bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Generalized Trust to Street Smart: Secondary School Students in Stockholm on Social Trust
Authors: Gunnarson Carina
Published: August 2018

This article analyses the validity of the standard question, ‘Generally speaking, would you say that most people can be trusted, or that you can’t be too careful in dealing with people?’. It builds on unique material, including survey responses ( N = 356) and letters ( N = 28) from students aged 18–19 years, collected by the author in seven secondary schools in Stockholm. The results suggest that the standard question is less valid as a measure on generalized trust than is commonly assumed in trust research. Rather than referring to trust in people in general, about a third of the responses expressed themes related to rational trust, that is, trust is domain-specific and person-specific. Systematic variation between different school contexts indicates that the standard question reflects social trust in a limited social sphere rather than trust in ‘most people’. The conclusion is that the standard trust question has a problem with validity among young respondents.
Does lumbar arthrodesis compromise outcome of total hip arthroplasty?
Authors: Grammatopoulos George , Dhaliwal Kam , Pradhan Rajib , Parker Simon J M , Lynch Karen , Marshall Robert , Andrade Antonio (Tony) J
Published: August 2018

Introduction:

This matched cohort study aims to determine whether the presence of a spinal arthrodesis (SA) compromises outcome of total hip arthroplasty (THA) and whether the outcome is better if THA is performed before- (THA-1st) or after- SA (THA-2nd).

Methods:

This is a single centre, multi-surgeon, review of prospective data. Thirty-seven patients (47 hips) that had SA and 1° THA(s), formed the cases (26 THA-1st; 21 THA-2nd). Most cases had 1-level SA ( n = 24). Controls were patients without SA that had THA, over the same period matched for age, gender and prosthesis type. Outcome measures included complication-, revision- rates, Oxford-Hip- and Harris-Hip-Scores (OHS/HHS) (Δ: difference between pre- and post-operative scores). This is a single-centre, multi-surgeon, review of prospective data.

Results:

At a mean follow-up of 6 years, more complications were seen in cases of THA and SA compared with controls without SA (7 vs. 2) ( p = 0.03). Consequently, more cases were revised ( n = 4) compared with controls ( n = 0) ( p = 0.02). There were no differences in functional outcome between cases and controls ( p = 0.1–0.6). No differences in complications- (4/26 vs. 3/21; p = 1.00) or revision- rates (2/26 vs. 2/21; p = 1.00) were seen between THA-1st and THA-2nd Groups. The THA-1st Group had higher pre- and post-operative OHS/HHS, compared to the THA-2nd Group. However, no significant difference in ΔOHS (24 vs. 17) and ΔHHS (39 vs. 26) were seen between the THA-1st and THA-2nd Groups ( p = 0.1).

Conclusions:

Patients with THA and SA, had increased rates of revision; but no differences in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were detected. Addressing the hip pathology first may be associated with improved functional outcome.
Spatio-Temporal Variation of Particulate Matter(PM2.5) Concentrations and Its Health Impacts in a Mega City, Delhi in India
Authors: Gorai Amit Kumar , Tchounwou Paul B , Biswal SS , Tuluri Francis
Published: August 2018

Rising concentration of air pollution and its associated health effects is rapidly increasing in India, and Delhi, being the capital city, has drawn our attention in recent years. This study was designed to analyze the spatial and temporal variations of particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations in a mega city, Delhi. The daily PM2.5 concentrations monitored by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), New Delhi during November 2016 to October 2017 in different locations distributed in the region of the study were used for the analysis. The descriptive statistics indicate that the spatial mean of monthly average PM2.5 concentrations ranged from 45.92 μg m−3 to 278.77 μg m−3. The maximum and minimum spatial variance observed in the months of March and September, respectively. The study also analyzed the PM2.5 air quality index (PM2.5—Air Quality Index (AQI)) for assessing the health impacts in the study area. The AQI value was determined according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) system. The result suggests that most of the area had the moderate to very unhealthy category of PM2.5-AQI and that leads to severe breathing discomfort for people residing in the area. It was observed that the air quality level was worst during winter months (October to January).
A Multidisciplinary Preoperative Teaching Session for Women Awaiting Breast Cancer Surgery: A Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Ibrahim Marize , Lau Garnet J , Smirnow Nadia , Buono Anna T , Cooke Andrea , Gartshore Kimberley , Loiselle Carmen G , Johnson Kyla
Published: August 2018

Purpose:

Most of the breast cancer diagnoses are recommended for breast surgery. Unfortunately, many patients report preoperative anxiety, which can affect postoperative recovery. Preoperative teaching sessions have been shown to reduce anxiety and improve recovery for the patients with breast cancer. To better support the patients at our cancer center, a multidisciplinary preoperative teaching session was developed and delivered as a quality improvement initiative.

Methods:

Participants scheduled for breast surgery were invited to attend a group-delivered preoperative teaching session, either for breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy. The sessions were presented by a nurse, occupational therapist, and physiotherapist. Data were collected through a researcher-developed 2-item questionnaire administered before and after sessions to compare self-reported anxiety and knowledge levels, along with qualitative feedback.

