bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Relational Binding in Item Memory: Evidence from Face Recognition in a Case of Developmental Amnesia
Authors: Olsen Rosanna K. , Lee Yunjo , Kube Jana , Rosenbaum R. Shayna , Grady Cheryl L. , Moscovitch Morris , Ryan Jennifer D.
Published: April 2015

Current theories state that the hippocampus is responsible for the formation of memory representations regarding relations, whereas extrahippocampal cortical regions support representations for single items. However, findings of impaired item memory in hippocampal amnesics suggest a more nuanced role for the hippocampus in item memory. The hippocampus may be necessary when the item elements need to be bound within and across episodes to form a lasting representation that can be used flexibly. The current investigation was designed to test this hypothesis in face recognition. H.C., an individual who developed with a compromised hippocampal system, and control participants incidentally studied individual faces that either varied in presentation viewpoint across study repetitions or remained in a fixed viewpoint across the study repetitions. Eye movements were recorded during encoding and participants then completed a surprise recognition memory test. H.C. demonstrated altered face viewing during encoding. Although the overall number of fixations made by H.C. was not significantly different from that of controls, the distribution of her viewing was primarily directed to the eye region. Critically, H.C. was significantly impaired in her ability to subsequently recognize faces studied from variable viewpoints, but demonstrated spared performance in recognizing faces she encoded from a fixed viewpoint, implicating a relationship between eye movement behavior in the service of a hippocampal binding function. These findings suggest that a compromised hippocampal system disrupts the ability to bind item features within and across study repetitions, ultimately disrupting recognition when it requires access to flexible relational representations.
Osmoregulation Requires Brain Expression of the Renal Na-K-2Cl Cotransporter NKCC2
Authors: Konopacka Agnieszka , Qiu Jing , Yao Song T. , Greenwood Michael P. , Greenwood Mingkwan , Lancaster Thomas , Inoue Wataru , de Souza Mecawi Andre , Vechiato Fernanda M.V. , de Lima Juliana B.M. , Coletti Ricardo , Hoe See Ziau , Martin Andrew , Lee Justina , Joseph Marina , Hindmarch Charles , Paton Julian , Antunes-Rodrigues Jose , Bains Jaideep , Murphy David
Published: April 2015

The Na-K-2Cl cotransporter 2 (NKCC2) was thought to be kidney specific. Here we show expression in the brain hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system (HNS), wherein upregulation follows osmotic stress. The HNS controls osmotic stability through the synthesis and release of the neuropeptide hormone, arginine vasopressin (AVP). AVP travels through the bloodstream to the kidney, where it promotes water conservation. Knockdown of HNS NKCC2 elicited profound effects on fluid balance following ingestion of a high-salt solution—rats produced significantly more urine, concomitant with increases in fluid intake and plasma osmolality. Since NKCC2 is the molecular target of the loop diuretics bumetanide and furosemide, we asked about their effects on HNS function following disturbed water balance. Dehydration-evoked GABA-mediated excitation of AVP neurons was reversed by bumetanide, and furosemide blocked AVP release, bothin vivoand in hypothalamic explants. Thus, NKCC2-dependent brain mechanisms that regulate osmotic stability are disrupted by loop diuretics in rats.
Temporal-Pattern Similarity Analysis Reveals the Beneficial and Detrimental Effects of Context Reinstatement on Human Memory
Authors: Staudigl Tobias , Vollmar Christian , Noachtar Soheyl , Hanslmayr Simon
Published: April 2015

A powerful force in human memory is the context in which memories are encoded (Tulving and Thomson, 1973). Several studies suggest that the reinstatement of neural encoding patterns is beneficial for memory retrieval (Manning et al., 2011; Staresina et al., 2012; Jafarpour et al., 2014). However, reinstatement of the original encoding context is not always helpful, for instance, when retrieving a memory in a different contextual situation (Smith and Vela, 2001). It is an open question whether such context-dependent memory effects can be captured by the reinstatement of neural patterns. We investigated this question by applying temporal and spatial pattern similarity analysis in MEG and intracranial EEG in a context-match paradigm. Items (words) were tagged by individual dynamic context stimuli (movies). The results show that beta oscillatory phase in visual regions and the parahippocampal cortex tracks the incidental reinstatement of individual context trajectories on a single-trial level. Crucially, memory benefitted from reinstatement when the encoding and retrieval contexts matched but suffered from reinstatement when the contexts did not match.
Conditional Deletion of the Glutamate Transporter GLT-1 Reveals That Astrocytic GLT-1 Protects against Fatal Epilepsy While Neuronal GLT-1 Contributes Significantly to Glutamate Uptake into Synaptosomes
Authors: Petr Geraldine T. , Sun Yan , Frederick Natalie M. , Zhou Yun , Dhamne Sameer C. , Hameed Mustafa Q. , Miranda Clive , Bedoya Edward A. , Fischer Kathryn D. , Armsen Wencke , Wang Jianlin , Danbolt Niels C. , Rotenberg Alexander , Aoki Chiye J. , Rosenberg Paul A.
Published: April 2015

