bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics and Diversity of Microbial Community Succession of Surimi During Fermentation with Next‐Generation Sequencing
Authors: Zhao Dandan , Lu Fei , Qiu Mengting , DING YUTING , Zhou Xuxia
Published: December 2015

Dynamics and diversity of microbial community succession of surimi during fermentation with Actinomucor elegans were analyzed by high‐throughput sequencing. The results showed that Cyanobacteria represented by Streptophyta were found to have the highest diversity at the beginning of fermentation and then decreased sharply with the fermentation proceeded. Then, Proteobacteria became the most dominant phylum followed by Firmicutes with a relative abundance of 77.77% after 48 h of fermentation. Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes were occasionally present. Enterobacteriaceae, Moraxellaceae, Xanthomonadaceae, Bacillaceae and Enterococcaceae were found to account for almost all the diversity during fermentation. Stenotrophomonas, Acinetobacter and Enterococcus were three dominant genera that were classified with the relative abundance of 18.19, 19.76 and 7.74% after 36 h of fermentation, respectively. The bacterial diversity of surimi decreased after 48 h of fermentation as some species gradually became dominant and some were almost undetectable. In addition, from the results of traditional microbiological analysis, counts of mesophilic aerobic bacteria, total enterobacteria, enterococci and Pseudomonas all increased with the change in pH value of surimi, which decreased from 7.16 to 5.93 during fermentation.

Practical Applications

Data about dynamics and diversity of microbial community succession in surimi during fermentation will provide theoretical basis for controlling of pathogenic microorganisms, and ensuring the safety of the fermented surimi product.
Predictors of Mortality Up to 1 Year After Emergency Major Abdominal Surgery in Older Adults
Authors: Cooper Zara , Mitchell Susan L. , Gorges Rebecca J. , Rosenthal Ronnie A. , Lipsitz Stuart R. , Kelley Amy S.
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To identify factors associated with mortality in older adults 30, 180, and 365 days after emergency major abdominal surgery.

Design

A retrospective study linked to Medicare claims from 2000 to 2010.

Setting

Health and Retirement Study (HRS).

Participants

Medicare beneficiaries aged 65.5 enrolled in the HRS from 2000 to 2010 with at least one urgent or emergency major abdominal surgery and a core interview from the HRS within 3 years before surgery.

Measurements

Survival analysis was used to describe all‐cause mortality 30, 180, and 365 days after surgery. Complementary log–log regression was used to identify participant characteristics and postoperative events associated with poorer survival.

Results

Four hundred individuals had one of the urgent or emergency surgeries of interest, 24% of whom were aged 85 and older, 50% had coronary artery disease, 48% had cancer, 33% had congestive heart failure, and 37% experienced a postoperative complication. Postoperative mortality was 20% at 30 days, 31% at 180 days, and 34% at 365 days. Of those aged 85 and older, 50% were dead 1 year after surgery. After multivariate adjustment including postoperative complications, dementia (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.24–3.31), hospitalization within 6 months before surgery (HR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.12–2.28), and complications (HR = 3.45, 95% CI = 2.32–5.13) were independently associated with worse 1‐year survival.

Conclusion

Overall mortality is high in many older adults up to 1 year after undergoing emergency major abdominal surgery. The occurrence of a complication is the clinical factor most strongly associated with worse survival.
Correlation Between Use of Zopiclone and Risk of Hip Fracture in Elderly Adults: A Case–Control Study in Taiwan
Authors: Lai Shih‐Wei , Lin Cheng‐Li , Chen Wen‐Chi , Liao Kuan‐Fu
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To investigate the correlation between zopiclone use and risk of hip fracture in elderly adults.

Design

Case–control study.

Setting

Claim data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Program.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older who experienced their first episode of hip fracture between 1998 and 2011 were enrolled as the case group (n = 10,996). Randomly selected subjects aged 65 and older without hip fracture were enrolled as controls (n = 9,081). Case and control groups were matched according to sex, comorbidities, and index year of hip fracture diagnosis.

Measurements

Current users of zopiclone were defined as those whose last remaining tablet of zopiclone was detected within 7 days or less before the date of hip fracture diagnosis. Late users of zopiclone were defined as those whose last remaining tablet of zopiclone was detected more than 7 days before the date of hip fracture diagnosis. Subjects who never received a prescription of zopiclone were defined as nonusers of zopiclone. A multivariable unconditional logistic regression model was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to investigate the correlation between zopiclone use and risk of hip fracture.

Results

After adjusting for confounders, multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that current users of zopiclone were three and a half times as likely as nonusers to experience a hip fracture (adjusted OR = 3.56, 95% CI = 2.33–4.84), whereas late users were essentially equally as likely as nonusers to experience a hip fracture (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.94–1.18).