Results:

A total of 94 participants attended the preoperative sessions, piloted over a year. The majority were scheduled for breast-conserving surgery. Wilcoxon signed rank tests showed that after session, self-reported levels of anxiety decreased, whereas levels of knowledge increased. Most participants found the session to be very helpful and would recommend it to other patients/families awaiting surgery.

Conclusions:

Patients awaiting surgery for breast cancer may be better supported through a multidisciplinary group teaching session by decreasing anxiety and improving knowledge related to the procedure. Future directions could explore the effect of specific session elements on anxiety, knowledge, and postoperative complications using psychometrically sound instruments and additional time points.

Implications for cancer survivors:

Standardization of these preoperative teaching sessions may enhance breast cancer care, reduce postoperative complications, and improve patient recovery.
Political parties in Canada: What determines entry, exit and the duration of their lives?
Authors: Ferris J Stephen , Voia Marcel-Cristian
Published: August 2018

Two margins of political party life in Canada since Confederation (1867) are analyzed—the extensive margin involving entry and exit (together with party turnover or churning) and the intensive margin determining survival length. The results confirm many hypotheses advanced to explain entry and exit—the importance of social and religious cleavage, election institutions, and economic circumstance. More novel are the findings that public election funding and periods with larger immigration flows have reinforced established parties at the expense of entrants and smaller sized parties. The intensive margin uses a discrete hazard model with discrete finite mixtures to confirm the Duverger-type presence of two distinct long-lived political parties surrounded by a fringe of smaller parties. Both parametric and semi-parametric models concur in finding that public funding and higher immigration flows are as successful in extending the life of established parties as in discouraging entry and exit.
Initial and intermediate-term treatment of the phantom thrombus (primary non-occlusive mural thrombus on normal arteries)
Authors: DeKornfeld George M , Boll Julia , Ziegler Kenneth R , Ratcliff Jonathan , Naslund Thomas C , Garrard C Louis , Valentine R James , Curci John A
Published: August 2018

An embolic event originating from thrombus on an otherwise un-diseased or minimally diseased proximal artery (Phantom Thrombus) is a rare but significant clinical challenge. All patients from a single center with an imaging defined luminal thrombus with a focal mural attachment site on an artery were evaluated retrospectively. We excluded all patients with underlying anatomic abnormalities of the vessel at the attachment site. Six patients with a mean age of 62.5 years were identified over a 2.5-year period. All patients had completed treatment for or had a current diagnosis of malignancy and none were on antiplatelets or other anticoagulants. Four thrombi originated in the aorta proximal to the renal arteries and one originated distal. One thrombus was found in the common carotid artery and one was in an arterialized vein graft. Mean follow-up was 22 months. None of the patients underwent removal or exclusion of the embolic source. With systemic anticoagulation, four of the phantom thrombi were resolved on imaging within 8 weeks, one resolved after 72 weeks. One phantom thrombus reoccurred after 6 months on reduced anticoagulant dosing. There was one acute and one death in follow-up (26 months). One patient required a partial foot amputation secondary to tissue necrosis from the initial thromboembolic event. Arterial thrombi forming on otherwise normal vessels are a distinct clinical entity. In patients with a phantom thrombus, a strategy of therapeutic anticoagulation for management of the embolic source seems to be safe and effective over both the short and intermediate-term.
Usability of films designed for people with dementia in a nursing home setting
Authors: Bjørnskov Stina , Møller Jensen Anders , Gregersen Rikke
Published: August 2018

Although films and television are frequently used in nursing homes, there is limited knowledge of how they affect people with dementia. Life in the Memories is a collection of 50 short films targeted at people with dementia. The overall objective of the study was to assess the usability of these films in nursing homes and whether they can be used for reminiscence purposes. Workshops were carried out in seven nursing homes, followed by four weeks of practice testing. Data were obtained from 63 professional caregivers working with residents with dementia through a cross-sectional survey and focus group interviews. The results consistently indicated that the films can maintain the attention of people with dementia, evoke memories, and create conversation. Compared to classic reminiscence activities, caregivers rate the use of the films as easier and less time consuming. The study supported that the films can be utilized for recreational and reminiscence purposes.
Counterfeit alcohol distribution: A criminological script network analysis
Authors: Bellotti Elisa , Spencer Jon , Lord Nick , Benson Katie
Published: August 2018

This paper analyses a series of subsequent and connected investigations by a domestic European regulator on the network of distribution of counterfeit alcohol across two jurisdictions. The analysis mixes script analysis, a narrative framework for enhancing the understanding of how crimes unfold and are organized, with multi-node multi-link social network analysis, to observe the social structure in which crime scripts take place. We focus our attention on the key players that occupy strategic positions within the network of the crime commission process, from where they overview and control the various phases (scenes) and perform brokerage activities across the scenes, and on strategies of concealment of illicit products beyond the facade of legitimate business. Our findings indicate that actors in charge of managing the proceeds of the criminal activity are also the ones better positioned to monitor the entire process. The overall structure of the criminal network shows a good level of resilience and efficiency, although actors do not adopt common traits of a criminal lifestyle that facilitate secrecy and covertness. We believe that, by shifting the analysis from the nature of the group organization to the network of links between all the aspects of a crime commission process, the organizational structure and its weakest links become more detectable, easier to compare across proto- and meta-scripts, and ultimately more prone to situational preventive measures.
A Survey of Speech Sound Productions in Children With Visual Impairments
Authors: Gordon-Pershey Monica , Zeszut Shannon , Brouwer Kyle
Published: August 2018