GLT-1 (EAAT2; slc1a2) is the major glutamate transporter in the brain, and is predominantly expressed in astrocytes, but at lower levels also in excitatory terminals. We generated a conditional GLT-1 knock-out mouse to uncover cell-type-specific functional roles of GLT-1. Inactivation of the GLT-1 gene was achieved in either neurons or astrocytes by expression of synapsin-Cre or inducible human GFAP-CreERT2. Elimination of GLT-1 from astrocytes resulted in loss of ∼80% of GLT-1 protein and of glutamate uptake activity that could be solubilized and reconstituted in liposomes. This loss was accompanied by excess mortality, lower body weight, and seizures suggesting that astrocytic GLT-1 is of major importance. However, there was only a small (15%) reduction that did not reach significance of glutamate uptake into crude forebrain synaptosomes. In contrast, when GLT-1 was deleted in neurons, both the GLT-1 protein and glutamate uptake activity that could be solubilized and reconstituted in liposomes were virtually unaffected. These mice showed normal survival, weight gain, and no seizures. However, the synaptosomal glutamate uptake capacity (Vmax) was reduced significantly (40%). In conclusion, astrocytic GLT-1 performs critical functions required for normal weight gain, resistance to epilepsy, and survival. However, the contribution of astrocytic GLT-1 to glutamate uptake into synaptosomes is less than expected, and the contribution of neuronal GLT-1 to synaptosomal glutamate uptake is greater than expected based on their relative protein expression. These results have important implications for the interpretation of the many previous studies assessing glutamate uptake capacity by measuring synaptosomal uptake.
Mechanisms Underlying Encoding of Short-Lived Versus Durable Episodic Memories
Authors: Sneve Markus H. , Grydeland Håkon , Nyberg Lars , Bowles Ben , Amlien Inge K. , Langnes Espen , Walhovd Kristine B. , Fjell Anders M.
Published: April 2015

We continuously encounter and process novel events in the surrounding world, but only some episodes will leave detailed memory traces that can be recollected after weeks and months. Here, our aim was to monitor brain activity during encoding of events that eventually transforms into long-term stable memories. Previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have shown that the degree of activation of different brain regions during encoding is predictive of later recollection success. However, most of these studies tested participants' memories the same day as encoding occurred, whereas several lines of research suggest that extended post-encoding processing is of crucial importance for long-term consolidation. Using fMRI, we tested whether the same encoding mechanisms are predictive of recollection success after hours as after a retention interval of several weeks. Seventy-eight participants were scanned during an associative encoding task and given a source memory test the same day or after ∼6 weeks. We found a strong link between regional activity levels during encoding and recollection success over short time intervals. However, results further showed that durable source memories, i.e., events recollected after several weeks, were not simply the events associated with the highest activity levels at encoding. Rather, strong levels of connectivity between the right hippocampus and perceptual areas, as well as with parts of the self-referential default-mode network, seemed instrumental in establishing durable source memories. Thus, we argue that an initial intensity-based encoding is necessary for short-term encoding of events, whereas additional processes involving hippocampal–cortical communication aid transformation into stable long-term memories.
Definition of a Molecular Pathway Mediating α-Synuclein Neurotoxicity
Authors: Burré Jacqueline , Sharma Manu , Südhof Thomas C.
Published: April 2015

α-Synuclein physiologically chaperones SNARE-complex assembly at the synapse but pathologically misfolds into neurotoxic aggregates that are characteristic for neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, and that may spread from one neuron to the next throughout the brain during Parkinson's disease pathogenesis. In normal nerve terminals, α-synuclein is present in an equilibrium between a cytosolic form that is natively unfolded and monomeric and a membrane-bound form that is composed of an α-helical multimeric species that chaperones SNARE-complex assembly. Although the neurotoxicity of α-synuclein is well established, the relationship between the native conformations of α-synuclein and its pathological aggregation remain incompletely understood; most importantly, it is unclear whether α-synuclein aggregation originates from its monomeric cytosolic or oligomeric membrane-bound form. Here, we address this question by introducing into α-synuclein point mutations that block membrane binding and by then assessing the effect of blocking membrane binding on α-synuclein aggregation and neurotoxicity. We show that membrane binding inhibits α-synuclein aggregation; conversely, blocking membrane binding enhances α-synuclein aggregation. Stereotactic viral expression of wild-type and mutant α-synuclein in the substantia nigra of mice demonstrated that blocking α-synuclein membrane binding significantly enhanced its neurotoxicityin vivo. Our data delineate a folding pathway for α-synuclein that ranges from a physiological multimeric, α-helical, and membrane-bound species that acts as a SNARE-complex chaperone over a monomeric, natively unfolded form to an amyloid-like aggregate that is neurotoxicin vivo.
Relative Unisensory Strength and Timing Predict Their Multisensory Product
Authors: Miller Ryan L. , Pluta Scott R. , Stein Barry E. , Rowland Benjamin A.
Published: April 2015

