bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of incremental amounts of fish oil in the diet on ruminal lipid metabolism in growing steers
Authors: Shingfield K. J. , Lee M. R. F. , Humphries D. J. , Scollan N. D. , Toivonen V. , Reynolds C. K. , Beever D. E.
Published: March 2010

Based on the potential benefits to human health, there is interest in developing sustainable nutritional strategies to enhance the concentration of long-chainn-3 fatty acids in ruminant-derived foods. Four Aberdeen Angus steers fitted with rumen and duodenal cannulae were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square experiment with 21 d experimental periods to examine the potential of fish oil (FO) in the diet to enhance the supply of 20 : 5n-3 and 22 : 6n-3 available for absorption in growing cattle. Treatments consisted of total mixed rations based on maize silage fed at a rate of 85 g DM/kg live weight0·75/d containing 0, 8, 16 and 24 g FO/kg diet DM. Supplements of FO reduced linearly (P < 0·01) DM intake and shifted (P < 0·01) rumen fermentation towards propionate at the expense of acetate and butyrate. FO in the diet enhanced linearly (P < 0·05) the flow oftrans-16 : 1,trans-18 : 1,trans-18 : 2, 20 : 5n-3 and 22 : 6n-3, and decreased linearly (P < 0·05) 18 : 0 and 18 : 3n-3 at the duodenum. Increases in the flow oftrans-18 : 1 were isomer dependent and were determined primarily by higher amounts oftrans-11 reaching the duodenum. In conclusion, FO alters ruminal lipid metabolism of growing cattle in a dose-dependent manner consistent with an inhibition of ruminal biohydrogenation, and enhances the amount of long-chainn-3 fatty acids at the duodenum, but the increases are marginal due to extensive biohydrogenation in the rumen.
Markers of cardiovascular risk are not changed by increased whole-grain intake: the WHOLEheart study, a randomised, controlled dietary intervention
Authors: Brownlee Iain A. , Moore Carmel , Chatfield Mark , Richardson David P. , Ashby Peter , Kuznesof Sharron A. , Jebb Susan A. , Seal Chris J.
Published: March 2010

Recommendations for whole-grain (WG) intake are based on observational studies showing that higher WG consumption is associated with reduced CVD risk. No large-scale, randomised, controlled dietary intervention studies have investigated the effects on CVD risk markers of substituting WG in place of refined grains in the diets of non-WG consumers. A total of 316 participants (aged 18–65 years; BMI>25 kg/m2) consuming < 30 g WG/d were randomly assigned to three groups: control (no dietary change), intervention 1 (60 g WG/d for 16 weeks) and intervention 2 (60 g WG/d for 8 weeks followed by 120 g WG/d for 8 weeks). Markers of CVD risk, measured at 0 (baseline), 8 and 16 weeks, were: BMI, percentage body fat, waist circumference; fasting plasma lipid profile, glucose and insulin; and indicators of inflammatory, coagulation, and endothelial function. Differences between study groups were compared using a random intercepts model with time and WG intake as factors. Although reported WG intake was significantly increased among intervention groups, and demonstrated good participant compliance, there were no significant differences in any markers of CVD risk between groups. A period of 4 months may be insufficient to change the lifelong disease trajectory associated with CVD. The lack of impact of increasing WG consumption on CVD risk markers implies that public health messages may need to be clarified to consider the source of WG and/or other diet and lifestyle factors linked to the benefits of whole-grain consumption seen in observational studies.
Linseed oil in the maternal diet increases long chain-PUFA status of the foetus and the newborn during the suckling period in pigs
Authors: de Quelen Francine , Boudry Gaëlle , Mourot Jacques
Published: March 2010

Linseed oil, being rich in 18 : 3n-3, represents an alternative source ofn-3 PUFA in the maternal diet. However, little is known about the effect of this oil on the long chainn-3 PUFA composition of offspring, which are required for normal growth and maturation of numerous organs. The main objective of the experiment was therefore to investigate fatty acid composition of tissues from sows at the end of gestation and from piglets during the first week of postnatal life in response to maternal dietary linseed oil intake. Sows received either a lard (LAR)-based diet or a linseed oil (LSO)-based diet during gestation and lactation. Fatty acid composition was evaluated in sow plasma, placenta and milk, and in different tissues of piglets on days 0, 3, 7, 21 and 32. The LSO diet increased the proportions ofn-3PUFA and especially 22 : 6n-3 in the placenta. The carcass of LSO piglets at birth contained greater proportions of 20 : 5n-3, 22 : 5n-3 and 22 : 6n-3. The LSO sow milk exhibited greater proportions of 18 : 3n-3compared with the LAR sow milk. The piglets suckling LSO sows had greater proportions of 18 : 3n-3, 20 : 5n-3 and 22 : 5n-3 in plasma and carcass. The proportions of 22 : 5n-3 and 22 : 6n-3 were greater in the brain of LSO piglets than in that of LAR piglets during the suckling period. In conclusion, LSO in the maternal diet during gestation and lactation increases 22 : 6n-3 concentrations in the placenta and in the foetus carcass, and it maintains 22 : 6n-3 concentrations in the brain during the first week of postnatal life.
Effects of an acute α-lactalbumin manipulation on mood and food hedonics in high- and low-trait anxiety individuals
Authors: Verschoor Ellen , Finlayson Graham , Blundell John , Markus C. Rob , King Neil A.
Published: March 2010