This survey addressed a twofold need: first, research into speech sound productions in children with visual impairments and, second, evidence upon which speech-language pathologists might base interventions for children with visual impairments. Fifteen speech-language pathologists responded to a survey about speech sound productions in caseload children with visual impairments. Respondents reported the speech characteristics of 46 children, their coexisting medical diagnoses and developmental conditions, the nature of their visual impairments, and therapy approaches used. Children and teens with visual impairments demonstrated speech sound production errors. It is not conclusive that errors resulted from having visual impairments. Respondents reported effective speech treatment techniques. This study contributes a detailed report of speech sound productions in children who, despite a diversity of coexisting diagnoses, had visual impairment in common. Findings provide a point of reference regarding speech sound productions in children with visual impairments, as well as efficacious treatments.
A review on the damping properties of fiber reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Tang Xiaoning , Yan Xiong
Published: August 2018

Fiber reinforced polymer composites have great potential for engineering applications. In this work, we have provided a comprehensive review on the damping properties of fiber reinforced polymer composites. This paper has focused on the mechanism and analytical method of damping properties. This work also presents a broad review on several factors which determined the damping, such as matrix, fiber types, fiber architecture, fiber surface modification, and incorporated fillers. We further discussed the role of interfacial region on the improvement of damping, where high shear strain energy is stored at this region. Nanofillers, fiber coating, and interpenetrating polymer networks have high potential for damping treatment. We have concluded this review with some helpful suggestions for the future development of fiber reinforced composites with desired damping properties.
Effect of Screw Length and Geometry on Interfragmentary Compression in a Simulated Proximal Pole Scaphoid Fracture Model
Authors: Patel Samik , Giugale Juan M. , Debski Richard E. , Fowler John R.
Published: August 2018

Background: The objective of this study was to determine interfragmentary compression forces based on screw length and geometry for simulated proximal scaphoid fractures. Methods: Sixty-four foam model simulated fractures were stabilized with screws of various length (10 mm, 18 mm, 20 mm, or 24 mm) and geometry (central threadless or fully threaded) across a proximal fracture. Interfragmentary compression was measured at the simulated fracture site upon fixation. An independent sample t test and 1-way analysis of variance were performed to assess differences in interfragmentary compression. Results: Fixation utilizing a 10-mm screw generated significantly less interfragmentary compression than fixation utilizing a 20-mm or 24-mm screw. When accounting for both screw length and geometry, an 18-mm central threadless screw generated greater interfragmentary compression than a 20-mm and 24-mm fully threaded screw; there was no significant difference in compression between an 18-mm and 24-mm central threadless screw. Conclusions: The design of headless compression screws allows for maximal interfragmentary compression at the screw midpoint; we questioned whether a short screw centered on the fracture site resulted in superior compression to a longer, noncentered screw. Our data suggest that centering a small screw (10 mm) along a proximal fracture generates significantly less interfragmentary compression than a longer, noncentered screw. Our results demonstrate that balance between maximizing screw length and centering the screw on the fracture is vital toward maximizing interfragmentary compression for the fixation of proximal third scaphoid fractures.
Effects of high-tidal-volume mechanical ventilation on the expression of P2X7 receptor and inflammatory response in lung tissue of rats
Authors: Jia Jia , Qin Hanyu , Zang Bin
Published: August 2018

Ventilator-induced lung injury is a severe complication mainly caused from mechanical ventilation (MV), associated with the upregulation of inflammation response. The mechanism still remains unclear. This study aims to explore the effects of pathological damage, neutrophil infiltration, expression of P2X7 receptor, and activation of Caspase-1 in lung tissue using a rat model. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into sham group, conventional MV group, and high-tidal-volume ventilation group and fed with clean water and rat food. The sham group received tracheotomy without MV; conventional MV group was given 7 mL/kg tidal volume ventilation, and high-tidal-volume MV group was given 28 mL/kg tidal volume ventilation. All the rats were sacrificed after 4 h of ventilation or spontaneous breath. Lung wet/dry ratio was measured, and paraffin sections were prepared for pathological injury assessment and immunohistochemistry of P2X7 and myeloperoxidase levels. Lung homogenate was used for Western blot analysis of P2X7 receptor and Caspase-1 levels and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of P2X7 gene expression level. Compared to sham group and conventional MV group, high-tidal-volume MV led to an increase in lung wet/dry ratio and histology score. High-tidal-volume ventilation also led to chemotaxis of neutrophils. The expression levels of protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) of P2X7 receptor were significantly upregulated. Cleaved-caspase-1 expression was also upregulated. All data provide the evidence that high-tidal-volume MV can lead to lung injury, neutrophils infiltration, and upregulation of cleaved-Caspase-1 level. This result may be related to the upregulation of P2X7 receptor expression.
Epidemiological Findings of Soccer Injuries During the 2017 Gold Cup
Authors: Chahla Jorge , Sherman Benjamin , Cinque Mark , Miranda Alejandro , Garrett William E. , Chiampas George , O’Malley Hughie , Gerhardt Michael B. , Mandelbaum Bert R.
Published: August 2018

Background:

Surveillance programs are vital to analyze the cause and nature of lesions and ultimately establish protocols of action to lower injury rates.