Understanding the principles by which the brain combines information from different senses provides us with insight into the computational strategies used to maximize their utility. Prior studies of the superior colliculus (SC) neuron as a model suggest that the relative timing with which sensory cues appear is an important factor in this context. Cross-modal cues that are near-simultaneous are likely to be derived from the same event, and the neural inputs they generate are integrated more strongly than those from cues that are temporally displaced from one another. However, the present results from studies of cat SC neurons show that this “temporal principle” of multisensory integration is more nuanced than previously thought and reveal that the integration of temporally displaced sensory responses is also highly dependent on the relative efficacies with which they drive their common target neuron. Larger multisensory responses were achieved when stronger responses were advanced in time relative to weaker responses. This new temporal principle of integration suggests an inhibitory mechanism that better accounts for the sensitivity of the multisensory product to differences in the timing of cross-modal cues than do earlier mechanistic hypotheses based on response onset alignment or response overlap.
Relationship of Fast- and Slow-Timescale Neuronal Dynamics in Human MEG and SEEG
Authors: Zhigalov Alexander , Arnulfo Gabriele , Nobili Lino , Palva Satu , Palva J. Matias
Published: April 2015

A growing body of evidence suggests that the neuronal dynamics are poised at criticality. Neuronal avalanches and long-range temporal correlations (LRTCs) are hallmarks of such critical dynamics in neuronal activity and occur at fast (subsecond) and slow (seconds to hours) timescales, respectively. The critical dynamics at different timescales can be characterized by their power-law scaling exponents. However, insight into the avalanche dynamics and LRTCs in the human brain has been largely obtained with sensor-level MEG and EEG recordings, which yield only limited anatomical insight and results confounded by signal mixing. We investigated here the relationship between the human neuronal dynamics at fast and slow timescales using both source-reconstructed MEG and intracranial stereotactical electroencephalography (SEEG). Both MEG and SEEG revealed avalanche dynamics that were characterized parameter-dependently by power-law or truncated-power-law size distributions. Both methods also revealed robust LRTCs throughout the neocortex with distinct scaling exponents in different functional brain systems and frequency bands. The exponents of power-law regimen neuronal avalanches and LRTCs were strongly correlated across subjects. Qualitatively similar power-law correlations were also observed in surrogate data without spatial correlations but with scaling exponents distinct from those of original data. Furthermore, we found that LRTCs in the autonomous nervous system, as indexed by heart-rate variability, were correlated in a complex manner with cortical neuronal avalanches and LRTCs in MEG but not SEEG. These scalp and intracranial data hence show that power-law scaling behavior is a pervasive but neuroanatomically inhomogeneous property of neuronal dynamics in central and autonomous nervous systems.
Disruption of a Neural Microcircuit in the Rod Pathway of the Mammalian Retina by Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Castilho Áurea , Ambrósio António F. , Hartveit Espen , Veruki Margaret L.
Published: April 2015

Diabetes leads to dysfunction of the neural retina before and independent of classical microvascular diabetic retinopathy, but previous studies have failed to demonstrate which neurons and circuits are affected at the earliest stages. Here, using patch-clamp recording and two-photon Ca2+imaging in rat retinal slices, we investigated diabetes-evoked changes in a microcircuit consisting of rod bipolar cells and their dyad postsynaptic targets, AII and A17 amacrine cells, which play an essential role in processing scotopic visual signals. AII amacrines forward their signals to ON- and OFF-cone bipolar cells and A17 amacrines provide GABAergic feedback inhibition to rod bipolar cells. Whereas Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors mediate input from rod bipolar cells to both AII and A17 amacrines, diabetes changes the synaptic receptors on A17, but not AII amacrine cells. This was expressed as a change in pharmacological properties and single-channel conductance of the synaptic receptors, consistent with an upregulation of the AMPA receptor GluA2 subunit and reduced Ca2+permeability. In addition, two-photon imaging revealed reduced agonist-evoked influx of Ca2+in dendritic varicosities of A17 amacrine cells from diabetic compared with normal animals. Because Ca2+-permeable receptors in A17 amacrine cells mediate synaptic release of GABA, the reduced Ca2+permeability of these receptors in diabetic animals leads to reduced release of GABA, followed by disinhibition and increased release of glutamate from rod bipolar cells. This perturbation of neuron and microcircuit dynamics can explain the decreased dynamic range and sensitivity of scotopic vision that has been observed in diabetes.
15 years of Rev Rene
Authors: Pagliuca Lorita Marlena Freitag
Published: April 2015

Writing an editorial is always a challenge. When drafting a scientific paper one can rely on the literaturereview, method, results, and discussion with texts supporting or deconstructing what one wants to prove. Ithas been already said, that No island is an island(1) (Carlo Ginzburg), No man is an island(2) (John Donne) and,therefore, no researcher is an island.
Kidney transplantation: experience of men in hemodialysis entered on the waiting list
Authors: Souza Ana Mariele de , Filipini Cibelle Barcelos , Rosado Sara Rodrigues , Dázio Eliza Maria Rezende , Fava Silvana Maria Coelho Leite , Lima Rogério Silva
Published: April 2015