Serotonergic hypofunction is associated with a depressive mood state, an increased drive to eat and preference for sweet (SW) foods. High-trait anxiety individuals are characterised by a functional shortage of serotonin during stress, which in turn increases their susceptibility to experience a negative mood and an increased drive for SW foods. The present study examined whether an acute dietary manipulation, intended to increase circulating serotonin levels, alleviated the detrimental effects of a stress-inducing task on subjective appetite and mood sensations, and preference for SW foods in high-trait anxiety individuals. Thirteen high- (eleven females and two males; anxiety scores 45·5 (sd5·9); BMI 22·9 (sd3·0)kg/m2) and twelve low- (ten females and two males; anxiety scores 30·4 (sd4·8); BMI 23·4 (sd2·5) kg/m2) trait anxiety individuals participated in a placebo-controlled, two-way crossover design. Participants were provided with 40 g α-lactalbumin (LAC;l-tryptophan (Trp):large neutral amino acids (LNAA) ratio of 7·6) and 40 g casein (placebo) (Trp:LNAA ratio of 4·0) in the form of a snack and lunch on two test days. On both the test days, participants completed a stress-inducing task 2 h after the lunch. Mood and appetite were assessed using visual analogue scales. Changes in food hedonics for different taste and nutrient combinations were assessed using a computer task. The results demonstrated that the LAC manipulation did not exert any immediate effects on mood or appetite. However, LAC did have an effect on food hedonics in individuals with high-trait anxiety after acute stress. These individuals expressed a lower liking (P = 0·012) and SW food preference (P = 0·014) after the stressful task when supplemented with LAC.
Heat shock protein 70 and cellular disturbances in cochlear cisplatin ototoxicity model
Authors: García-Berrocal J R , Nevado J , González-García J Á , Sánchez-Rodríguez C , Sanz R , Trinidad A , España P , Citores M J , Ramírez-Camacho R
Published: March 2010

Background:

Exposure to cisplatin leads to cochlear cell death by apoptosis; these changes are most marked on the seventh day after exposure. Heat shock proteins are induced in inner ear cells in response to a variety of stimuli. This study examined the role of heat shock protein 70 in cisplatin-induced cochlear cell death.

Methods:

Fifty-six Sprague–Dawley rats were involved. Some were injected with cisplatin (5 mg/kg body weight), some with cisplatin plus the caspase inhibitor Z-Asp(OMe)-Glu(OMe)-Val-Asp(OME)-fluoromethylketone (5 mg/kg body weight) and others were left as controls (being injected only with saline). Seven days later, we examined the expression of heat shock protein 70 and several other apoptosis-related proteins within the rat cochlear cells; we also assessed total superoxide dismutase activity, auditory brainstem response and auditory steady state response.

Results:

Seven days after cisplatin injection, significantly increased expression of heat shock protein 70 was found within the rat cochleae. This correlated with increased executioner caspase levels, total superoxide dismutase activity and auditory brainstem response thresholds, and a significant elevation in auditory steady state response thresholds. Inhibition of caspase-3 activity significantly reduced cochlear heat shock protein 70 expression and total superoxide dismutase activity, and improved auditory brainstem response and auditory steady state response thresholds.

Conclusions:

Seven days after cisplatin exposure, we found disturbances of the cochlear cellular machinery involving heat shock protein 70, other apoptotic proteins and total superoxide dismutase.
Anxiety and depression in head and neck out-patients
Authors: Veer V , Kia S , Papesch M
Published: March 2010

Objectives:

To investigate the prevalence of psychological distress in head and neck out-patients.

Design:

We used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to screen 106 patients for mood disorders in a London head and neck ENT out-patient clinic.

Setting:

Queen's Hospital, Romford, UK.

Participants:

One hundred and six patients attending a head and neck out-patient clinic.

Main outcome measure:

Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score.

Results:

Approximately 39 per cent of patients had a possible anxiety disorder (10 per cent were rated as severe), and 27 per cent had possible depression (10 per cent were rated as severe).