Conclusion

Current use of zopiclone was associated with greater risk of hip fracture in the elderly adults studied. Clinicians should alert elderly people to the risk of hip fracture when prescribing zopiclone.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Use and Health in Community‐Dwelling Chinese‐American Older Adults in Chicago
Authors: Dong XinQi , Bergren Stephanie M. , Chang E‐Shien
Published: December 2015

Chinese people have practiced traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years, but there is a paucity of research regarding TCM use in Chinese older adult immigrants in the United States. This study aims to provide an overall estimate of TCM use for Chinese older adults in the United States and to examine associations between sociodemographic characteristics, health measures, and TCM use. Data were collected through the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago, a community‐based participant research study that surveyed 3,158 Chinese older adults aged 60 and older. TCM use was measured using an eight‐item scale that examined eight kinds of TCM. Seventy‐six percent of participants reported any use of TCM within the past year. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, health status was associated with greater use of acupuncture (odds ratio (OR) = 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06–1.68) and massage therapy (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.21–1.93), and quality of life was associated with less use of prescribed herbal products (OR 0.69, 95% CI = 0.55–0.87), tai chi (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.50–0.78), and other traditional medicine (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.40–0.56). These findings call for further investigation of TCM use by Chinese older adults, especially those with poor health and those with better quality of life. In the clinical setting, physicians should have awareness of TCM when treating Chinese older adults and look toward possible integration with Western medicine for more culturally appropriate, patient‐centered care.
A Model Program of Community‐Based Supports for Older Adults at Risk of Nursing Facility Placement
Authors: Stevens Alan B. , Hochhalter Angela K. , Basu Rashmita , Smith Emily R. , Thorud Jennifer L. , Jo Chanhee , McGhee Richard
Published: December 2015

Transitioning an older adult into a nursing facility is a major life event for older adults (care recipients, CRs) and their family caregivers (CGs). This article describes the implementation of a community living program and presents findings on important health and well‐being indicators. One hundred ninety‐one participants aged 60 and older not eligible for or currently enrolled in Medicaid and meeting four risk domains (functional, health, cognitive/emotional, informal support system) were enrolled for the 10‐month program. Two evidence‐based interventions were blended into a comprehensive community‐based approach to long‐term care that included $750 per month for home care services. Measures were conducted at baseline and 6 and 12 months. Nine (6%) participants did not complete the program because of nursing facility admission. CRs had fewer physician visits (4.1 vs 7.3, P < .001), emergency department visits (0.3 vs 1.4, P < .001), hospital stays (0.4 vs 0.9, P < .001), and total nights in the hospital (0.8 vs 5.1, P < .001) at 12 months than at baseline. Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D) scores also improved significantly (6.8 vs 9.4, P < .001). CGs had improvements in CES‐D scores (5.9 vs 3.9, P < .001) and CG burden (14.7 s 12.6, P = .01) from baseline to 12 months. This multicomponent program improved the physical and mental health of CGs and CRs at risk of nursing facility placement. Future studies are needed to compare the overall placement rate to determine the success of diverting nursing facility placement in this population of older adults.
The Evolution of Living Kidney Donation and Transplantation in Older Adults
Authors: Rowe Theresa A. , Huded Jill , McElroy Lisa , Ladner Daniela P. , Lindquist Lee A.
Published: December 2015

Kidney transplantation is a good option for adults aged 65 and older with end‐stage renal disease because it has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality, improve quality of life, and is more cost‐effective than other renal replacement options. However, older age has been a deterrent to access to the deceased donor waiting list, and individuals aged 65 and older have a lower probability of being referred to and listed for transplantation compared to younger adults. Because the deceased organ supply is limited, living donor kidney transplantation offers an effective alternative for older adults facing long waiting times for cadaveric organs. This article describes the evolution of living kidney donation and transplantation in older adults over 15 years using the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network/Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database. Between 1997 and 2011, 28,034 kidney transplantations were performed in adults aged 65 and older. Living‐donor and cadaveric kidney transplantation increased in older adults over the 15‐year period. Offspring are the most common living donors in this age group, followed by unrelated donors (e.g., friends), whereas the most common donors in younger transplant recipients are spouses, siblings, and parents. The number of living kidney donors aged 65 and older is slowly increasing, although the total number of transplants in this age group remains low. The expansion of living‐donor kidney transplantation in the aging population may offer a solution for organ shortage and thereby improve the quality of life of older adults. More research is needed to understand the older donor–recipient relationship and barriers to transplantation in this population.
When your strength threatens me: Supervisors show less social comparison bias than subordinates
Authors: Jia Huiyuan , Lu Jingyi , Xie Xiaofei , Huang Tao
Published: December 2015

Employee referral programmes encourage employees to recommend outstanding candidates to their organizations. However, a superior candidate can be a threat to a referee. People tend to not recommend higher performing candidates who have the same strengths as themselves because these candidates can be a threat to their self‐positivity. This is known as social comparison bias (Garcia et al., 2010, Organ. Behav. Hum. Decis. Process., 113, 97) and has a tendency to hinder the effectiveness of employee referral programmes. We propose that supervisors will show less social comparison bias than their subordinates. Data taken from the results of three experiments and a field study show that supervisors (vs. subordinates) exhibit less social comparison bias (Studies 1a, 1b, and 2), and we learn that self‐threat account for the difference between supervisors and subordinates (Study 2). Moreover, we verify that the difference between supervisors and subordinates in terms of their willingness to provide a recommendation reflects social comparison bias rather than a complementarity concern (Study 3).