Objective: to know the experiences of men with chronic renal failure under hemodialysis treatment entered on the kidneytransplant waiting list. Method: qualitative study based on the principles of the National Policy for Integral Attention toMen’s Health and Masculinity, conducted with 11 participants in a hemodialysis service, through serial semi-structuredinterviews and inductive data analysis. Results: the following categories emerged: Gaps between the health policies and thereality of the male population and Challenges and possibilities of change in the life process. Conclusion: although many ofthese men see hemodialysis as synonym of imprisonment, others understand it as the possibility of maintaining survival andthis help them waiting for the kidney transplant.
Knowledge of graduated nursing students on breast feeding newborns with cleft lip and palate
Authors: Neto João Lopes Toledo , Souza Carla Moretti de , Katakura Edna Aparecida Lopes Bezerra , Costa Talita Vidotte , Prezotto Kelly Holanda , Freitas Thaís Bette
Published: April 2015

Objective: to identify the knowledge of nursing professionals about breastfeeding infants with a cleft lip and palate. Methods:a cross-sectional survey with nurses from two Brazilian Universities. A questionnaire with personal characteristics andknowledge related to nursing education was used. Results: all 13 nurses reported the lack of training on breastfeedingfor infants with a cleft lip and palate. Most of the nurses were unaware of offering ways of feeding, suggesting that despitebeing one of the professionals who give more guidance on breastfeeding, knowledge on the subject is just beginning aboutthe need for attention and care in attending children with a cleft lip and palate. Conclusion: further research in the area isrecommended in order to improve understanding of caring for newborns with a cleft lip and palate, and to help professionalsupgrade the care process.
Plasma and ovarian oestradiol and the variability in the LH surge induced in ewes by the ram effect
Authors: Fabre-Nys Claude , Chanvallon Audrey , Debus Nathalie , François Dominique , Bouvier Frédéric , Dupont Joelle , Lardic Lionel , Lomet Didier , Ramé Christelle , Scaramuzzi Rex J
Published: April 2015

The proportion of anoestrous ewes ovulating after exposure to a sexually active ram is variable mainly due to whether an LH surge is induced. The aim of this study was to determine the role of oestradiol (E2) in the ram-induced LH surge. In one study, we measured the plasma concentrations of E2 in ewes of different breeds before and after the ‘ram effect’ and related these patterns to the presence and latency of the LH surge, while another compared ovarian responses with the ‘ram effect’ following exposure to rams for 2 or 12 h. In all ewes, the concentration of E2 increased 2–4 h after rams were introduced and remained elevated for 14.5±0.86 h. The quantity of E2 secreted before the LH surge varied among breeds as did the mean concentration of E2. The granulosa cells of IF ewes collected after 12 h exposure to rams secreted more E2 and progesterone and had higher levels of StAR than the 2 h group but in MV ewes there was no differences between these groups for any of these parameters. These results demonstrate that the LH surge induced by the rams is a result of increased E2 secretion associated with increased levels of STAR in granulosa cells and that these responses varied among breeds. The results suggest that the variable occurrence of a LH surge and ovulation may be the result of variable ovarian responses to the ‘ram effect’ and insensitivity of the hypothalamus to the E2-positive feedback signal.

Free French abstract: A French translation of this abstract is freely available at http://www.reproduction-online.org/content/149/5/511/suppl/DC1.
Introducing Performance management in Secondary Government hospitals in Kerala and Tamil Nadu using the Balanced Scorecard framework
Authors:   Secretary Health, Govt. of Kerala, Kerala, Ellangovan K. , Kamalanabhan T. J. ,   Professor, Deptartment of Management Studies, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
Published: April 2015

Kerala has introduced decentralized planning for more than a decade now. As part of this, the Local Self Governments (Panchayat Raj Institutions) are vested with the responsibility to run the hospitals. The new element of elected representatives coming in the area of hospital administration has created more confusion than before. Similarly, Tamil Nadu has implemented a hospital systems project to improve the performance of secondary care hospitals. This paper tries to analyze whether one of the popular performance assessment tool – Balanced Score Card could be used to create a better administrative environment to improve the performance of the secondary care hospital. The paper conclusively argues that, Balanced Score Card is an important option for these hospitals to improve their performance.
Assessing the Impact of Awareness program on Breast and Cervical Cancer Knowledge Empowerment among Working Women in Education Sector
Authors:   Principal, Chitkara School of Health Sciences Chitkara University, Punjab, Kaur Harmeet , Bisht Bandana ,   Vice Principal Chitkara School of Health Sciences Chitkara University, Punjab
Published: April 2015

