well as in seven of the 10 other members of the FGL subfamily. Mutation of the absolutely conserved Arg-20 to Ser led to drastic reduction in Caf1 binding and surface assembled polymer. Thus, although Caf1M–Caf1 subunit binding almost certainly involves the basic principle of donor strand complementation elucidated for the PapD–PapK complex, a key feature unique to the chaperones of this subfamily would appear to be capping via high-affinity binding of an extended hydrophobic surface on the respective single subunits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]