Practitioner points

Positions influence the willingness to provide a recommendation.

Supervisors (vs. subordinates) are less threatened by a higher performing other who has the same strength.
MULTIPLE REFERENCE POINTSANDTHE DEMANDFOR PRINCIPAL‐PROTECTED LIFE ANNUITIES: An EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Knoller Christian
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT

We conducted an experiment in which participants were confronted with an experimental annuitization decision. Previous research has argued in favor of the hypothesis that a combination of mental accounting and prospect theory can explain why annuities containing a capital guarantee are preferred to standard annuities. However, from this perspective people would not annuitize their assets at all, but rather invest the money in a risk‐free alternative. Recent research has also suggested a “cushion effect.” When all possible outcomes of two options are above a certain goal, this goal serves as a cushion in case of unfavorable outcomes. Hence, individuals might have a higher propensity to exhibit risk‐seeking behavior. We find that individuals were indeed more willing to choose the annuity option if it contained a capital guarantee and that individuals using this guarantee as a cushion were even more willing to choose the annuity. Thus, the cushion effect can partially explain the high demand for guarantee features in annuity contracts.
SOLID HYDROCARBONS IN PROTEROZOIC DOLOMITES, TAOUDENI BASIN, MAURITANIA
Authors: Albert‐Villanueva E. , Permanyer A. , Tritlla J. , Levresse G. , Salas R.
Published: December 2015

The Taoudeni Basin (Mauritania / Mali, West Africa) was formed as a result of pre‐ Pan‐African subsidence associated with rifting at the margins of the West African craton. Hydrocarbons in the Taoudeni Basin are derived from source rocks in the Meso‐Neoproterozoic Atar Group, which is composed of facies varying from stromatolite‐dominated carbonates to organic‐rich basinal shales. The stromatolitic carbonates are dolomitized and contain solid hydrocarbons (pyrobitumen). The pyrobitumen was formed in response to a Mesozoic hydrothermal event, with peak temperatures locally reaching 380°C, which resulted in hydraulic fracturing of the carbonates. Gas shows were recorded from these carbonates in the Abolag‐1 well and suggest that they may have potential as a reservoir rock. For this study, samples of Atar Group dolostones and black shales were collected from two localities in the Mauritanian part of the Taoudeni Basin and were analyzed by means of various geochemical and microscope‐based techniques including fluid inclusion analyses. The study suggests that Meso‐Neoproterozoic source rocks generated oil and gas during the Late Neoproterozoic – Early Palaeozoic. Later, in the Jurassic, a hydrothermal event caused in‐reservoir thermal cracking of the hydrocarbons to pyrobitumen and a second phase of gas generation and migration.
USE OF X‐RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY TO QUANTIFY THE PETROPHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF VOLCANIC ROCKS: A CASE STUDY FROM TENERIFE, CANARY ISLANDS
Authors: Couves C. , Roberts S. , Racey A. , Troth I. , Best A.
Published: December 2015

Basaltic lava flows and ignimbrite units around Puerto de Santiago, SW Tenerife, were investigated as potential analogues for hydrocarbon‐bearing volcanic reservoir rocks. Conventional helium porosity and air permeability measurements together with the results of a micro‐focus X‐ray computed tomography study were integrated with field observations on flow morphology and the continuity of defined internal lava flow zones.

Individual lava flows typically comprise distinct tops, cores and bases, with lava piles showing repeated cycles of these three internal zones. Reservoir quality is best in the flow tops (mean ϕ = 23.14%, k = 5.622mD) where vesicular porosity dominates. Flow cores are relatively tight with primary porosity mainly controlled by cooling joints, fractures and intercrystalline microporosity (mean ϕ = 2.40%, k = 0.001mD). Flow bases show variable reservoir potential due to the presence of breccia and/or vesiculation (mean ϕ = 11.77%, k = 0.001mD). By contrast, ignimbrites show the highest porosities but have low permeabilities (mean ϕ = 35.64%, k = 0.0056mD). In all cases, the primary porosity and permeability may have been modified to create additional secondary porosity and permeability as a result of fracturing and mineral dissolution during burial or weathering, although porosity may also be occluded through the precipitation of secondary minerals or the alteration of primary minerals.

The new porosity data presented demonstrates that pyroclastics and basaltic lava flow tops have the best reservoir properties, with the flow tops having sufficient porosity and permeability to transmit fluids and gas. In contrast, flow cores are relatively tight (impermeable), and would act as seals to potential hydrocarbon accumulations when fractures and cooling joints are absent. The reservoir potential can be high where vesicles and fractures are present (i.e. in lava flow tops), although there is uncertainty whether flow tops could be connected to each other vertically to form a potentially exploitable hydrocarbon reservoir. Although in some areas such volcanic rocks can be primary targets for hydrocarbon exploration (e.g. onshore China), in many others they are considered to be a secondary target, adding incremental resources to hydrocarbons produced from more conventional sandstone and carbonate reservoirs.
Annual economic burden of hepatitis B virus‐related diseases among hospitalized patients in twelve cities in China
Authors: Zhang S. , Ma Q. , Liang S. , Xiao H. , Zhuang G. , Zou Y. , Tan H. , Liu J. , Zhang Y. , Zhang L. , Feng X. , Xue L. , Hu D. , Cui F. , Liang X.
Published: December 2015