According to GLOBOCAN 2012 data released in December 2013 there are more than 10 lakh cancer cases per annum in India. The Incidence of breast cancer is growingin younger and elder women population worldwide. In India, the incidence of breast cancer is increasing at an alarming rate. The cervix cancer incidence is also very high in India especially in rural Indian women. The earlier studies have shown that raising the awareness regarding these two cancers can go long way as these are the progressive cancers and if women are made aware to get the diagnostic tests done regularly then there is more probability of getting the small tumors diagnosed early, which can be treated effectively and cure rate can be better. Therefore, a study was conducted to investigate the impact of awareness program on breast and cervical cancer knowledge empowerment among working women in education sector. Quasi experimental pretestpost test design was used on the sample of 110 working women which were selected by simple random sampling technique. A self reported questionnaire on knowledge assessment regarding breast and cervical cancer was prepared and validated. The questionnaire was administered to the respondents to measure their baseline pre test knowledge regarding breast and cervical cancer. After the pre test, information on breast and cervical cancer was sent to all the respondents through e-mail which included the information on risk factors, sign and symptoms, diagnostic tests, early detection and risk prevention aspects. After three days, post test was conducted to measure the impact of information on knowledge empowerment of respondents. Data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS 16.0 version. The study finding revealed that baseline knowledge of working women regarding breast and cervical cancer was inadequate. The knowledge of respondents improved significantly after sensitizing them through the information on breast and cervical cancer.The present study revealed that knowledge of breast and cervical cancer is astonishingly inadequate among educated and working women, which gives an insight to healthcare personnel to sensitize the women to take measures such as self breast examination, getting mammography and Pap smear tests done to detect these two deadly cancers at early stages. Therefore, there is need for organizing awareness programs at national, community and individual levels so that women can become aware regarding preventive aspects and early diagnostic techniques so that these cancers can be curbed before occurrence and at an early stage.
Variation in the Use of Procedural Sedation for Incision and Drainage of Skin and Soft Tissue Infection in Pediatric Emergency Departments
Authors: Uspal Neil G. , Klein Eileen J. , Tieder Joel S. , Oron Assaf P. , Simon Tamara D.
Published: April 2015

Objectives:

Little is known about procedural sedation use for anxiety and pain associated with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) requiring incision and drainage (I&D). Our objectives were therefore (1) to characterize the use of procedural sedation use for SSTI I&D procedures in pediatric emergency departments (EDs), (2) to compare the frequency of procedural sedation for I&D across hospitals, and (3) to determine factors associated with use of procedural sedation for I&D.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective cohort study of pediatric EDs contributing to the Pediatric Health Information Systems database in 2010. Cases were identified by primary International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification procedure codes for I&D. We used descriptive statistics to describe procedural sedation use across hospitals and logistic generalized linear mixed models to identify factors associated with use of procedural sedation.

Results:

There were 6322 I&D procedures, and procedural sedation was used in 24% of cases. Hospital-level use of procedural sedation varied widely, with a range of 2% to 94% (median 17%). Procedural sedation use was positively associated with sensitive body site, female gender, and employer-based insurance, and negatively associated with African American race and increasing age. Estimates of hospital-level use of procedural sedation for a referent case eliminating demographic differences exhibit similar variability with a range of 5% to 97% (median 34%).

Conclusions:

Use of procedural sedation for SSTI I&D varies widely across pediatric EDs, and the majority of variation is independent of demographic differences. Additional work is needed to understand decision-making and to standardize delivery of procedural sedation in children requiring I&D.
Prevention of Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections Among Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Garber Samuel J. , Puopolo Karen M.
Published: April 2015

Hospital-acquired infection complicates the care of 30% to 50% of infants born at less than 28 weeks’ gestation and cared for in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Such infections have negative effects on survival, short-term morbidities, and long-term neurodevelopment. Central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are the most common type of hospital-acquired infection among infants in the NICU. Poor neonatal immune defenses, invasive technical care, multiple exposures to antibiotics, prolonged periods without enteral feeding, and pathogenic, hospital-derived microbial species combine to place infants in the NICU at high risk of infection. Multiple studies support the use of bundled care strategies that focus on minimizing pathogenic colonization of the infant, preventing contamination of the central line, decreasing duration of central line use, and using real-time infection surveillance and communication to prevent CLABSIs. Consistent use of best practices can decrease the incidence of CLABSIs among even the most immature infants in the NICU.
Neonatal Early-Onset Sepsis: Epidemiology and Risk Assessment
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Sagori , Puopolo Karen M.
Published: April 2015

Neonatal early-onset sepsis (EOS) continues to be a significant source of morbidity and mortality among newborns, especially among very low-birth-weight infants. Epidemiologic risk factors for EOS have been defined, and considerable resources are devoted to the identification and evaluation of infants at risk for EOS. The widespread implementation of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of early-onset neonatal group B streptococcal disease has reduced the overall incidence of neonatal EOS and influenced the microbiology of persistent early-onset infection. Recommendations for perinatal risk factor–based evaluation and empiric antibiotics treatment of neonates result in a large proportion of uninfected infants undergoing medical intervention, including antibiotic therapy. Objective risk assessment tools have been developed that may allow safe restriction of medical intervention in uninfected newborns, promote antibiotic stewardship, and optimize resource use.
Motivational Interviewing and Dietary Counseling for Obesity in Primary Care: An RCT
Authors: Resnicow Kenneth , McMaster Fiona , Bocian Alison , Harris Donna , Zhou Yan , Snetselaar Linda , Schwartz Robert , Myers Esther , Gotlieb Jaquelin , Foster Jan , Hollinger Donna , Smith Karen , Woolford Susan , Mueller Dru , Wasserman Richard C.
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Few studies have tested the impact of motivational interviewing (MI) delivered by primary care providers on pediatric obesity. This study tested the efficacy of MI delivered by providers and registered dietitians (RDs) to parents of overweight children aged 2 through 8.

