bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distracting stimuli evoke ventral tegmental area responses in rats during ongoing saccharin consumption
Authors: Peters Kate Z , Young Andrew M J , McCutcheon James E 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDisruptions in attention, salience and increased distractibility are implicated in multiple psychiatric conditions. The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is a potential site for converging information about external stimuli and internal states to be integrated and guide adaptive behaviours. Given the dual role of dopamine signals in both driving ongoing behaviours (e.g., feeding) and monitoring salient environmental stimuli, understanding the interaction between these functions is crucial. Here, we investigate VTA neuronal activity during distraction from ongoing feeding. We developed a task to assess distraction exploiting self‐paced licking in rats. Rats trained to lick for saccharin were given a distraction test, in which three consecutive licks within 1 s triggered a random distractor (e.g. light and tone stimulus). On each trial they were quantified as distracted or not based on the length of their pauses in licking behaviour. We expressed GCaMP6s in VTA neurons and used fibre photometry to record calcium fluctuations during this task as a proxy for neuronal activity. Distractor stimuli caused rats to interrupt their consumption of saccharin, a behavioural effect which quickly habituated with repeat testing. VTA neural activity showed consistent increases to distractor presentations and, furthermore, these responses were greater on distracted trials compared to non‐distracted trials. Interestingly, neural responses show a slower habituation than behaviour with consistent VTA responses seen to distractors even after they are no longer distracting. These data highlight the complex role of the VTA in maintaining ongoing appetitive and consummatory behaviours while also monitoring the environment for salient stimuli.
Transsylvian amygdalohippocampectomy for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: Comparison of three different approaches
Authors: de Souza João P. S. A. S. , Pimentel‐Silva Luciana R. , Ayub Gabriel , Nogueira Mateus H. , Zanao Tamires , Yasuda Clarissa L. , Campos Brunno M. , Rogerio Fabio , Tedeschi Helder , Cendes Fernando , Ghizoni Enrico 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study's objective was to compare the transinsular (TI‐AH), transuncus (TU‐AH), and temporopolar (TP‐AH) amygdalohippocampectomy approaches regarding seizure control, temporal stem (TS) damage, and neurocognitive decline.MethodsWe included 114 consecutive patients with unilateral hippocampal sclerosis (HS) who underwent TI‐AH, TU‐AH, or TP‐AH between 2002 and 2017. We evaluated seizure control using Engel classification. We used diffusion tensor imaging and postoperative Humphrey perimetry to assess the damage of the TS. We also performed pre‐ and postoperative memory performance and intelligence quotient (IQ).ResultsThere were no significant differences in the proportion of patients free of disabling seizures (Engel IA+IB) among the three surgical approaches in the survival analysis. However, more patients were free of disabling seizures (Engel IA+IB) at 2 years of postsurgical follow‐up with TP‐AH (69.5%) and TI‐AH (76.7%) as compared to the TU‐AH (43.5%) approach (p = .03). The number of fibers of the inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus postoperatively was reduced in the TI‐AH group compared with the TU‐AH and TP‐AH groups (p = .001). The rate of visual field defects was significantly higher with TI‐AH (14/19, 74%) in comparison to the TU‐AH (5/15, 33%) and TP‐AH (13/40, 32.5%) approaches (p = .008). Finally, there was a significant postoperative decline in verbal memory in left‐sided surgeries (p = .019) and delayed recall for both sides (p < .001) regardless of the surgical approach. However, TP‐AH was the only group that showed a significant improvement in visual memory (p < .001) and IQ (p < .001) for both right‐ and left‐sided surgeries.SignificanceThe TP‐AH group had better short‐term seizure control than TU‐AH, a lower rate of visual field defects than TI‐AH, and improved visual memory and IQ compared to the other groups. Our findings suggest that TP‐AH is a better surgical approach for temporal lobe epilepsy with HS than TI‐AH and TU‐AH.