Purpose:

To evaluate the adherence of team doctors to an electronic surveillance system and determine the incidence and characteristics of injuries among soccer players participating in the 2017 Gold Cup.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiological study.

Methods:

All data were collected from the electronic medical reports submitted during each match of the 2017 Gold Cup. Twelve teams participated in the tournament (each with 23 players), for a total of 276 players. A 19-question online survey was filled out by the team physician after each injury. Each report contained the player’s number, the exact time of injury (minute of play), the location and diagnosis of injury as indicated by a previously defined code, and its severity in terms of the number of days of absence from training and match play.

Results:

The electronic reporting system had a response rate of 100.0%, with 97.2% of questions answered completely. The mean age of injured players was 27 years (range, 21-35 years) and was not statistically significantly different from the overall mean player age ( P > .05). There were no significant differences in the frequency of injuries when analyzed by player position ( P = .743). The overall rate of injuries was 1.04 per match, with the most common injuries being contusions (42.3%), sprains (7.7%), strains (7.7%), and fractures (7.7%). These injuries were more commonly the result of contact (75.0%) than noncontact (25.0%) mechanisms ( P < .001). Injuries most commonly occurred between the 60th and 75th minute of play when comparing all 15-minute time intervals ( P = .004).

Conclusion:

This study supports the use of electronic injury reporting, which demonstrated a high level of adherence among an international cohort of team physicians and has significant potential for improving injury surveillance and tracking responses to prevention programs. Injury rates in the Gold Cup were similar to those in previous studies and demonstrated the highest rates late in the second half of the game, specifically between the 60th and 75th minute of play.
Powering the state: The political geographies of electrification in Mozambique
Authors: Power Marcus , Kirshner Joshua
Published: August 2018

This paper explores the role of electricity infrastructures in helping to create, expand or limit the contours of the state in post-colonial Mozambique. Through a focus on recent electrification campaigns and attempts to improve sustainable energy access, we argue that the extension of electricity infrastructures helps to counter the state’s ‘blindness’ and to provide a more permanent visibility for the state whilst potentially enhancing its capacity to order, arrange and ‘read’ its territory and citizenry (particularly in contested rural peripheries). We argue that the material and symbolic work of large-scale infrastructural works around rural electrification and grid extension constitute an important means through which the state performs and narrates its presence and role in order to gain meaning and importance in the lives of rural residents and to forge connections with them. Aside from extending the power and reach of state institutions and their territorial authority, we contend that the development of electricity infrastructures also helps to create neoliberal subjectivities and advance neoliberalisation whilst creating lucrative opportunities for elite accumulation. We examine the different forms of institutional, material and discursive power that influence why some ways of organising energy are privileged over others and reflect on the resulting implications for energy access inequalities and state–citizen relations.
The atomization of heritage politics in post-colonial cities: The case of Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Authors: Esposito Adèle , Fauveaud Gabriel
Published: August 2018

This paper analyzes the politics of heritage in urban Cambodia. Focusing on the capital, Phnom Penh, we argue that urban heritage is shaped at the intersection of global doctrines and professional knowledge, socioeconomic strategies at the national and local scales, real estate developments, and contextual institutional practices. We propose the concept “atomization of heritage politics” to explain the fragmentary and tentacular power relations that determine how built heritage is managed or destroyed. Drawing on heritage literature on Southeast Asian cities, we first argue that academic writers underestimate the role of land issues and localized power relations in shaping urban heritage politics. We contextualize the rise of heritage concerns in Cambodia. Since colonial times heritage strategies have focused on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor, with urban heritage being of only peripheral concern. Second, we explain how proposals made by international development partners for an overall heritage policy failed, as they conflicted with the rationality of land and power relations, leaving foreign consultants to renegotiate their position in Cambodian politics. Finally, we explore two case studies—the National Stadium and the Renakse Hotel—at the center of virulent, long-lasting political clashes between various forces that took root during the reconstruction of the Cambodian state in the 1980s and 1990s. Together with powerful individuals, families, and companies, the competition and tactical alliances between these forces shape the contested politics of urban heritage in the Cambodian capital.
Effects of drought stress on photosynthesis and photosynthetic electron transport chain in young apple tree leaves
Authors: Wang Zhibo , Li Guofang , Sun Hanqing , Ma Li , Guo Yanping , Zhao Zhengyang , Gao Hua , Mei Lixin
Published: August 2018