METHODS:

Forty-two practices from the Pediatric Research in Office Settings Network of the American Academy of Pediatrics were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups. Group 1 (usual care) measured BMI percentile at baseline and 1- and 2-year follow-up. Group 2 (provider only) delivered 4 MI counseling sessions to parents of the index child over 2 years. Group 3 (provider + RD) delivered 4 provider MI sessions plus 6 MI sessions from a RD. The primary outcome was child BMI percentile at 2-year follow up.

RESULTS:

At 2-year follow-up, the adjusted BMI percentile was 90.3, 88.1, and 87.1 for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The group 3 mean was significantly (P = .02) lower than group 1. Mean changes from baseline in BMI percentile were 1.8, 3.8, and 4.9 across groups 1, 2, and 3.

CONCLUSIONS:

MI delivered by providers and RDs (group 3) resulted in statistically significant reductions in BMI percentile. Research is needed to determine the clinical significance and persistence of the BMI effects observed. How the intervention can be brought to scale (in particular, how to train physicians to use MI effectively and how best to train RDs and integrate them into primary care settings) also merits future research.
Antibiotic Exposure in Infancy and Risk of Being Overweight in the First 24 Months of Life
Authors: Saari Antti , Virta Lauri J. , Sankilampi Ulla , Dunkel Leo , Saxen Harri
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVE:

Antibiotics have direct effects on the human intestinal microbiota, particularly in infancy. Antibacterial agents promote growth in farm animals by unknown mechanisms, but little is known about their effects on human weight gain. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of antibiotic exposure during infancy on weight and height in healthy Finnish children.

METHODS:

The population-based cohort comprised 6114 healthy boys and 5948 healthy girls having primary care weight and height measurements and drug purchase data from birth to 24 months. BMI and height, expressed as z-scores at the median age of 24 months (interquartile range 24 to 26 months), were compared between children exposed and unexposed to antibiotics using analysis of covariance with perinatal factors as covariates.

RESULTS:

Exposed children were on average heavier than unexposed children (adjusted BMI-for-age z-score difference in boys 0.13 SD [95% confidence interval 0.07 to 0.19, P < .001] and in girls 0.07 SD [0.01 to 0.13, P < .05]). The effect was most pronounced after exposure to macrolides before 6 months of age (boys 0.28 [0.11 to 0.46]; girls 0.23 [0.04 to 0.42]) or >1 exposure (boys 0.20 [0.10 to 0.30]; girls 0.13 [0.03 to 0.22]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Antibiotic exposure before 6 months of age, or repeatedly during infancy, was associated with increased body mass in healthy children. Such effects may play a role in the worldwide childhood obesity epidemic and highlight the importance of judicious use of antibiotics during infancy, favoring narrow-spectrum antibiotics.
IMPACT OF SMALL HYDROPOWER PLANTS ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND BIOTIC ENVIRONMENTS IN FLATLAND RIVERBEDS OF LITHUANIA
Authors: Vaikasas Saulius , Bastiene Nijole , Pliuraite Virginija
Published: April 2015

The impact of a small hydropower plant (SHP) on river water quality and macroinvertebrates has been investigated in 5 Lithuanian rivers and involved 17 dams of which ten are in a sequence in the same river system. The hydrostatic head of SHP dams ranged from 2.75 to 14.50 m and the capacities of their reservoirs varied from 40×103 to 15,500×103 m3. Physicochemical characteristics, as well as macroinvertebrate communities, were evaluated in sites above and below the SHP dams comparing them with reference sites. It was established that construction of SHP dams (H15 m) in Lithuania substantially changed regimes of suspended solids, fine particles and nutrients only locally regardless of hydrostatic head of the dam. Compared to reference sites, SHP reservoirs and sites below SHP dams had relatively more Chironomidae larvae and Oligochaeta, and less Coleoptera larvae as well as the relative abundance of pollution-sensitive Ephemeroptera and EPT. Water quality according to biotic indexes (DSFI and HBI) in the sites influenced by SHP dams was recognised to be moderate or poor, but impact was only local. This suggests that increment of catchment’s area and intensive land use for agriculture within the river basin plays more important role than SHP dams
Copper Valence and Local Environment in Aluminophosphate Glass-Ceramics for Immobilization of High Level Waste from Uranium-Graphite Reactor Spent Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing
Authors: Stefanovsky Sergey V. , Shiryaev Andrey A. , Remizov Michael B. , Belanova Elena A. , Kozlov Pavel A. , Myasoedov Boris F.
Published: April 2015

Copper valence and environment in two sodium aluminophosphate glasses suggested for immobilization of HLW from reprocessing of spent fuel of uranium-graphite channel reactor (Russian AMB) were studied by XRD, SEM/EDX, XAFS and EPR. Target glass formulations contained ∼2.4-2.5 mol.% CuO. The quenched samples were predominantly amorphous. The annealed MgO free sample had higher degree of crystallinity than the annealed MgO-bearing sample but both them contained orthophosphate phases. Cu in the materials was partitioned in favor of the vitreous phase. In all the samples copper is present as major Cu2+ and minor Cu+ ions. Cu2+ ions form planar square complexes (CN=4) with a Cu2+-O distance of 1.93-1.95 Å. Two more ions are positioned at a distance of 2.76-2.86 Å from Cu2+ ions. So the Cu2+ environment looks like a strongly elongated octahedron as it also follows from the absence of the pre-edge peak due to 1s→3d transition in Cu K edge XANES spectra of the materials. Cu+ ions form two collinear bonds at Cu+-O distances of 1.80-1.85 Å. Thus average Cu coordination number (CN) in the first shell was found to be 2.7-3.0.
Soccer sounds
Authors: Laing Dave , Linehan Andy
Published: April 2015