Conclusion:

We recommend that a member of the head and neck multidisciplinary team should be trained to identify and correctly refer psychologically distressed patients to appropriate existing psychiatric services.
Legislative Malfeasance and Political Accountability
Authors: Chang Eric C. C. , Golden Miriam A. , Hill Seth J.
Published: March 2010

Utilizing a unique data set from the Italian Ministry of Justice reporting the transmission to the Chamber of Deputies of more than the thousand requests for the removal of parliamentary immunity from deputies suspected of criminal wrongdoing, the authors analyze the political careers of members of the Chamber during the first eleven postwar legislatures (1948–94). They find that judicial investigation typically did not discourage deputies from standing for reelection in Italy's large multimember electoral districts. They also show that voters did not punish allegedly malfeasant legislators with loss of office until the last (Eleventh) legislature in the sample. To account for the dramatic change in voter behavior that occurred in the early 1990s, the investigation focuses on the roles of the judiciary and the press. The results are consistent with a theory that a vigilant and free press is a necessary condition for political accountability in democratic settings. An independent judiciary alone is ineffective in ensuring electoral accountability if the public is not informed of political malfeasance.
Throwing out the Bums: Protest Voting and Unorthodox Parties after Communism
Authors: Pop-Eleches Grigore
Published: March 2010

The electoral rise of unorthodox parties (UOPs) in recent East European elections raises some puzzling questions about electoral dynamics in new democracies. Why did the power alternation of the mid-1990s not result in party-system consolidation, as suggested by some earlier studies, but instead give way to a much more chaotic environment in which established mainstream political parties lost considerable ground to new political formations based on personalist and populist appeals? Why did this reversal in Eastern Europe happen during a period of economic recovery, remarkable Western integration progress, and a broad acceptance of electoral democracy as the only game in town? This article suggests that these electoral dynamics can be explained by focusing on the interaction between protest voting and election sequence. While protest voting to punish unpopular incumbents has been a widespread but understudied practice since the collapse of communism, the beneficiaries of these protest votes have changed in recent elections. Whereas in the first two generations of postcommunist elections, disgruntled voters could opt for untried mainstream alternatives, in third-generation elections (defined as elections taking place after at least two different ideological camps have governed in the postcommunist period) voters had fewer untried mainstream alternatives, and therefore opted in greater number for unorthodox parties. This explanation receives strong empirical support from statistical tests using aggregate data from seventy-six parliamentary elections in fourteen East European countries from 1990 to 2006, survey evidence from twelve postcommunist elections from 1996 to 2004, and a survey experiment in Bulgaria in 2008.
Defying the Resource Curse: Explaining Successful State-Owned Enterprises in Rentier States
Authors: Hertog Steffen
Published: March 2010

The article explains how several Gulf rentier monarchies have managed to create highly profitable and well-managed state-owned enterprises (SOEs), confounding expectations of both general SOE inefficiency and the particularly poor quality of rentier public sectors. It argues that a combination of two factors explains the outcome: the absence of a populist-mobilizational history and substantive regime autonomy in economic policy-making. The author concludes that it is necessary to rethink the commonly accepted generalizations both about rentier states and, arguably, about public sectors in the developing world.
A Rentier Theory of Subnational Regimes: Fiscal Federalism, Democracy, and Authoritarianism in the Argentine Provinces
Authors: Gervasoni Carlos
Published: March 2010

Levels of subnational democracy vary significantly within countries around the world. Drawing on fiscal theories of the state, the author argues that this variance is often explained by a type of rentierism that is not geographically determined by natural resources but politically created by certain fiscal federalism arrangements. He posits that less democratic regimes are more likely in rentier provinces—those that receive disproportionately large central government transfers and practically forgo local taxation. Intergovernmental revenue-sharing rules that produce large vertical fiscal imbalances and favor the economically smaller districts provide their incumbents with generous “fiscal federalism rents” that allow them to restrict democratic contestation and weaken checks and balances. Statistical evidence from a panel data set of the Argentine provinces strongly confirms this expectation, even after controlling for standard alternative explanations such as level of development. Sensitivity analysis shows that this finding is extremely robust to alternative panel estimators. Qualitative and quantitative evidence suggests that the effect of heavy public spending on the economic autonomy of political actors is the main causal mechanism at work.
Captured Commitments: An Analytic Narrative of Transitions with Transitional Justice
Authors: Nalepa Monika
Published: March 2010

How can outgoing autocrats enforce promises of amnesty once they have left power? Why would incoming opposition parties honor their prior promises of amnesty once they have assumed power and face no independent mechanisms of enforcement? In 1989 autocrats in a number of communist countries offered their respective oppositions free elections in exchange for promises of amnesty. The communists' decision appears irrational given the lack of institutions to enforce these promises of amnesty. What is further puzzling is that the former opposition parties that won elections in many countries actually refrained from implementing transitional justice measures. Their decision to honor their prior agreements to grant amnesty seems as irrational as the autocrats' decisions to place themselves at the mercy of their opponents. Using an analytic narrative approach, the author explains this paradox by modeling pacted transitions not as simple commitment problems but as games of incomplete information where the uninformed party has “skeletons in its closet”—that is, embarrassing information that provides insurance against the commitments being broken. The author identifies the conditions under which autocrats step down even though they can be punished with transitional justice and illustrates the results with case studies from Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Hungary.
Spain’s international position, 1850-1913,
Authors: de la Escosura Leandro Prados
Published: March 2010