A nationwide survey of hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐associated economic burden has not previously been performed in China. The purpose of this study was to examine the direct, indirect, and intangible costs of HBV‐related diseases within the span of one year. A random sample was taken from specialty and general hospitals across 12 cities in six provinces of China. Intangible costs were estimated based on willingness to pay or open‐ended answers provided by patients. The results showed that 27 hospitals were enrolled, with a sample population of 4726 patients (77.7% response rate). The average annual costs were $4454.0 (direct), $924.3 (indirect), and $6611.10 (intangible), corresponding to 37.3%, 7.7%, and 55.1% of the total costs, respectively. The direct medical fees were substantially greater than the non‐medical fees. Annual indirect costs were divided into outpatient ($112.9) and inpatient ($811.40) loss of income. The intangible costs of chronic HBV were notably higher than either the direct or indirect costs, consistent with the social stigma in China. The comparison amongst individual cities for the average ratio of direct to indirect costs revealed that the sizes of ratios were negatively correlated with the socioeconomic status of the regions. This study suggested that as a whole in China, the HBV‐related diseases caused a heavy financial burden which was positively associated with disease severity. Although the intangible costs coincided with a high prevalence of discrimination against CHB patients in Chinese society, our study may serve as future reference for detailed exploration.
Prey capture and processing behaviors vary with prey size and shape in Australian and subantarctic fur seals
Authors: Hocking David P. , Fitzgerald Erich M. G. , Salverson Marcia , Evans Alistair R.
Published: December 2015

When hunting at sea, pinnipeds should adapt their foraging behaviors to suit the prey they are targeting. We performed captive feeding trials with two species of otariid seal, Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) and subantarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus tropicalis). This allowed us to record detailed observations of how their foraging behaviors vary when presented with prey items that cover the full range of body shapes and sizes encountered in the wild. Small prey were captured using suction alone, while larger prey items were caught in the teeth using raptorial biting. Small fish and long skinny prey items could then be swallowed whole or processed by shaking, while all prey items with body depths greater than 7.5 cm were processed by shaking at the water's surface. This matched opportunistic observations of feeding in wild Australian fur seals. Use of “shake feeding” as the main prey processing tactic also matches predictions that this method would be one of the only tactics available to aquatic tetrapods that are unable to secure prey using their forelimbs.
Diaphragmatic breathing for rumination syndrome: efficacy and mechanisms of action
Authors: Halland M. , Parthasarathy G. , Bharucha A. E. , Katzka D. A.
Published: December 2015

Background

While high resolution esophageal manometry combined with impedancometry has demonstrated that gastric pressurizations lead to rumination, the contribution of upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) function to rumination is unclear. Behavioral therapy with diaphragmatic breathing (DB) can reduce rumination. We aimed to evaluate the pressures in the stomach, EGJ and UES during rumination and the effects of DB augmented with biofeedback therapy.

Methods

Sixteen patients with rumination were studied with manometry and impedancometry before and after a meal. The postprandial assessment comprised three periods: before, during, and after DB augmented with biofeedback therapy.

Key Results

All patients had postprandial rumination, which was associated (p < 0.001) with increased gastric pressure and reversal of the postprandial gastroesophageal pressure gradient from −4 (−43 to 18) before to 20 (7–79) mmHg during rumination. The EGJ pressure was lower (p < 0.001) during gastric pressurizations that were associated with rumination vs those that were not. The UES also relaxed, almost completely, during rumination. Patients had a median (range) of 5 (2–10) rumination episodes before, 1 (0–2) (p < 0.001) during, and 3 (1–5) after (p < 0.001 vs during) diaphragmatic breathing. During manometry and impedancometry, DB was well‐tolerated and learned within 5 min. Diaphragmatic breathing increased EGJ pressure (p < 0.001) and restored a negative gastroesophageal pressure gradient (−20 mmHg [−80 to 7]).

Conclusions & Inferences

Diaphragmatic breathing aided with high resolution esophageal manometry is well‐tolerated, effective and averts the gastroesophageal pressure disturbance that leads to rumination.
Prospect of future housing and risk of psychological distress at 1 year after an earthquake disaster
Authors: Nakaya Naoki , Nakamura Tomohiro , Tsuchiya Naho , Narita Akira , Tsuji Ichiro , Hozawa Atsushi , Tomita Hiroaki
Published: December 2015

Aim

Since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, many of the affected have been forced to live in temporary housing or at a relative's house. Special attention needs to be paid to the negative health impacts resulting from such changes in living conditions. This study examined the association between future housing prospects and the risk of psychological distress 1 year after the earthquake.

Methods

In 2012, a questionnaire was completed by a cross‐sectional study of people aged 20 years or older living in Shichigahama Town, Miyagi, northeastern Japan, an area that had been severely inundated by the tsunami. Future housing prospects post‐earthquake were classified into four categories: already settled in permanent housing, moving to new housing, under consideration, or unable to make any plans. Psychological distress was evaluated using the Kessler 6 scale, defined as ≥5 points out of 24. We performed multiple logistic regression analyses adjusted for potential confounding factors.