This paper explores the range of ways that music and football have been interlinked in the United Kingdom over the past century. The aspects covered include early novelty songs, music at stadia (marching bands, customisation of songs by fans, and PA music) and mediated music, in the form of records by club and national teams as well as professional singers, plus the musical components of television shows devoted to football. The article highlights the continuing struggle between music from below and above, in both sports venues and media.
Avaliação qualitativa das preparações do cardápio de centros de educação infantil
Authors: Menegazzo Manoela , Fracalossi Korina , Fernandes Ana Carolina , Medeiros Neiva Inez
Published: April 2015

OBJETIVO: Avaliar qualitativamente os aspectos nutricionais e sensoriais das preparações de um cardápio mensal oferecido aos Centros de Educação Infantil de um município da Grande Florianópolis (SC). MÉTODOS: Estudo de caso documental, com o cardápio do mês de junho de 2008 como instrumento de pesquisa. O cardápio foi analisado pelo método de Avaliação Qualitativa das Preparações do Cardápio, adaptado à realidade dos Centros de Educação Infantil, com base nas diretrizes do Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira. RESULTADOS: Observou-se que a alimentação oferecida aos pré-escolares, no almoço e no jantar, apresenta baixa oferta de carnes gordurosas e frituras, não tem excesso de alimentos sulfurados e nem monotonia de cores. Porém, há alta oferta de carboidratos simples e ácidos graxos trans, pouca oferta de frutas, legumes e verduras e monotonia de cores nos lanches. CONCLUSÃO: A elaboração do cardápio necessita de um acompanhamento mais rigoroso para que as preparações estejam adequadas a todas recomendações do Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira.
Assessing the self-healing capability of cementitious composites under increasing sustained loading
Authors: Yildirim Gurkan , Alyousif Ahmed , Şahmaran Mustafa , Lachemi Mohamed
Published: April 2015

This study investigated the effects of progressively increasing sustained loading on self-healing behaviour of 180-d-old microcracked engineered cementitious composites (ECCs) incorporating different mineral admixtures. After introducing microcracks to the specimens with applied severe pre-loading, some were subjected to progressively increasing sustained loading. All of the specimens were then subjected to continuous moist curing for 150 d to evaluate self-healing performance. Mechanical property (modulus of rupture (MOR) and mid-span beam deflection) characterisations and ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements were used to assess self-healing capability. Experimental results showed that even under progressively increasing sustained mechanical loading, MOR results greater than the original values could be obtained, depending on mineral admixture selection. Although deflection results were more adversely affected by progressive sustained loading compared to MOR results, even the lowest deflection value obtained from different ECCs was still more than 100 times that of conventional concrete after healing. Under continuous moist curing, there were minimal changes in ultrasonic pulse velocity results of all ECCs subjected to progressively increasing sustained loading, so that recovery results similar to those of specimens without sustained loading were obtained, despite the fact that ultrasonic pulse velocity testing was not that sensitive in capturing the effects of self-healing.
Nanoparticles in self-compacting concrete – a review
Authors: Aslani Farhad
Published: April 2015

The development of nanotechnology delivers materials with new properties and over recent years much effort has been made to incorporate nanoparticles (NPs) in concrete technology in order to enhance properties and produce concrete with improved performance. The durability and sustainability of concrete are becoming vitally important for the construction industry and, in this context, self-compacting concrete (SCC) has generated tremendous interest. SCC is a concrete that can be placed and compacted under its own weight with little or no vibration and without segregation or bleeding. It is used to facilitate and ensure proper filling and thus good structural performance of restricted areas and heavily reinforced structural members. It has gained increasing importance in recent years because of the advantages it offers. This paper presents an overview of previous studies on the effect of using NPs in SCC. Properties and methods concerning the use of NPs in SCC mixes, such as mixing procedure, mix proportion, heat of hydration, workability, setting time, mechanical strength and durability, are reviewed.
Studies on ZnCdSe thin films prepared by thermal evaporation
Authors: Priya S. Selva , Shree B. Lakshmi , Ranjani P. Therasa , Sridharan M.
Published: April 2015

Zinc cadmium selenide (ZCS) thin films were prepared onto thoroughly cleaned glass substrates by co-evaporating high-pure zinc (Zn) and cadmium selenide (CdSe) powders and the films were subsequently annealed at 100°C for 1 h in vacuum. The influence of Zn concentration on the structural, morphological, compositional and optical properties of ZCS films was studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, respectively. The XRD patterns confirmed the polycrystalline nature of the ZCS films. The optical band gap of the films increased from 2·07 to 2·69 eV with increasing Zn concentration, due to the replacement of Cd with Zn atoms. The increase in optical band gap with increasing Zn concentration signifies wide coverage over the electromagnetic spectrum, which allows ZCS thin films in the application areas of optoelectronic devices.
The Unexpected Negotiator at the Table: How the European Commission’s Expertise Informs Intergovernmental EU Policies
Authors: Chou Meng-Hsuan , Riddervold Marianne
Published: April 2015