In our study, the effects of water stress on photosynthesis and photosynthetic electron transport chain (PETC) were studied through several ways including monitoring the change of gas exchange parameters, modulated chlorophyll fluorescence, rapid fluorescence induction kinetics, reactive oxygen species, antioxidant enzymes activities and D1 protein in apple leaves. Our results showed when the leaf water potential (ψw) was above -1.5MPa, the stomatal limitation should be the main reason for the drop of photosynthesis. In this period, PN, Gs, E, and Ci all showed a strong positive correlation with leaf water potential. So do modulated chlorophyll fluorescence parameters related to photosynthetic biochemistry activity including Fv/Fm, ΦPSII, qP, and qL as water leaf potential gradually decreased. On the contrary, in this period, NPQ and Y(NPQ) kept going up, which expresses an attempt to dissipate excess energy to avoid its damage to plants. When ψw is below -1.5MPa, PN continued to decrease linearly while Ci increased and a ‘V’ model presented the correlation between Ci and ψw by polynomial regression. It implied in this period the drop in photosynthesis activity might be caused by non-stomatal limitation other than stomatal limitation. Fv/Fm, ΦPSII, qP, and qL in apple leaves treated with water stress were much lower than that in control while NPQ and Y(NPQ) started to go down. It demonstrated the excess energy might exceed the tolerant ability of apple leaves. Consistent with changes of these parameters, excess energy led to an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) including H2O2 and O2•-. Although the activities of antioxidant enzymes like catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) increased dramatically and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) decreased in apple leaves with drought stress, it was not still sufficient to scavenge ROS. Consequently, the accumulation of ROS triggered a reduction of D1 protein net content, a core protein in PSII reaction center. As D1 was responsible for the photosynthetic electron transport from QA to QB, the capacity of PETC between QA to QB was considerably down-regulated. The decline of photosynthesis and activity of PETC might result in the shortage of ATP and limitation the regeneration of RuBP (Jmax), a key enzyme in CO2 assimilation. They were all non-stomatal factors and together contributed to the decreased CO2 assimilation under severe water stress.
I spy with my little eye: a simple behavioral assay to test color sensitivity on digital displays
Authors: Knorr Alexander G. , Gravot Céline M. , Gordy Clayton , Glasauer Stefan , Straka Hans
Published: August 2018

Passive and interactive virtual reality (VR) environments are becoming increasingly popular in the field of behavioral neuroscience. While the technique was originally developed for human observers, corresponding applications have been adopted for the research of visual-driven behavior and neural circuits in animals. RGB color reproduction using red, green and blue primary color pixels is generally calibrated for humans, questioning if the distinct parameters are also readily transferable to other species. In particular, a visual image in the RGB color space has a clearly defined contrast pattern for humans, but this may not necessarily be the case for other mammals or even non-mammalian species, thereby impairing any interpretation of color-related behavioral or neuronal results. Here, we present a simple method to estimate the sensitivity of animals to the three primary colors of digital display devices based on the performance of object motion-driven visuo-motor reflexes and demonstrate differences in the color-sensitivity between Xenopus laevis and Ambystoma mexicanum (Axolotl).
Viability of dietary substitution of live microalgae with dry Ulva rigida in broodstock conditioning of Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas)
Authors: Rato Ana , Joaquim Sandra , Tavares Tânia G. , Martins Zita E. , Guedes A. Catarina , Pereira Luís F. , Machado Jorge , Matias A. Margarete , Gonçalves José F. M. , Vaz-Pires Paulo , Magnoni Leonardo J. , Ozório Rodrigo O. A. , Matias Domitília
Published: August 2018

The current study evaluated the microalgae replacement by dry macroalgae (Ulva rigida) in the reproductive success and biochemical composition of pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) during broodstock conditioning. Five nutritional regimes were tested: 100% macroalgae (Diet 1); 50% macroalgae+50% microalgae (Diet 2); 25% macroalgae+75% microalgae (Diet 3); 100% microalgae (Diet 4). An Unfed group was used as a negative control. The microalgae blend was composed by 33% Isochrysis galbana and 67% diatoms (75% Skeletonema costatum+25% Chaetoceros calcitrans). Gonadal maturation was reflected in the physiological condition of the individuals. All treatments, except Diet 1, showed an increase in condition index and were fully matured at the end of the trial, with the best physiological condition observed in oysters fed Diet 3 and Diet 4. Protein and total lipids content increased during the conditioning period, whereas glycogen content decreased. Oysters conditioned with Diet 3 had higher protein and total lipids content and lower glycogen content than the other treatments. In addition, Diet 3 showed the highest percentage of viable veliger larvae. The current study demonstrated that it is possible to replace 25% of microalgae with macroalgae in the broodstock conditioning, minimizing the operative cost in bivalve hatcheries.
Red cell distribution width as a predictor multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in patients undergoing heart valve surgery
Authors: Duchnowski Piotr , Hryniewiecki Tomasz , Kuśmierczyk Mariusz , Szymanski Piotr
Published: August 2018

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic value of RDW for multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in the early postoperative period in patients undergoing valve replacement or repair surgery.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted on a group of 713 consecutive patients with haemodynamically significant valvular heart disease who underwent elective valvular surgery. The primary end-point at the 30-day follow-up was postoperative MODS. The secondary end-point was death from all causes in patients with MODS.