Spain’s financial position during the late 19thand early 20thcenturies has usually been presented as one of persistent deficit on current account, which resulted from her integration into international commodity and factor markets and this, in turn, slowed down the growth of the economy. In this essay a preliminary reconstruction of the balance of payments on current account allows us to reject this view. In fact, a net capital inflow made possible to meet the demand for investment-boosting economic performance. Current account reversals in a context of macroeconomic domestic imperfections help to explain the economic slowdown at the turn of the century.
The evolution of top income and wealth shares in Portugal since 1936
Authors: Guilera Jordi
Published: March 2010

This paper presents new statistical evidence on the long-term evolution of economic inequality in Portugal. Portuguese tax sources have been employed to estimate top income and wealth shares (TIS and TWS) from 1936 onwards. The new series shows that the Second World War had a negative and non-permanent effect on the evolution of TIS, but not on TWS, which increased until the mid 1950s. From the mid 1950s to the early 1980s, there was a sharp decline in TIS and TWS. Finally, during the 1990s, TIS increased again. The reasons behind the Portuguese distributive pattern seem to be more economic than political.
The terms of trade for commodities since the mid-19thcentury
Authors: Ocampo José Antonio , Parra-Lancourt Mariángela
Published: March 2010

This paper shows that there was an improvement in the barter terms of trade for non-fuel commodities vs. manufactures in the late 19thand early 20thcenturies, followed by significant deterioration over the rest of the 20thcentury. However, the decline over most of the 20thcentury was neither continuous nor was it distributed evenly among different commodity groups. The far-reaching changes that the world economy underwent around 1920 and again around 1979 led to a stepwise deterioration which, over the long term, was reflected in roughly a halving of real commodity prices. Tropical agriculture fared the worst, whereas minerals had the best performance, with non-tropical agriculture in an intermediate situation. The increase experienced in the first decade of the 21stcentury may be the beginning of a long-term upward trend, but it is too soon to tell.
Experimental study of radiative shocks at PALS facility
Authors: Stehlé Chantal , González Matthias , Kozlova Michaela , Rus Bedrich , Mocek Tomas , Acef Ouali , Colombier Jean Philippe , Lanz Thierry , Champion Norbert , Jakubczak Krzysztof , Polan Jiri , Barroso Patrice , Bauduin Daniel , Audit Edouard , Dostal Jan , Stupka Michal
Published: March 2010

We report on the investigation of strong radiative shocks generated with the high energy, sub-nanosecond iodine laser at PALS. These shock waves are characterized by a developed radiative precursor and their dynamics is analyzed over long time scales (~50 ns), approaching a quasi-stationary limit. We present the first preliminary results on the rear side XUV spectroscopy. These studies are relevant to the understanding of the spectroscopic signatures of accretion shocks in Classical T Tauri Stars.
Automatic selection of reliability estimates for individual regression predictions
Authors: Bosnić Zoran , Kononenko Igor
Published: March 2010

In machine learning and its risk-sensitive applications (e.g. medicine, engineering, business), the reliability estimates for individual predictions provide more information about the individual prediction error (the difference between the true label and regression prediction) than the average accuracy of predictive model (e.g. relative mean squared error). Furthermore, they enable the users to distinguish between more and less reliable predictions. The empirical evaluations of the existing individual reliability estimates revealed that the successful estimates’ performance depends on the used regression model and on the particular problem domain. In the current paper, we focus on that problem as such and propose and empirically evaluate two approaches for automatic selection of the most appropriate estimate for a given domain and regression model: the internal cross-validation approach and the meta-learning approach. The testing results of both approaches demonstrated an advantage in the performance of dynamically chosen reliability estimates to the performance of the individual reliability estimates. The best results were achieved using the internal cross-validation procedure, where reliability estimates significantly positively correlated with the prediction error in 73% of experiments. In addition, the preliminary testing of the proposed methodology on a medical domain demonstrated the potential for its usage in practice.
A review of multi-instance learning assumptions
Authors: Foulds James , Frank Eibe
Published: March 2010

Multi-instance (MI) learning is a variant of inductive machine learning, where each learning example contains a bag of instances instead of a single feature vector. The term commonly refers to the supervised setting, where each bag is associated with a label. This type of representation is a natural fit for a number of real-world learning scenarios, including drug activity prediction and image classification, hence many MI learning algorithms have been proposed. Any MI learning method must relate instances to bag-level class labels, but many types of relationships between instances and class labels are possible. Although all early work in MI learning assumes a specific MI concept class known to be appropriate for a drug activity prediction domain; this ‘standard MI assumption’ is not guaranteed to hold in other domains. Much of the recent work in MI learning has concentrated on a relaxed view of the MI problem, where the standard MI assumption is dropped, and alternative assumptions are considered instead. However, often it is not clearly stated what particular assumption is used and how it relates to other assumptions that have been proposed. In this paper, we aim to clarify the use of alternative MI assumptions by reviewing the work done in this area.
Toward an integrated knowledge discovery and data mining process model
Authors: Sharma Sumana , Osei-Bryson Kweku-Muata
Published: March 2010