How, if at all, does the Commission’s expertise inform intergovernmental decision-making within the EU? In this article, we aim to capture the relationship between the Commission’s expertise and its influence within intergovernmental policy-areas through a study of Commission influence in two least likely sectors: security and defence policies (military mission Atalanta and EU Maritime Security Strategy) and external migration (EU mobility partnerships with third countries). In these cases we observe that the Commission strongly informs policy developments even though it has only limited formal competences. To explore whether and, if so, how this influence is linked to its expertise, we develop and consider two hypotheses: The expert authority hypothesis and the expert arguments hypothesis. To identify possible additional channels of influence, we also consider the relevance of two alternative hypotheses: The strategic coalition hypothesis and the institutional circumvention hypothesis. We find that the Commission’s use of its expertise is indeed key to understanding its de facto influence within policy-areas where its formal competences remain limited. Our findings add to the existing literature by revealing how expertise matters. Specifically, our cases show that the Commission informs intergovernmental decision-making by successfully linking discussions to policy-areas where it holds expert authority. However, the Commission also informs EU policies by circumventing the formal lines of intergovernmental decision-making, and by cooperating with member states that share its preference for further integration.
The Expert-Executive Nexus in the EU: An Introduction
Authors: Gornitzka Åse , Holst Cathrine
Published: April 2015

Expertise has played a pivotal role in EU executives since the European Union (EU) was established, but its significance is arguably increasing and takes on new shapes. This issue explores the role and use of expert knowledge in decision-making in and by EU executive institutions.
Driven by Expertise and Insulation? The Autonomy of European Regulatory Agencies
Authors: Ossege Christoph
Published: April 2015

Expertise and autonomy are cornerstones to the effective operation and legitimacy of European Regulatory Agencies (ERAs). Yet, we know little about ERAs’ actual autonomy, nor about factors shaping it. This article studies ERAs’ actual autonomy from public and private actors, emphasising two crucial explanatory factors: expertise and rulemaking competences. The lack of insights on expertise is particularly striking, as expertise—the “raison d’être” and main resource of expert bodies—provides ERAs with a potentially powerful means to increase autonomy. Relying on a rational institutionalist framework within which ERAs enjoy substantive discretion to pursue their goals, the study empirically compares three powerful ERAs—the European Medicines Agency, the European Chemicals Agency, and the European Food Safety Authority. Based on the analysis of 39 semi-structured expert interviews, findings show that expertise is a crucial explanation for ERAs’ substantive autonomy from the Commission. Towards research intensive private stakeholders, the role of expertise becomes less pronounced. Instead, ERAs are more successful in protecting their autonomy by engaging in the risk-averse interpretation of the regulatory framework and by adapting rules over time to adapt their needs: they engage in “procedural insulation”. Political salience provides a scope condition for ERAs to use expert knowledge and rulemaking competences more strategically—potentially undermining scientific quality.
The Organization of Professional Expertise in the European Commission
Authors: Christensen Johan
Published: April 2015

What kind of professional experts dominate within the European Commission—lawyers, economists or others? Driven by the notion that the role of professional experts is shaped by organizational features, the article examines how different kinds of expertise are inscribed in the Commission’s recruitment system and organizational structure. The analysis shows that while economics may have overtaken law as the most common educational background in the Commission, neither the recruitment system nor the departmental structure appears to encourage the development of economic expertise. The proportion of staff hired through economics competitions has dropped markedly, and there are few specialized units for economic analysis in the organization. More generally, the Commission’s hiring policies and organizational hierarchy do not seem conducive to strong expert roles. The picture that emerges is that of an organization where expert knowledge is neither tied to a particular profession nor firmly rooted in the departmental structure.
The Limits of Epistemic Communities: EU Security Agencies
Authors: Cross Mai'a K. Davis
Published: April 2015

This article examines the cases of the European Defence Agency (EDA) and EU Intelligence Analysis Centre (IntCen) to argue that although they are comprised of high-level security experts, they do not constitute epistemic communities. Research on other groups of security experts based in Brussels has shown that epistemic communities of diplomats, military experts, security researchers, and civilian crisis management experts, among others, have been able to influence the trajectory of security integration by virtue of their shared knowledge. Importantly, these security epistemic communities have been shown to significantly impact outcomes of EU security policy beyond what would be expected by looking only at member-states’ initial preferences. In exploring two examples of “non-cases” that are at the same time very similar to the other examples, the author seeks to shed light on why some expert groups do not form epistemic communities, and how this changes the nature of their influence. In so doing, the goal is to sharpen the parameters of what constitutes epistemic communities, and to add to our understanding of why they emerge. The argument advanced in this article is that institutional context and the nature of the profession matter as preconditions for epistemic community emergence.