Results

Of the 3614 individuals studied, subjects whose future housing was under consideration (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.6–2.7, P < 0.01) and those who were unable to make any future housing plans (OR = 1.9, 95%CI = 1.4–2.5, P < 0.01) exhibited a significantly higher risk of psychological distress compared with subjects who had already settled in permanent housing.

Conclusion

In this study, subjects whose future housing prospects were under consideration and those who were unable to make any future housing plans were at a higher risk of psychological distress 1 year after the earthquake disaster.
Anchoring Relationships at Work: High‐Quality Mentors and Other Supportive Work Relationships as Buffers to Ambient Racial Discrimination
Authors: Ragins Belle Rose , Ehrhardt Kyle , Lyness Karen S. , Murphy Dianne D. , Capman John F.
Published: December 2015

Applying a unifying theoretical framework of high‐quality work relationships, we conducted a set of 3 complementary studies that examined whether high‐quality mentoring relationships can buffer employees from the negative effects of ambient discrimination at work. Integrating relational mentoring with relational systems theory, we first examined whether the presence of a high‐quality mentoring relationship buffers employees in a sample of 3,813 workers. In support of the “mentors‐as‐buffers” hypothesis, we found that employees who witnessed or were aware of racial discrimination at work had lower organizational commitment than those not exposed, but employees with high‐quality mentoring relationships experienced less loss of commitment than those lacking mentors. We then examined the specific buffering behaviors used by mentors in high‐quality relationships and whether these behaviors were effective for other work relationships and outcomes. Applying Kahn's typology, we developed and validated a measure of high‐quality relational holding behaviors in a sample of 262 workers. Using this measure in a third sample of 557 workers, we found that mentors buffer by providing holding behaviors, but we did not find this buffering effect when supervisors or coworkers provided holding behaviors. This potent mentor buffering effect held across a range of outcomes, including organizational commitment, physical symptoms of stress, insomnia, and stress‐related absenteeism. These studies suggest that mentoring may be a singularly effective relationship that offers a safe harbor for employees faced with ambient discrimination at work.
Variance in saccadic eye movements reflects stable traits
Authors: Meyhöfer Inga , Bertsch Katja , Esser Moritz , Ettinger Ulrich
Published: December 2015

Saccadic tasks are widely used to study cognitive processes, effects of pharmacological treatments, and mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders. In genetic studies, it is assumed that saccadic endophenotypes are traits. While internal consistency and temporal stability of saccadic performance is high for most of the measures, the magnitude of underlying trait components has not been estimated, and influences of situational aspects and person by situation interactions have not been investigated. To do so, 68 healthy participants performed prosaccades, antisaccades, and memory‐guided saccades on three occasions at weekly intervals at the same time of day. Latent state‐trait modeling was applied to estimate the proportions of variance reflecting stable trait components, situational influences, and Person × Situation interaction effects. Mean variables for all saccadic tasks showed high to excellent reliabilities. Intraindividual standard deviations were found to be slightly less reliable. Importantly, an average of 60% of variance of a single measurement was explained by trans‐situationally stable person effects, while situation aspects and interactions between person and situation were found to play a negligible role. We conclude that saccadic variables, in standard laboratory settings, represent highly reliable measures that are largely unaffected by situational influences. Extending previous reliability studies, these findings clearly demonstrate the trait‐like nature of these measures and support their role as endophenotypes.
Reproductive Performance of Native Pulawska and High Productivity Polish Landrace Sows in the Context of Stress During the Period of Early Pregnancy
Authors: Babicz M , Szyndler‐Nędza M , Skrzypczak E , Kasprzyk A
Published: December 2015

Contents

Experiments revealed that it is necessary to get rid of genotypes RYR1C/T and RYR1T/T because of problems with meat quality and reproduction of gilts and sows. This phenomenon, however, is of individual nature and is characterized by high variability. The aim of the study was to analyse the influence of stressogenic factors in native Puławska and high productivity Polish Landrace breed sows during the period of low pregnancy on reproductive performance and maternal behaviour. Sows in the 2nd reproduction cycle were assigned into groups of five animals as follows: control (C) of RYR1 C/C genotype and experimental (E) of RYR1 C/T genotype. In all, 30 Puławska breed sows and 30 PL breed sows were analysed. During the early stage of pregnancy (days 42–84), experimental groups were subjected to the action of stressogenic factors: elevated temperature, noisy and rough treatment of sows by service personnel and immobilization stress. The effect of stressogenic factors was referred to the reproductive performance of sows. Puławska and PL breed sows from the experimental groups were subjected to the evaluation of maternal traits on the basis of perinatal behaviour determined with the help of an ethogram. Analysis of the results of reproduction and the behaviour of the sows confirmed the higher resistance to stressogenic factors of the Puławska breed. The performed analysis of reproduction and behaviour confirmed that heterozygotic genotypes in the RYR1 locus exhibited less advantageous reproduction, which corroborates the hypothesis about a negative impact of the T allele on swine productivity.
A Characteristics Approach to Optimal Taxation: Line Drawing and Tax‐Driven Product Innovation
Authors: Gillitzer Christian , Kleven Henrik Jacobsen , Slemrod Joel
Published: December 2015