The knowledge discovery and data mining (KDDM) process models describe the various phases (e.g. business understanding, data understanding, data preparation, modeling, evaluation and deployment) of the KDDM process. They act as a roadmap for implementation of the KDDM process by presenting a list of tasks for executing the various phases. The checklist approach of describing the tasks is not adequately supported by appropriate tools, which specify ‘how’ the particular task can be implemented. This may result in tasks not being implemented. Another disadvantage is that the long checklist does not capture or leverage the dependencies that exist among the various tasks of the same and different phases. This not only makes the process cumbersome to implement, but also hinders possibilities for semi-automation of certain tasks. Given that each task in the process model serves an important goal and even affects the execution of related tasks due to the dependencies, these limitations are likely to negatively affect the efficiency and effectiveness of KDDM projects. This paper proposes an improved KDDM process model that overcomes these shortcomings by prescribing tools for supporting each task as well as identifying and leveraging dependencies among tasks for semi-automation of tasks, wherever possible.
Glaciochemistry of surface snow from the Ingrid Christensen Coast, East Antarctica, and its environmental implications
Authors: Thamban M. , Laluraj C.M. , Mahalinganathan K. , Redkar B.L. , Naik S.S. , Shrivastava P.K.
Published: March 2010

Spatial variations in the ion composition were studied in 55 surface snow samples collected along three transects in the Ingrid Christensen Coast of East Antarctica. The sea-salt ion constituents revealed a drastic reduction from the ice edge to inland sites. The computed sea-salt sodium and non-sea-salt calcium concentrations suggest that while sea spray primarily contributes to the Na+, the crustal contribution dominates the Ca2+ in snow samples. The Cl-/ssNa+ ratios of the snow samples from the Larsemann transect varied between 4.7 and 1.05, indicating that additional Cl- sources like soil dust are important in the inland sites. The enrichment factors (Ef) confirm a dominant crustal source for Ca2+ in all transects. The Ef(K+) values indicate a dominant sea spray source for K+ in the coastal stations of the Larsemann and Publications transects. The Ef(Mg2+) values indicate the absence of any significant Mg2+ enrichment compared to seawater values. Secondary sulphur species (nssSO42- and MSA) within the snow samples suggest that both vary independently of each other, possibly influenced by the local biological activities. The nssSO42- data revealed that several summer snow deposits in the study region are significantly fractionated, apparently related to the sea ice existence during summer.
Algebraic cycles on the relative symmetric powers and on the relative Jacobian of a family of curves. II
Authors: Moonen Ben , Polishchuk Alexander
Published: March 2010

Let C be a family of curves over a non-singular variety S. We study algebraic cycles on the relative symmetric powers C[n] and on the relative Jacobian J. We consider the Chow homology CH*(C[∙]/S) := ⊕n CH*(C[n]/S) as a ring using the Pontryagin product. We prove that CH*(C[∙]/S) is isomorphic to CH*(J/S)[t]〈u〉, the PD-polynomial algebra (variable: u) over the usual polynomial ring (variable: t) over CH*(J/S). We give two such isomorphisms that over a general base are different. Further we give precise results on how CH*(J/S) sits embedded in CH*(C[∙]/S) and we give an explicit geometric description of how the operators $\smash{\partial_t^{[m]}}\$ and ∂u act. This builds upon the study of certain geometrically defined operators Pi,j (a) that was undertaken by one of us.

Our results give rise to a new grading on CH*(J/S). The associated descending filtration is stable under all operators [N]*, and [N]* acts on $\operatorname{gr}^m_{\mathrm{Fil}}$ as multiplication by Nm. Hence, after − ⊗ ℚ this filtration coincides with the one coming from Beauville's decomposition. The grading we obtain is in general different from Beauville's.

Finally, we give a version of our main result for tautological classes, and we show how our methods give a simple geometric proof of some relations obtained by Herbaut and van der Geer–Kouvidakis, as later refined by one of us.
Characteristics, interventions, and outcomes of misdiagnosed delirium in cancer patients
Authors: Wada Tomomi , Wada Makoto , Wada Mei , Onishi Hideki
Published: March 2010

Objective:

Although delirium is a common psychiatric complication in cancer patients, it is often not accurately recognized. To date, the characteristics and outcome of misrecognized patients are unclear in the cancer setting. This retrospective study was planned to determine the recognition by oncologists at the psychiatric consultation, characteristics, reversibility and outcome of misrecognized patients with delirium.

Method:

We reviewed charts of 60 patients diagnosed with delirium by the psycho-oncologists who were referred to the psychiatric consultation by the oncologists. Information about demographics, initial assessment by the oncologists, delirium subtype, precipitating factors, intervention for delirium, reversibility, and final status was obtained.