The δ13C–δ18O variations in marble in the Hida Belt, Japan
Authors: Harada Hironobu , Tsujimori Tatsuki , Kunugiza Keitaro , Yamashita Katsuyuki , Aoki Shogo , Aoki Kazumasa , Takayanagi Hideko , Iryu Yasufumi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMarble has a great potential to understand a history of various geological events occurring during tectonic processes. In order to decode metamorphic–metasomatic records on C–O isotope compositions of marble at mid‐crustal conditions, we conducted a C–O–Sr isotope study on upper amphibolite‐facies marbles and a carbonate–silicate rock from the Hida Belt, which was once a part of the crustal basement of the East Asian continental margin. Carbon and oxygen isotope analyses of calcite from marbles (Kamioka area) and a carbonate–silicate rock (Wadagawa area) show a large variation of δ13C [VPDB] and δ18O [VSMOW] values (from −4.4 to +4.2 ‰ and +1.6 to +20.8 ‰, respectively). The low δ13C values of calcites from the carbonate–silicate rock (from −4.4 to −2.9 ‰) can be explained by decarbonation (CO2 releasing) reactions; carbon–oxygen isotope modeling suggests that a decrease of δ13C strongly depends on the amount of silicate reacting with carbonates. The occurrence of metamorphic clinopyroxene in marbles indicates that all samples have been affected by decarbonation reactions. All δ18O values of calcites are remarkably lower than the marine‐carbonate values. The large δ18O variation can be explained by the isotope exchange via interactions between marble, external fluids, and/or silicates. Remarkably low δ18O values of marbles that are lower than mantle value (~+5 ‰) suggest the interaction with meteoric water at a later stage. Sr isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr = 0.707255–0.708220) might be close to their protolith values. One zircon associated with wollastonite in a marble thin‐section yields a U–Pb age of 222 ± 3 Ma, which represents the timing of the recrystallization of marble, triggered by H2O‐rich fluid infiltration at a relatively high‐temperature condition. Our isotope study implies that the upper amphibolite‐facies condition, like the Hida Belt, might be appropriate to cause decarbonation reactions which can modify original isotope compositions of marble if carbonates react with silicates.
Phase composition, microstructure, and properties of ceramic tile prepared using ceramic polishing waste as raw material
Authors: Wang Chao , Wang Shaohua , Li Xiaonv , Liu Yewei , Zhang Xiaozhen , Chang Qibing , Wang Yongqing 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPolished ceramic products are currently the most popular in architectural decoration, but a significant amount of ceramic polishing waste (CPW) is produced during the preparation process. Determining how to handle the CPW is a pressing task for enterprises. This work investigated the feasibility of recycling CPW in porcelain tile, and its influence on the phase composition, microstructure, and properties of the ceramic body. The CPW was found to have a similar composition to the traditional ceramics and worked as a flux. The SiC within CPW began to decompose into SiO2 with CO2 generation at about 1100°C, resulting in a porous structure. Microstructure observation indicated that a high CPW sample produced sufficient liquid phase when fired at temperatures ≤1100°C, which was not only beneficial for mullite growth but also for matrix densification by the viscous flow mechanism. But a high‐content CPW caused the body to foam or even expand at temperatures >1100°C, thus significantly reducing mechanical properties. Finally, a series of porcelain tiles were successfully prepared with a CPW content of ≤30 wt% at a firing temperature of 1125‐1200°C. The results of this study are considered to be valuable for the utilization of CPW.
Taxes and unemployment
Authors: Biswas Rajit , Thandassery Ramakrishnan Vandana 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe present model revisits the issue of unit and ad valorem taxes in a model of monopolistic competition. It is shown that if the assumption of full employment is relaxed, then taxation can increase employment conditionally when the elasticity of substitution among varieties is low. Moreover, with the same level of initial unemployment, ad valorem tax is better than unit tax in terms of employment, when the targeted tax revenue is relatively high and scale economies are strong.