Real‐world tax legislation assigns goods to different categories of tax rates on the basis of observable characteristics, allowing the tax system to handle a constantly evolving set of available goods. We recast the theory of optimal taxation in the language of characteristics, and we show how to optimally draw lines that delineate tax‐rate regimes. Such lines are associated with notches in tax liability as a function of characteristics, creating incentives to introduce goods with new combinations of characteristics in order to reduce tax liability. With a restricted set of tax instruments, such notches are in general part of the second‐best optimal tax system.
How do we cultivate in England? Tillage practices in crop production systems
Authors: Townsend T. J. , Ramsden S. J. , Wilson P.
Published: December 2015

Reducing tillage intensity offers the possibility of moving towards sustainable intensification objectives. Reduced tillage (RT) practices, where the plough is not used, can provide a number of environmental and financial benefits, particularly for soil erosion control. Based on 2010 harvest year data from the nationally stratified Farm Business Survey and drawing on a sub‐sample of 249 English arable farmers, we estimate that approximately 32% of arable land was established under RT, with 46% of farms using some form of RT. Farms more likely to use some form of RT were larger, located in the East Midlands and South East of England and classified as ‘Cereals’ farms. Application of RT techniques was not determined by the age or education level of the farmer. Individual crops impacted the choice of land preparation, with wheat and oilseed rape being more frequently planted after RT than field beans and root crops, which were almost always planted after ploughing. This result suggests there can be limitations to the applicability of RT. Average tillage depth was only slightly shallower for RT practices than ploughing, suggesting that the predominant RT practices are quite demanding in their energy use. Policy makers seeking to increase sustainable RT uptake will need to address farm‐level capital investment constraints and target policies on farms growing crops, such as wheat and oilseed rape, that are better suited to RT practices.
Early‐ and late‐stage ocular complications of herpes zoster ophthalmicus in rural South Africa
Authors: Schaftenaar Erik , Meenken Christina , Baarsma G. Seerp , McIntyre James A. , Verjans Georges M. G. M. , Peters Remco P. H.
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To describe the spectrum of ocular complications of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) in rural South Africa.

Methods

Patients presenting with visual complaints and active or healed HZO at the ophthalmology outpatient department of three hospitals in rural South Africa were included in this study. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and HIV status was determined for all participants.

Results

Forty‐eight patients were included, and 81% were HIV infected. Poor vision was reported by 94% of patients, painful eye by 79% and photophobia by 63%. A diverse spectrum of ocular complications was observed with corneal inflammation and opacification in 77% followed by anterior uveitis in 65%. The majority (65%) presented with late‐stage ocular complications associated with irreversible loss of vision whereas early‐stage complications, such as punctate epithelial keratitis and anterior uveitis, were less common. Blindness of the affected eye was observed in 68% of patients with late‐stage complications. There was a considerable delay between onset of symptoms and first presentation to the ophthalmology outpatient department (median time 35 days; range 1–2500 days), and longer delay was associated with late‐stage ocular complications (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

HZO patients present with relatively late‐stage ocular complications, and blindness among these patients is common. The delayed presentation to the ophthalmology outpatient department of hospitals in our rural setting is of concern, and efforts to improve ocular outcomes of HZO are urgently needed.
Lymphocyte subpopulations and Treg cells in dogs with atopic dermatitis receiving ciclosporin therapy: a prospective study
Authors: Beccati Massimo , Martini Valeria , Comazzi Stefano , Fanton Natalia , Cornegliani Luisa
Published: December 2015

Background

Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a chronic dermatological disease partly due to dysregulation of the immune system. Inappropriate activation of CD4+ lymphocytes could favour and promote the allergic response. An inadequate activation system of regulatory T cells (Tregs) is suspected to be a key immunological feature of the allergic response in atopic dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To evaluate the difference in the CD4/CD8 lymphocyte ratio and the percentage of Tregs in healthy dogs, in a breed predisposed to CAD, and in dogs affected by CAD before and during therapy with ciclosporin (CsA). Additionally to assess the improvement in pruritus and skin lesions during therapy with CsA, and to compare this with CD4/CD8/Treg values.

Animals

Ten atopic dogs of different breed, sex and age, ten healthy dogs and ten English bulldogs were included.

Methods

Peripheral blood from all dogs was tested using flow cytometry to assess the CD4/CD8 ratio and percentage of Tregs. For atopic dogs, sampling was repeated after 30 and 90 days of therapy with CsA.

Results

The CD4/CD8 ratio was not significantly different between the three groups. The Treg percentage was higher, but not statistically significant, in atopic dogs compared with controls. Therapy with CsA led to clinical improvement; it was not associated with statistically significant differences in haematological variables.