Results:

Twenty-two among 60 delirious patients were misrecognized by the oncologists at the time of consultation. They were often diagnosed as having anxiety or other psychiatric disorders. Misrecognized participants were significantly younger than accurately recognized cases of delirium. The psychiatrists made suggestions to the oncologists for all the referred patients, even when they were accurately diagnosed with delirium before consultation. For the correctly recognized patients, the main suggestion was pharmacological reevaluation. For the misdiagnosed cases, the psychiatrists suggested a reconsideration of the strategy for cancer treatment and the provision of information to the patient's family members about their condition.

Significance of Results:

Despite its high prevalence, delirium is difficult to diagnose for non-psychiatric physicians. Its detection is important not only to give the best treatment option to cancer patients but also to provide the best opportunity to inform their family about their condition and end-of-life issues.
Emerging adulthood and cancer: How unmet needs vary with time-since-treatment
Authors: Millar Brett , Patterson Pandora , Desille Natacha
Published: March 2010

Objective:

The impact of a cancer experience during emerging adulthood (18–25 years of age) is an under-studied phenomenon, with research on young people typically focussing on children or adolescents. Needs-based research on this population is even scarcer. This study sought to ascertain the most commonly-unmet needs of emerging adults with cancer, in various stages of time-since-treatment, and to investigate links to psychological functioning.

Method:

Using an earlier version of a needs-based questionnaire, presently under development, as well as additional items developed specifically for this age group, the ten most unmet needs were determined for 63 emerging adults in each of the following three groups: those on or within one year since treatment; those between one and five years since treatment; and those beyond five years since treatment. Psychological functioning was measured by the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21).

Results:

On average, participants rated 17.7 of the 132 needs as unmet. The 10 most unmet needs for each group generated a distinct picture of how needs change as time-since-treatment increases. For those at or within one year since treatment, there were a number of unmet needs directly related to health care provision and the hospital experience. For those whose treatment was more than one year previous, the most unmet needs were more focussed on emotional/psychological issues, particularly related to survivorship and life direction. Positive correlations were found between the number of unmet needs and levels of anxiety and stress.

Significance of results:

The results of the present study provide quantitative needs-based information about emerging adults with cancer, in the context of their treatment situation. This enables health care providers to better support the emerging adult with cancer in ways that are age-appropriate and time-sensitive. The persisting levels of unmet needs and psychological distress beyond five years since treatment underscore the importance of long-term follow-up and support.
How might Levinas' concept of the other's priority and Derrida's unconditional hospitality contribute to the philosophy of the modern hospice movement?
Authors: Floriani Ciro Augusto , Schramm Fermin Roland
Published: March 2010

Hospitality is commonly referred as one of the meanings of hospes, the Latin word which is also the root of hospice. This article explores the semantics of the word hospice - the seal of identity of modern hospice movement - and attempts to integrate the meaning of hospitality into the modern hospice movement, understood as unconditional reception. Therefore, the article analyzes the concept of unconditional hospitality, developed by Jacques Derrida and that of ethical responsibility proposed by Emmanuel Levinas based on the phenomenological experience of the other. From this point of view, these two concepts tie in with the meaning of hospice, bringing substantial grounding elements to the hospice movement for the construction of a protective ethos.
Surgical intensive care unit (ICU) delirium: A “psychosomatic” problem?
Authors: Reich Michel , Rohn Regis , Lefevre Daniele
Published: March 2010

Objective:

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) delirium is a common complication after major surgery and related among other potential medical precipitants to either pre-existing cognitive impairment or the intensity and length of anesthesiology or the type of surgery. Nevertheless, in some rare situations, an organic etiology is not always found, which can be frustrating for the medical team. Some clinicians working in an intensive care unit have a reluctance to seek another hypothesis in the psychological field.

Method:

To illustrate this, we report the case of a 59-year-old woman who developed a massive delirium during her intensive care unit stay after being operated on for a left retroperitoneal sarcoma. Interestingly, she had had no previous cognitive disorders and a somatic explanation for her psychiatric disorder could not been found. Just before the surgery, she was grieving the recent loss of a colleague of the same age, and also a close friend, and therefore had a death anxiety.

Results:

With this case report, we would like to point out the importance of psychological factors that might precipitate delirium in a predominately somatic environment such as an intensive care unit.

Significance of results:

ICU delirium can sometimes be considered as a “psychosomatic” problem with either a stress response syndrome after surgery or a defense mechanism against death anxiety. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of such psychological factors even if they always must first rule out potential somatic causes for delirium and encourage thorough investigation and treatment of these medical causes. A collaboration with the psycho-oncologist is recommended to better manage this “psychosomatic” problem.
Three‐dimensional modeling of near‐fault ground motions with nonplanar rupture models and topography: Case of the 2004 Parkfield earthquake
Authors: Gallovič F. , Käser M. , Burjánek J. , Papaioannou C.
Published: March 2010