RESULTS

The postoperative MODS occurred in 72 patients. At multivariate analysis: RDW (OR 1.267; 95% CI 1.113-1.441; p=0.0003), creatinine (OR 1.007; 95% CI 1.001-1.013; p=0.02) and age (OR 1.047; 95% CI 1.019-1.077; p=0.001) remained independent predictors of the primary end-point. Receiver operator characteristics analysis determined a cut-off value of RDW for the prediction of the occurrence of the perioperative MODS at 14.3%. RDW (OR 1.448; 95% CI 1.057-1.984; p=0.02) and age (OR 1.057; 95% CI 1.007-1.117; p=0.04) were associated with an increased risk of death in patients with perioperative MODS.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated RDW is associated with a higher risk of MODS and death in patients with MODS following heart valve surgery.
The insensitive dormouse: reproduction skipping is not caused by chronic stress in Glis glis
Authors: Cornils Jessica S. , Hoelzl Franz , Huber Nikolaus , Zink Richard , Gerritsmann Hanno , Bieber Claudia , Schwarzenberger Franz , Ruf Thomas
Published: August 2018

Entire populations of edible dormice (Glis glis) can skip reproduction in years without mast seeding of deciduous trees (particularly beech or oak seed), because juveniles require high caloric seeds for growth and fattening prior to hibernation. We hypothesized that, in mast failure years, female dormice may be forced to spend larger amounts of time foraging for low-quality food, which should increase their exposure to predators, mainly owls. This may lead to chronic stress, i.e., long-term increased secretion of Glucocorticoids (GC), which can have inhibitory effects on reproductive function in both female and male mammals. We monitored reproduction in free-living female dormice over three years with varying levels of food availability, and performed a supplemental feeding experiment. To measure stress hormone levels, we determined fecal GC metabolite (GCM) concentrations collected during the day, which reflect hormone secretion rates in the previous nocturnal activity phase. We found that year-to-year differences in beech mast significantly affected fecal GCM levels and reproduction. However, contrary to our hypothesis, GCM levels were lowest in a non-mast year without reproduction, and significantly elevated in full-mast and intermediate years, as well as under supplemental feeding. Variation in owl density in our study area had no influence on GCM levels. Consequently, we conclude that down-regulation of gonads and reproduction skipping in mast-failure years in this species is not caused by chronic stress. Thus, in edible dormice, delayed reproduction apparently is profitable in response to the absence of energy-rich food in non-mast years, but not in response to chronic stress.
Auditory Predictive Coding across Awareness States under Anesthesia: An Intracranial Electrophysiology Study
Authors: Nourski Kirill V. , Steinschneider Mitchell , Rhone Ariane E. , Kawasaki Hiroto , Howard Matthew A. , Banks Matthew I.
Published: August 2018

The systems-level mechanisms underlying loss of consciousness (LOC) under anesthesia remain unclear. General anesthetics suppress sensory responses within higher-order cortex and feedback connections, both critical elements of predictive coding hypotheses of conscious perception. Responses to auditory novelty may offer promise as biomarkers for consciousness. This study examined anesthesia-induced changes in auditory novelty responses over short (local deviant [LD]) and long (global deviant [GD]) time scales, envisioned to engage preattentive and conscious levels of processing, respectively. Electrocorticographic recordings were obtained in human neurosurgical patients (3 male, 3 female) from four hierarchical processing levels: core auditory cortex, non-core auditory cortex, auditory-related, and PFC. Stimuli were vowel patterns incorporating deviants within and across stimuli (LD and GD). Subjects were presented with stimuli while awake, and during sedation (responsive) and following LOC (unresponsive) under propofol anesthesia. LD and GD effects were assayed as the averaged evoked potential and high gamma (70–150 Hz) activity. In the awake state, LD and GD effects were present in all recorded regions, with averaged evoked potential effects more broadly distributed than high gamma activity. Under sedation, LD effects were preserved in all regions, except PFC. LOC was accompanied by loss of LD effects outside of auditory cortex. By contrast, GD effects were markedly suppressed under sedation in all regions and were absent following LOC. Thus, although the presence of GD effects is indicative of being awake, its absence is not indicative of LOC. Loss of LD effects in higher-order cortical areas may constitute an alternative biomarker of LOC.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDevelopment of a biomarker that indexes changes in the brain upon loss of consciousness (LOC) under general anesthesia has broad implications for elucidating the neural basis of awareness and clinical relevance to mechanisms of sleep, coma, and disorders of consciousness. Using intracranial recordings from neurosurgery patients, we investigated changes in the activation of cortical networks involved in auditory novelty detection over short (local deviance) and long (global deviance) time scales associated with sedation and LOC under propofol anesthesia. Our results indicate that, whereas the presence of global deviance effects can index awareness, their loss cannot serve as a biomarker for LOC. The dramatic reduction of local deviance effects in areas beyond auditory cortex may constitute an alternative biomarker of LOC.
A Neuronal Ensemble in the Rostral Agranular Insula Tracks Cocaine-Induced Devaluation of Natural Reward and Predicts Cocaine Seeking
Authors: Moschak Travis M. , Wang Xuefei , Carelli Regina M.
Published: August 2018