Matchmaker, matchmaker make me a match: Opportunities and challenges in optimizing compatibility of HLA eplets in transplantation
Authors: Lemieux William , Mohammadhassanzadeh Hossein , Klement William , Daniel Claude , Sapir‐Pichhadze Ruth 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe development of donor‐specific antibodies (DSAs) is a major complication in transplantation, which is associated with inferior graft survival, impaired quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. DSA develop upon recognition of nonself HLA by the recipient's immune system. HLA molecules contain epitopes, which are the surface regions of HLA molecules recognized by antibodies. HLAMatchmaker is an algorithm for assessing donor:recipient HLA compatibility at the level of structurally defined HLA targets called eplets. The consideration of eplets, rather than the whole HLA molecule, could offer some advantages when classifying the immune risk associated with particular donor:recipient pairs. Assessing compatibility at the level of HLA eplets could decrease misclassification of post‐transplant immune risk by improving specificity, when antibodies are confirmed to be directed against donor eplets missing from the recipient's repertoire of eplets. Consideration of eplets may also increase the sensitivity of immune risk assessment, when identifying mismatched eplets that could give rise to new, not previously detected, donor‐specific antibodies post‐transplant. Eplet matching can serve as a rational strategy for immune risk mitigation. Herein, we review the evolution of HLA (in) compatibility assessment for organ allocation. We outline challenges in the implementation of eplet‐based donor:recipient matching, including unavailability of allele‐level donor genotypes for 11 HLA loci at the time of organ allocation and difficulty in assessing the hierarchy of immune risk associated with particular HLA eplet mismatches. Opportunities to address some of the current shortcomings of donor genotyping and HLAMatchmaker are also discussed. While there is a demonstrated benefit in the application of HLAMatchmaker for donor: recipient HLA (in)compatibility assessment, evolving long‐read genotyping methods, compilation of large data sets with allele‐level genotypes, and standardization of methods to verify eplets as determinants of immune‐mediated injuries are required before HLA eplet matching is implemented in organ allocation to improve upon transplant outcomes.
Financial transaction tax and market quality: Evidence from France†
Authors: Parwada Jerry , Rui Yixuan , Shen Jianfeng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe effectiveness of Financial Transaction Taxes (FTTs) for deterring speculative trading and improving market quality remains controversial. Studying the FTT imposed in 2012 on large‐cap stocks traded on the Euronext Paris, we find that stocks subject to the FTT subsequently experience significantly decreased turnover and increased spreads relative to the untaxed peers. Further tests suggest that the FTT imposition induces investors to migrate their trades and results in less informativeness in the taxed stocks. Collectively our findings support the view that FTTs deter informed trades and reduce market quality.
Quantitative estimation of water status in field‐grown wheat using beta mixed regression modelling based on fast chlorophyll fluorescence transients: A method for drought tolerance estimation
Authors: Spyroglou Ioannis , Rybka Krystyna , Maldonado Rodriguez Ronald , Stefański Piotr , Valasevich Natallia M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMaintaining a steady increase of yields requires knowledge of plant stress physiology and modern techniques of quantitative data collection and analysis. Here, the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters are used for modelling of relative water content (RWC) in field‐grown wheat cultivars. RWC is commonly used for the detection of plant tolerance to temporary droughts, but its determination is laborious and does not meet the requirements of a mass test like fluorescence detection. The paper presents a beta generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) fitted for RWC prediction based on chlorophyll fluorescence data repeatedly measured over time. The nature of fluorescence parameters with the strong correlations between them leads to the use of a multilevel principal component analysis to overcome this issue prior to the fitting of the model. Furthermore, a beta generalized estimating equation (GEE) model is fitted for identifying population‐average effects of the parameters used. Finally, highly significant results in terms of prediction with the use of 10‐fold cross‐validation (RPearson‐CV = 0.86, MAECV = 0.0365, RMSECV = 0.048) were obtained. Moreover, the population‐average effects provide important information for the parameters used in RWC prediction. The beta GLMM can provide good predictions combined with important cultivar‐specific information. Conclusively, these implementations can be a useful tool for drought tolerance improvement.