Conclusion and clinical importance

This study suggests that Tregs may be involved in the pathogenesis of CAD and that ciclosporin therapy does not affect the circulating lymphocyte subpopulations
One bout of vibration exercise with vascular occlusion activates satellite cells
Authors: Aguayo David , Mueller Sandro Manuel , Boutellier Urs , Auer Maria , Jung Hans H. , Flück Martin , Toigo Marco
Published: December 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Acute skeletal muscle satellite cell (SC) activation is associated with skeletal muscle hypertrophy. Although the quantity of SCs has been reported to increase following a single bout of resistance exercise, data on muscle fibre type‐specific SC quantity and/or activation status after a single bout of vibration is presently lacking.

What is the main finding and its importance?

By determining SCs from muscle biopsies of the vastus lateralis using immunohistochemistry, we conclude that modification of vibration exercise by superimposition of occlusion induced activation and differentiation of SCs in young men, which had not been observed with whole‐body vibration or blood flow restriction alone.

We tested the hypothesis that whole‐body vibration (WBV) is insufficient to expand satellite cell numbers 24 h postexercise, whereas WBV in combination with blood flow restriction (BFR) is sufficient. Twenty‐five young men were randomly assigned to one of the following three groups: WBV, BFR exercise or WBVBFR. Satellite cell numbers were determined from muscle biopsies of the vastus lateralis muscle using immunohistochemistry. Satellite cell quantity and frequency (+99.4%, P = 0.012 and +77.1%, P = 0.010, respectively) increased only in the WBVBFR group. Similar results were obtained for the quantity and frequency of myogenin‐positive myonuclei (+139.0%, P < 0.001 and +148.4%, P < 0.001, respectively). We conclude that modification of WBV by superimposition of BFR induced activation and differentiation of satellite cells in young men, which had not been observed with WBV or BFR alone. These data suggest that WBVBFR might represent a novel viable anabolic stimulus.
Calcium‐activated chloride current determines action potential morphology during calcium alternans in atrial myocytes
Authors: Kanaporis Giedrius , Blatter Lothar A.
Published: December 2015

Key points

Cardiac alternans – periodic beat‐to‐beat alternations in contraction, action potential (AP) morphology or cytosolic calcium transient (CaT) amplitude – is a high risk indicator for cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. However, it remains an unresolved issue whether beat‐to‐beat alternations in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) or AP morphology are the primary cause of pro‐arrhythmic alternans.

Here we show that in atria AP alternans occurs secondary to CaT alternans.

CaT alternans leads to complex beat‐to‐beat changes in Ca2+‐regulated ion currents that determine alternans of AP morphology.

We report the novel finding that alternans of AP morphology is largely sustained by the activity of Ca2+‐activated Cl− channels (CaCCs). Suppression of the CaCCs significantly reduces AP alternans, while CaT alternans remains unaffected.

The demonstration of a major role of CaCCs in the development of AP alternans opens new possibilities for atrial alternans and arrhythmia prevention.

Cardiac alternans, described as periodic beat‐to‐beat alternations in contraction, action potential (AP) morphology or cytosolic Ca transient (CaT) amplitude, is a high risk indicator for cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. We investigated mechanisms of cardiac alternans in single rabbit atrial myocytes. CaTs were monitored simultaneously with membrane currents or APs recorded with the patch clamp technique. Beat‐to‐beat alternations of AP morphology and CaT amplitude revealed a strong quantitative correlation. Application of voltage clamp protocols in the form of pre‐recorded APs (AP‐clamp) during pacing‐induced CaT alternans revealed a Ca2+‐dependent current consisting of a large outward component (4.78 ± 0.58 pA pF–1 in amplitude) coinciding with AP phases 1 and 2 that was followed by an inward current (−0.42 ± 0.03 pA pF–1; n = 21) during AP repolarization. Approximately 90% of the initial outward current was blocked by substitution of Cl− ions or application of the Cl− channel blocker DIDS identifying it as a Ca2+‐activated Cl− current (ICaCC). The prominent AP prolongation at action potential duration at 30% repolarization level during the small alternans CaT was due to reduced ICaCC. Inhibition of Cl− currents abolished AP alternans, but failed to affect CaT alternans, indicating that disturbances in Ca2+ signalling were the primary event leading to alternans, and ICaCC played a decisive role in shaping the beat‐to‐beat alternations in AP morphology observed during alternans.
El cine durante la primera competencia televisiva española (1990-1994)
Authors: Mateos-Pérez Javier , Cabeza San Deogracias José
Published: December 2015

Esta investigación analiza la programación cinematográfica emitida durante el inicio y primer desarrollo de la competencia televisiva (1990-1994) de ámbito nacional. Para ello, se toma en consideración la programación de las televisiones públicas, en las cadenas privadas y en los operadores de pago. Se tienen en cuenta los largometrajes emitidos en términos de su género, nacionalidad, inserción dentro de la rejilla; los ciclos programados y los programas cinematográficos más representativos, con el fin de observar su evolución, contenidos, características y su relación con la competencia.