We study the applicability of deterministic strong ground motion simulations at very near fault distances for a subvertical strike‐slip fault model corresponding to the 2004 M6 Parkfield, California, earthquake in the frequency range up to 1 Hz. Theoretical modeling under the assumptions of a planar rupture and 1‐D medium shows that as a consequence of the S wave radiation pattern, the particle motion for such close stations should be almost linear in the fault‐normal (FN) direction, having fault‐parallel (FP) and vertical (V) components of almost zero. However, as shown on the Parkfield earthquake recordings, observed particle motions are rather circular with peak velocities at FP and V components comparable to those at FN components. We investigate several realistic features that could explain this controversy, namely, nonplanar fault, realistic three‐dimensional (3‐D) medium, and the topography of the area. We test and quantify these hypotheses using discrete wave number and discontinuous Galerkin modeling methods applying 1‐D and 3‐D velocity structures, respectively, and two nonplanar rupture models. We compare the synthetic and observed particle motions and peak velocity ratios and conclude that deviations from a planar rupture geometry in reasonable bounds for the Parkfield fault and the influence of topography only partially explain the behavior of the observed seismograms. On the contrary, the heterogeneous 3‐D velocity structure significantly reduces the synthetic peak ratios to values closer to 1 and provides rather circular particle motions. Therefore, the 3‐D velocity model is crucial to obtain realistic estimates of ground motions at near‐fault distances and is more important than the detailed fault geometry or topography in the Parkfield area.
Trends in the solubility of iron in dust‐dominated aerosols in the equatorial Atlantic trade winds: Importance of iron speciation and sources
Authors: Trapp John Michael , Millero Frank J. , Prospero Joseph M.
Published: March 2010

We present measurements of the solubility of Fe(II) and Fe(III) extracted from bulk and size‐fractionated African dust collected in summer trade winds at Barbados, West Indies. Iron solubilities typically ranged from 1% to 3%. Fe(III) dominates the iron solubility over the entire range of particle sizes. At mineral dust concentrations below about 5 ug/m3 Fe(II), believed to be largely derived from anthropogenic and biomass burning sources, becomes increasingly important. Samples containing large soluble iron fractions and high Fe(II)/Fe(III) ratios are associated with South Atlantic back trajectories; the gray coloration of the filters suggests that the source may be biomass burning in southern Africa. In general, much of the variability in Fe solubility is linked to Fe(II) concentration changes. Vanadium is often used as a tracer of anthropogenic impacts. Although many of our samples yielded V/Ti ratios much greater than average crustal abundances, we could find no relationship between the enrichment of V and Fe solubility. Our Fe solubility results are quite similar to those obtained by others despite the fact that the measurements were made in diverse ocean regions and the protocols used were quite different in all cases. This uniformity implies that the factors controlling aerosol iron solubility are largely inherent in the properties of the aerosols themselves and not the procedures used to extract the iron. Our results suggest that dust transport models that focus on the role of iron in ocean biogeochemistry must take into account aerosol origin in order to better model the solubility of iron.
Mapping of seismic layer 2A/2B boundary above the sheeted dike unit at intermediate spreading crust exposed near the Blanco Transform
Authors: Christeson Gail L. , Karson Jeffrey A. , McIntosh Kirk D.
Published: March 2010

We present results from a study mapping the seismic layer 2A/2B boundary in young ocean crust located adjacent to the north wall of the Blanco Transform Fault (BTF). We review seafloor features, geochemical and petrologic data, seismic imaging, and seismic structure and conclude that the BTF seismic study region is representative of crust formed at the intermediate spreading Juan de Fuca Ridge. The mean layer 2A two‐way travel time beneath the seafloor is 0.37 ± 0.10 s for the 42 × 12 km seismic survey area. Several regions are observed where layer 2A is consistently thin or thick over lateral distances of 5–10 km, both in a ridge‐parallel and ridge‐perpendicular direction. Layer 2A thicknesses appear more variable in the ridge‐parallel (isochron) direction than the ridge‐perpendicular (flow line) direction. There is no systematic pattern of layer 2A thickness variability with distance from the BTF, nor is there a correlation between seafloor topography and layer 2A thickness. Calculated mean layer 2A thickness for the seismic study region is 485 ± 135 m assuming an interval velocity of 2.65 km/s. The imaged layer 2A/2B boundary projects on average ∼600–650 m above the top of the sheeted dike complex mapped on the adjacent BTF north wall. We argue that the geologic context of the layer 2A/2B boundary will vary as competing processes of magmatic construction and fracturing (increasing porosity) and crustal thickening, compaction, dike intrusion, and hydrothermal sealing (decreasing porosity) vary as the crust spreads laterally from the ridge axis to ridge flanks.
Effect of clay content and mineralogy on frictional sliding behavior of simulated gouges: Binary and ternary mixtures of quartz, illite, and montmorillonite
Authors: Tembe Sheryl , Lockner David A. , Wong Teng‐Fong
Published: March 2010