Peer Support for Post Intensive Care Syndrome Self‐Management (PS‐PICS): Study protocol for peer mentor training
Authors: Danesh Valerie , Hecht Jacki , Hao Richard , Boehm Leanne , Jimenez Edgar J. , Arroliga Alejandro C. , Sanghi Sandhya , Stevens Alan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimsThe primary aim of the Peer Support for Post Intensive Care Syndrome Self‐Management (PS‐PICS) peer mentor training trial is to determine the feasibility for peer mentor training to connect new ICU survivors with survivors who have made successful recoveries. Secondary aims are to also examine peer mentor eligibility, recruitment and retention rates and assess changes in participant knowledge of Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), reported symptoms and health‐related quality of life.DesignProspective clinical feasibility trial.MethodsThis study received funding from the National Institutes of Health funded P30 Center for Excellence (2014–2020). Up to 20 adult patients who have had an ICU stay of 3 days or longer more than 3 months ago will be enrolled into the study. Participants will undergo a 6‐week peer mentor training program to learn how to promote healthy self‐management behaviours, social connections, and well‐being using motivational interviewing (MI). Participants will complete surveys about their recovery at 3 points during the study: prior to training, 6 weeks post‐training and 3 months post‐training. Survey questions will be used to assess trends in participant social isolation, depression, functional status, and self‐management behaviours.DiscussionEnrollment closes by December 2020. As a feasibility trial, power sufficient for hypothesis testing will not be available. However, study operations and intervention fidelity contribute to future research knowledge and participant characteristics and longitudinal outcomes will yield data on intervention feasibility. This study is the first use of embedding peer‐led motivational interviewing training into a peer support intervention for ICU survivors.ImpactCurrent self‐management interventions are limited for ICU survivors and do not sufficiently address barriers to promoting self‐management behaviours or improving their health status, well‐being and cost of health. This study will provide data to develop and implement interventions for the self‐management of PICS‐related symptoms and sequelae.
Pre‐existing mental health disorders in patients admitted to the intensive care unit: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of prevalence
Authors: Pilowsky Julia K. , Elliott Rosalind , Roche Michael A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimsTo determine the reported prevalence rate of pre‐existing mental health disorders in patients admitted to adult ICUs and identify the most commonly occurring types of these disorders.DesignSystematic review and meta‐analysis.Data sourcesFive electronic databases were searched from 1 January 2000 ‐15 April 2020. Google Scholar was used to perform forwards citation searching.MethodsThis review was conducted in line with the PRISMA guidelines and protocol registered with PROSPERO CRD42020181818. Meta‐analyses were performed using the quality effects model to calculate weighted pooled prevalence estimates and heterogeneity was tested using the I2 statistic.ResultsSeven articles were included in the final review and meta‐analysis (143,179 participants). Identified prevalence rates varied considerably, ranging from 6.2–28.0%, reflecting variation in each study's clinical context, as well as different patient selection and identification methodologies. The pooled prevalence rate of all pre‐existing mental health disorders was 19.4% (95% CI 8.9–32.6%). Depression was the most common subtype, accounting for an estimated 60.5% (95% CI 54.4–66.5%) of identified mental health disorders. All analyses showed significant heterogeneity with I2 > 95%.ConclusionApproximately 19% of adult ICU patients have a history of a mental health disorder, most commonly depression. Further research is needed to improve the accuracy of this estimate as well as determine the best identification method.ImpactThis study has demonstrated that patients with pre‐existing mental health disorders, particularly depression, constitute a significant subgroup in ICU. Given that the presence of a pre‐existing mental health disorder appears to confer an increased mortality risk following ICU discharge, clinicians need to be made aware of this group of patients to provide additional support. Further research is needed to more accurately quantify this vulnerable group and establish methods to enable clinicians to readily identify and refer these patients for appropriate follow‐up treatment.
‘It's a good thing we're doing, we just need to be better at it’. Forensic intellectual disability nursing experiences of Transforming Care: A multi‐perspectival interpretive phenomenological analysis
Authors: Hudson Nicholas , House Richard , Robson Neil , Rayner‐Smith Kelly 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundConcerns have been expressed regarding the impact of Transforming Care (TC) an English deinstitutionalisation mandate, on forensic services. With nursing staff positioned as significant in delivering TC; this research explored nursing experiences.MethodNine face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews were completed with nursing staff working in either inpatient or community forensic teams. Multi‐perspectival interpretive phenomenological analysis was used to explore participants' experiences. Interviews were analysed independently, prior to a mini meta‐synthesis.ResultsParticipants from the inpatient group experienced TC as a threat, which resulted in consistency of perspective and practice. Participants from the community group viewed TC as a worthwhile challenge, which presented opportunity. The community infrastructure was experienced as inadequate by both groups, with the needs of people in forensic services needing more consideration, leading to widespread frustration.ConclusionsThe blanket approach of TC may not be suitable for this population, with those leading TC perceived as naïve.