In substance use disorders, negative affect associated with drug withdrawal can elicit strong drug craving and promote relapse. One brain region implicated in those processes is the rostral agranular insular cortex (RAIC), although precisely how this region encodes negative affect associated with drug seeking is unknown. Here, a preclinical model was used where RAIC activity was examined in male Sprague Dawley rats during intraoral infusions of a sweet (saccharin) paired with impending but delayed access to cocaine self-administration, and for comparative purposes, during the sweet predicting saline self-administration or injection of lithium chloride (LiCl), or during intraoral infusions of a bitter taste (quinine). Consistent with previous work, cocaine-paired saccharin, LiCl-paired saccharin, and quinine all elicited aversive taste reactivity. However, the aversive taste reactivity elicited by the cocaine-paired tastant was qualitatively different from that evoked by the other two agents. Furthermore, differences in taste reactivity were reflected in RAIC cell firing, where distinct shifts in neural signaling were observed specifically after cocaine but not LiCl conditioning. Notably, low motivation for cocaine (indicated by low loading and slower latencies to lever press) was correlated with this shift in RAIC signaling, but aversive (gaping) responses were not. Collectively, these findings indicate that cocaine-paired tastants elicit unique aspects of aversive behaviors that differ from traditional conditioned taste aversion (LiCl) or quinine and that the RAIC plays a role in modulating drug-seeking behaviors driven by drug-induced dysphoria (craving), but not negative affect per se.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn substance use disorders, negative affect associated with drug cues can elicit craving and promote relapse; however, the underlying neurocircuitry of this phenomenon is unknown. Here, we investigated the role of the rostral agranular insula cortex (RAIC) in these processes using a preclinical model wherein intraoral delivery of a sweet is paired with delayed access to cocaine self-administration. The taste comes to elicit negative affect that predicts heightened drug seeking. Here, we found that a population of RAIC neurons became inhibited during presentation of the cocaine-paired tastant (when negative affect is high) and that this inhibitory neural profile predicted lower drug seeking. These findings suggest that the RAIC may function to oppose cue-induced cocaine craving and help reduce motivation for the drug.
General Transformations of Object Representations in Human Visual Cortex
Authors: Ward Emily J. , Isik Leyla , Chun Marvin M.
Published: August 2018

The brain actively represents incoming information, but these representations are only useful to the extent that they flexibly reflect changes in the environment. How does the brain transform representations across changes, such as in size or viewing angle? We conducted a fMRI experiment and a magnetoencephalography experiment in humans (both sexes) in which participants viewed objects before and after affine viewpoint changes (rotation, translation, enlargement). We used a novel approach, representational transformation analysis, to derive transformation functions that linked the distributed patterns of brain activity evoked by an object before and after an affine change. Crucially, transformations derived from one object could predict a postchange representation for novel objects. These results provide evidence of general operations in the brain that are distinct from neural representations evoked by particular objects and scenes.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe dominant focus in cognitive neuroscience has been on how the brain represents information, but these representations are only useful to the extent that they flexibly reflect changes in the environment. How does the brain transform representations, such as linking two states of an object, for example, before and after an object undergoes a physical change? We used a novel method to derive transformations between the brain activity evoked by an object before and after an affine viewpoint change. We show that transformations derived from one object undergoing a change generalized to a novel object undergoing the same change. This result shows that there are general perceptual operations that transform object representations from one state to another.
Insight into anthropogenic forcing on coastal upwelling off south-central Chile
Authors: Aguirre Catalina , García-Loyola Sebastián , Testa Giovanni , Silva Diego , Farías Laura
Published: August 2018

Coastal upwelling systems off the coasts of Peru and Chile are among the most productive marine ecosystems in the world, sustaining a significant percentage of global primary production and fishery yields. Seasonal and interannual variability in these systems has been relatively well documented; however, an understanding of recent trends and the influence of climate change on marine processes such as surface cooling and primary productivity is limited. This study presents evidence that winds favorable to upwelling have increased within the southern boundary of the Humboldt Current System (35°–42°S) in recent decades. This trend is consistent with a poleward movement of the influence of the Southeast Pacific Anticyclone and resembles the spatial pattern projected by Global Circulation Models for warming scenarios. Chlorophyll a levels (from 2002 to present) determined by satellite and field-based time-series observations show a positive trend, mainly in austral spring–summer (December–January–February), potentially explained by observed increments in nutrient flux towards surface waters and photosynthetically active radiation. Both parameters appear to respond to alongshore wind stress and cloud cover in the latitudinal range of 35°S to 42°S. In addition, net annual deepening of the mixed layer depth is estimated using density and temperature profiles. Changes in this depth are associated with increasing winds and may explain cooler, more saline, and more productive surface waters, with the latter potentially causing fluctuations in dissolved oxygen and other gases, such as nitrous oxide, sensitive to changes in oxygenation. We argue that these recent changes represent, at least in part, a regional manifestation of the Anthropocene along the Chilean coast.
Ikimokyklinių ugdymo paslaugų įtaka tėvų užimtumui Lietuvoje
Authors: Čižauskaitė Aušra , Gruževskis Boguslavas
Published: August 2018

[straipsnis, santrauka, reikšminiai žodžiai lietuvių kalba; santrauka ir reikšminiai žodžiai anglų kalba]