 
La narrativa transmedia como experiencia de simulación de inteligencia colectiva. El caso de Atrapados
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ RUÍZ JAIME ALEJANDRO , López Peinado Laura D. , González - Gutiérrez Luis Felipe
Published: December 2015

Este artículo describe y analiza la experiencia transmedia del proyecto de investigación “Simulador IC, un escenario transmedial de pruebas para la simulación de inteligencia colectiva”, en el que se exploró la capacidad de cuatro artefactos ficcionales — texto literario, cómic, videojuego y juego de rol—, generados a partir de la transmediación de un texto literario fuente, para desarrollar sensibilidad en la resolución de problemas con características vinculadas a la inteligencia colectiva.

El método de investigación fue mixto, con un componente principal cualitativo y un componente cuantitativo —metodología observacional—. Al realizarse una medición del gradiente de inteligencia colectiva de los participantes, tras el contacto y la interacción con diversas estrategias de simulación de los problemas —combinación de artefactos, según un diseño experimental específico—, se comprobó que la experiencia transmedia completa, es decir, la interacción con los cuatro artefactos potencia los efectos y beneficios de la simulación con artefactos individuales.
La producción académica sobre Comunicación, Desarrollo y Cambio Social en las revistas científicas de América Latina
Authors: Barranquero Carretero Alejandro , Ángel Botero Adriana María
Published: December 2015

El artículo presenta los resultados de una investigación sobre el estado actual de la producción científica en Comunicación, Desarrollo y Cambio Social en Latinoamérica. La metodología parte de un análisis de contenido de los artículos publicados en los últimos cinco años (2009-2013) en las revistas latinoamericanas de comunicación de mejor en el Índice H de en 2013: , , , , , , , , y .

 

Tras presentar algunas características tales como país, año de publicación, género y adscripción institucional, se avanzan un conjunto de hallazgos acerca de las temáticas, enfoques y métodos de los artículos, entre los que destacan: el bajo nivel de investigación empírica, el escaso contacto con las comunidades a partir de metodologías participativas, la apertura a temáticas y enfoques novedosos, y el permanente dinamismo del campo de la Comunicación para el Desarrollo y el Cambio Social.
El smartphone en la educación superior. Un estudio comparativo del uso educativo, social y ubicuo en universidades españolas e hispanoamericanas
Authors: Vázquez-Cano Esteban , Sevillano García Luisa
Published: December 2015

El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar de forma general y comparada entre cinco universidades españolas y cinco universidades hispanoamericanas el uso educativo, social y ubicuo que los estudiantes universitarios realizan del teléfono inteligente (smartphone). Se analizó una muestra total de 886 estudiantes —442 españoles y 444 hispanoamericanos—. La metodología de investigación consistió en un análisis factorial y en una comparación intergrupos, mediante pruebas paramétricas y no paramétricas. Los resultados generales en ambas zonas geográficas muestran que el smartphone se emplea principalmente para el intercambio de información académica, coordinación de trabajos grupales y consulta de servicios universitarios.
Vibrations of Fractal Structures: On the Nonlinearities of Damping by Branching
Authors: Torab Peter , Piovesan Davide
Published: December 2015

To study the effect of damping due to branching in trees and fractal structures, a harmonic analysis was performed on a finite element model using commercially available software. The model represented a three-dimensional (3D) fractal treelike structure, with properties based on oak wood and with several branch configurations. As branches were added to the model using a recursive algorithm, the effects of damping due to branching became apparent: the first natural frequency amplitude decreased, the first peak widened, and the natural frequency decreased, whereas higher frequency oscillations remained mostly unaltered. To explain this nonlinear effect observable in the spectra of branched structures, an analytical interpretation of the damping was proposed. The analytical model pointed out the dependency of Cartesian damping from the Coriolis forces and their derivative with respect to the angular velocity of each branch. The results provide some insight on the control of chaotic systems. Adding branches can be an effective way to dampen slender structures but is most effective for large deformation of the structure.
Flow-Induced Vibration in Subsea Jumper Subject to Downstream Slug and Ocean Current
Authors: Lu Yaojun , Liang Chun , Manzano-Ruiz Juan J. , Janardhanan Kalyana , Perng Yeong-Yan
Published: December 2015

This paper presents a multiphysics approach for characterizing flow-induced vibrations (FIVs) in a subsea jumper subject to internal production flow, downstream slug, and ocean current. In the present study, the physical properties of production fluids and associated slugging behavior were characterized by pvtsim and olga programs under real subsea condition. Outcomes of the flow assurance studies were then taken as inputs of a full-scale two-way fluid–structure interaction (FSI) analysis to quantify the vibration response. To prevent onset of resonant risk, a detailed modal analysis has also be carried out to determine the modal shapes and natural frequencies. Such a multiphysics approach actually integrated the best practices currently available in flow assurance (olga and pvtsim), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element analysis (FEA), and modal analysis, and hence provided a comprehensive solution to the FSI involved in a subsea jumper. The corresponding results indicate that both the internal production flow, downstream slugs, and the ocean current would induce vibration response in the subsea jumper. Compared to the vortex-induced vibration (VIV) due to the ocean current and the FIV due to the internal production flow, pressure fluctuation due to the downstream slug plays a dominant role in generating excessive vibration response and potential fatigue failure in the subsea jumper. Although the present study was mainly focused on the subsea jumper, the same approach can be applied to other subsea components, like subsea flowline, subsea riser, and other subsea production equipment.