Genetic analysis of the CITED2 gene promoter in isolated and sporadic congenital ventricular septal defects
Authors: Zheng Si‐Qiang , Chen Huan‐Xin , Liu Xiao‐Cheng , Yang Qin , He Guo‐Wei 
Published: January 2021

AbstractVentricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common congenital heart defect. Previous studies have reported genetic variations in the encoding region of CITED2 highly associated with cardiac malformation but the role of CITED2 gene promoter variations in VSD patients has not yet been explored. We investigated the variation of CITED2 gene promoter and its impacts on gene promoter activity in the DNA of paediatric VSD patients. A total of seven variations were identified by Sanger sequencing in the CITED2 gene promoter region in 400 subjects, including 200 isolated and sporadic VSD patients and 200 healthy controls. Using dual‐luciferase reporter assay, we found four of the 7 variations identified significantly decreased the transcriptional activity of the CITED2 gene promoter in HEK‐293 cells (P < .05). Further, a bioinformatic analysis with the JASPAR databases was performed and a cluster of putative binding sites for transcription factors was created or disrupted by these variations, leading to low expression of CITED2 protein and development of VSD. Our study for the first time demonstrates genetic variations in the CITED2 gene promoter in the Han Chinese population and the role of these variations in the development of VSD, providing new insights into the aetiology of CHD.
Melanocytic lesions with peripheral globules: results of an observational prospective study in 154 high‐risk melanoma patients under digital dermoscopy follow‐up evaluated with reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Pampín‐Franco A. , Gamo‐Villegas R. , Floristán‐Muruzábal U. , Pinedo‐Moraleda F.J. , Pérez‐Fernández E. , López‐Estebaranz J.L. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe management of melanocytic lesions with peripheral globules (MLPGs) is usually age‐dependent and can be challenging in high‐risk melanoma patients.ObjectivesTo evaluate clinical, dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) features of MLPG in patients under digital dermoscopic surveillance. To know whether dermoscopic or RCM findings correlate with histologic diagnosis and the accuracy of the dermoscopy–RCM compared with histopathology.MethodsDuring 24 months, we prospectively enrolled MLPG in patients under digital dermoscopy follow‐up. All were evaluated by dermoscopy and RCM and excised for histologic examination.ResultsWe enrolled 154 patients, mean age 42.45 years (18.78–73.19). Three melanomas and 19 dysplastic naevi (DNs) were diagnosed. There were no significant differences in the age of the patients (P = 0.662). MLPGs with diameter of 6 mm or more and asymmetry in two axes were associated with melanoma (P = 0.01, P = 0.003). Patients with more than one MLPG were less likely to have melanoma. Blue‐grey and red colours were more frequent in melanoma (P = 0.013 and P = 0.000). Different sizes and shapes of PG were associated with DN and melanoma (P = 0.000 and P = 0.001). In a new lesion, PG in <25% of the circumference was related to malignancy (P = 0.010). RCM signs of malignancy were related to melanoma: pagetoid cells (P = 0.000), non‐edged papillae (P = 0.001), atypical junctional thickenings (P = 0.000) and atypical cells at the dermal‐epidermal junction (P = 0.000). Dense irregular nests were associated to melanoma (P = 0.019). Dermoscopy and confocal evaluation were able to diagnose 100% of melanomas and 84.21% of DNs. The kappa coefficient between dermoscopy–RCM vs. histology was 0.76.ConclusionsWe recommend to excise a MLPG when it presents asymmetry in two axes, 6 or more mm, new lesion with PG in less than the 25% of the circumference, irregular size and shape PGs and irregular dense nests on RCM, regardless of the patient's age.