Ikimokyklinių ugdymo įstaigų prieinamumas turi didelę įtaką tėvų užimtumui, tačiau šį priklausomybė yra gana sudėtinga ir skirtingai pasireiškia skirtingose visuomenės grupėse. Straipsnyje siekiama ištirti ikimokyklinių ugdymo įstaigų prieinamumo vaidmenį tėvų, auginančių ikimokyklinio amžiaus vaikus, užimtumui Lietuvoje. Tyrimui naudojami Lietuvos 2014 m. pajamų ir gyvenimo sąlygų tyrimo duomenys. Naudojant chi kvadrato testą bei dvinarės logistinės regresijos modelį, tyrimo rezultatai atskleidė, kad vaikų ikimokyklinių ugdymo įstaigų nelankymas turėjo didesnę neigiamą įtaką moterų užimtumo statusui negu vyrų. Tyrimas taip pat parodė, kad svarbų vaidmenį tėvų užimtumui skatinti vaidina ir nemokamai teikiama ne tėvų priežiūra vaikams. Rezultatai taip pat leido kelti prielaidą, kad ikimokyklinių ugdymo įstaigų prieinamumas skatina tėvus dirbti, tačiau tai nebuvo esminė tėvų užimtumo paskata.
Darbo vertybių vieta ir kaita skirtingų Lietuvos gyventojų kartų kontekste
Authors: Mažeikaitė Daiva , Gruževskis Boguslavas
Published: August 2018

[straipsnis, santrauka, reikšminiai žodžiai lietuvių kalba; santrauka ir reikšminiai žodžiai anglų kalba]

Dėl ypatingos darbo įtakos žmogaus gyvenimui ir visuomenei darbo vertybės yra laikomos pamatinėmis. Jų realizavimas daugiausia lemia žmogaus vietą visuomenėje ir jo karjeros galimybes, šalies žmogiškojo ir ekonominio kapitalo potencialą, atskiros įmonės personalo panaudojimo efektyvumą ir kita. Vertinant skirtingų gyventojų grupių vertybių skirtumus, pastebėta reikšmingų skirtumų tarp skirtingų gyventojų kartų kohortų. Sąvoka „karta“ suvokiama skirtingais aspektais. Šiame straipsnyje sąvoka „karta“ vartojama pagal Mannheim, Steel and Taras bei Strauss and Howe supratimą. Išskirtos: veteranų, kūdikių bumo, X, Y ir Z kartos. Empirinio tyrimo metu buvo analizuoti Lietuvos gyventojų darbo vertybių pokyčiai XX–XXI amžių sandūroje kartų kaitos aspektu, remiantis Europos vertybių tyrimo (EVT) antros (1990), trečios (1999) ir ketvirtos (2008) bangų rezultatais. Tyrimas parodė, kad kartų kaita ir jų individualios savybės didžiausią poveikį daro emocinių darbo vertybių kaitai, o kognityvias ir instrumentines darbo vertybes veikia ir socialinio bei ekonominio konteksto pokyčiai.
Formation of the structure of microbiocenoses of soils of agroecosystems depending on trophic and hydrothermal factors
Authors: Demyanyuk O. S. , Patyka V. P. , Sherstoboeva О. V. , Bunas A. A.
Published: August 2018

Ground soil, as the product primarily of the activity of microbiota, is under the permanent influence of ecological and anthropogenous factors. Soils are especially subject to pressure in agroecosystems, which increases due to the considerable fluctuation of climate system parameters. Using graph analysis, we have estimated the results of multiyear monitoring research on the functioning of microbiocenoses of three soil types in agroecosystems depending on the fertilizing and hydrothermal mode. It enabled us to detect peculiarities of formation of the structure soil microbiocenoses and to better understand ecologically important relations between functional groups of microorganisms in the soil depending on action of different factors. It has been determined that neither application of organic and mineral fertilizers into chernozem nor action of hydrothermal factors (temperature air and humidity) is a crucial characteristic of changing in the structure of its microbiocenosis. Microorganisms-producers of exopolysaccharides, which have a strong relationship with all trophic groups of microorganisms as they are their structural components, turned out to be the main block constructing factor, which is due to their strong influence on total content of microbal mass in soil. For soil of agroecosystems with dark-grey type of soil characteristic of content of total biomass of microorganisms is a basis for block constructing gremium, which affirms the state of microbiocenosis and processes occurring there under the action of researched biotic and abiotic factors. Microbiocenosis of sod-podzolic soil, unlike the other researched types of soils, reacted distinctly on applying of fertilizer and depended on the action of hydrothermal factors. Contrast in the range of hydrothermal regime caused a chaotic character of interaction between the basic characteristics in microbiocenosis of sod-podzolic soil with appearance of a direct and mediated relationship among them. Regardless of changes in hydrothermal factors , interactions between characteristics of total microbial mass content, eutrophic microorganisms, which use mineral and organic forms of nitrogen, and producers of exopolysaccharides were stable. It has been proved that estimating of ecological state of soil and influence of applicable agromeasures on it should be conducted according to the indices of total microorganism biomass content in the soil and correlation between the number of microorganisms which form the graph gremium.