We investigated the frictional sliding behavior of simulated quartz‐clay gouges under stress conditions relevant to seismogenic depths. Conventional triaxial compression tests were conducted at 40 MPa effective normal stress on saturated saw cut samples containing binary and ternary mixtures of quartz, montmorillonite, and illite. In all cases, frictional strengths of mixtures fall between the end‐members of pure quartz (strongest) and clay (weakest). The overall trend was a decrease in strength with increasing clay content. In the illite/quartz mixture the trend was nearly linear, while in the montmorillonite mixtures a sigmoidal trend with three strength regimes was noted. Microstructural observations were performed on the deformed samples to characterize the geometric attributes of shear localization within the gouge layers. Two micromechanical models were used to analyze the critical clay fractions for the two‐regime transitions on the basis of clay porosity and packing of the quartz grains. The transition from regime 1 (high strength) to 2 (intermediate strength) is associated with the shift from a stress‐supporting framework of quartz grains to a clay matrix embedded with disperse quartz grains, manifested by the development of P‐foliation and reduction in Riedel shear angle. The transition from regime 2 (intermediate strength) to 3 (low strength) is attributed to the development of shear localization in the clay matrix, occurring only when the neighboring layers of quartz grains are separated by a critical clay thickness. Our mixture data relating strength degradation to clay content agree well with strengths of natural shear zone materials obtained from scientific deep drilling projects.
The role of G protein‐coupled receptors in mast cell activation by antimicrobial peptides: is there a connection?
Authors: Pundir Priyanka , Kulka Marianna
Published: March 2010

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are ancient and essential elements of the host defense system, which are found in a wide variety of species. They show antimicrobial activity against a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, AMPs are expressed by different immune cells and have a important function in host innate immune response against pathogens by mechanisms that are different from those involved in direct microbial cytolysis. One host innate immune response that is directly activated by AMPs involves induction of localized inflammation through interaction with mast cells. Activation of mast cells releases pre‐formed mediators, cytokines, chemokines and eicosaniods, which influence recruitment, survival, phenotype and functions of many immune cells. Mast cells can respond to AMPs independent of antigen and Fc epsilon receptor 1 stimulation. One of these pathways involves G protein‐coupled receptor signaling, which can lead to mast cell degranulation. Whether AMPs activate G proteins in mast cells through a receptor‐dependent or a receptor‐independent mechanism remains poorly understood and there are a great many questions that have yet to be answered. In this review, we will discuss the possible involvement and role of GPCRs in mast cells activation by AMPs and the gaps in our current understanding of this important interaction.
Ontogeny and homeostasis of Langerhans cells
Authors: Ginhoux Florent , Merad Miriam
Published: March 2010

Langerhans cells (LCs) refer to the dendritic cells (DCs) that populate the epidermis. Strategically located at one of the body's largest interfaces with the external environment, they form the first line of defense against pathogens that breach the skin. Although LCs share several phenotypical and functional features with lymphoid and non‐lymphoid organ DCs, they also have unique properties that distinguish them from most DC populations. In this review, we will discuss the key mechanisms that regulate LC homeostasis in quiescent and inflamed skin. We will also discuss recent evidence that suggests that LCs arise from dedicated precursors during early embryonic development.
The Structure of Political Discussion Networks: A Model for the Analysis of Online Deliberation
Authors: Gonzalez-Bailon Sandra , Kaltenbrunner Andreas , Banchs Rafael E
Published: March 2010

This paper shows that online political discussion networks are, on average, wider and deeper than the networks generated by other types of discussions: they engage a larger number of participants and cascade through more levels of nested comments. Using data collected from the Slashdot forum, this paper reconstructs the discussion threads as hierarchical networks and proposes a model for their comparison and classification. In addition to the substantive topic of discussion, which corresponds to the different sections of the forum (such as Developers, Games, or Politics), we classify the threads according to structural features like the maximum number of comments at any level of the network (i.e. the width) and the number of nested layers in the network (i.e. the depth). We find that political discussion networks display a tendency to cluster around the area that corresponds to wider and deeper structures, showing a significant departure from the structure exhibited by other types of discussions. We propose using this model to create a framework that allows the analysis and comparison of different internet technologies for the promotion of political deliberation.
Patterns and Structures of Intra-organizational Learning Networks within a Knowledge-Intensive Organization
Authors: Škerlavaj Miha , Dimovski Vlado , Desouza Kevin C
Published: March 2010

This paper employs the network perspective to study patterns and structures of intra- organizational learning networks. The theoretical background draws from cognitive theories, theories of homophily and proximity, theories of social exchange, the theory of generalized exchange, small-worlds theory, and social process theory. The levels of analysis applied are actor, dyadic, triadic, and global. Confirmatory social network analysis (exponential random graph modeling) was employed for data analysis. Findings suggest: (1) central actors in the learning network are experienced and hold senior positions in the organizational hierarchy; (2) evidence of homophlly (In terms of gender, tenure, and hierarchical level relations) and proximity (In terms of geographical and departmental distances) in learning relationships; (3) learning relationships are non-reciprocal; and (4) transitivity and high local clustering with sparse inter-cluster ties are significant for intra-organizational learning networks.