bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring depth of anaesthesia using changes in directional connectivity: a comparison with auditory middle latency response and estimated bispectral index during propofol anaesthesia
Authors: Lioi G. , Bell S. L. , Smith D. C. , Simpson D. M. 
Published: December 2018

SummaryGeneral anaesthesia is associated with changes in connectivity between different regions of the brain, the assessment of which has the potential to provide a novel marker of anaesthetic effect. We propose an index that quantifies the strength and direction of information flow in electroencephalographic signals collected across the scalp, assess its performance in discriminating ‘wakefulness’ from ‘anaesthesia’, and compare it with estimated bispectral index and the auditory middle latency response. We used a step‐wise slow induction of anaesthesia in 10 patients to assess graded changes in electroencephalographic directional connectivity at propofol effect‐site concentrations of 2 μg.ml−1, 3 μg.ml−1 and 4 μg.ml−1. For each stable effect‐site concentration, connectivity was estimated from multichannel electroencephalograms using directed coherence, together with middle latency response and estimated bispectral index. We used a linear support vector machine classifier to compare the performance of the different electroencephalographic features in discriminating wakefulness from anaesthesia. We found a significant reduction in the strength of long‐range connectivity (interelectrode distance > 10 cm) (p < 0.008), and a reversal of information flow from markedly postero‐frontal to fronto‐posterior (p < 0.006) between wakefulness and a propofol effect‐site concentration of 2 μg.ml−1. This then remained relatively constant as effect‐site concentration increased, consistent with a step change in directed coherence with anaesthesia. This contrasted with the gradual change with increasing anaesthetic dose observed for estimated bispectral index and middle latency response. Directed coherence performed best in discriminating wakefulness from anaesthesia with an accuracy of 95%, indicating the potential of this new method (on its own or combined with others) for monitoring adequacy of anaesthesia.
Effects of astaxanthin‐rich dried cell powder from Paracoccus carotinifaciens on carotenoid composition and lipid peroxidation in skeletal muscle of broiler chickens under thermo‐neutral or realistic high temperature conditions
Authors: Inoue Hiroki , Shimamoto Saki , Takahashi Hironori , Kawashima Yuki , Wataru Sato , Ijiri Daichi , Ohtsuka Akira 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThirty‐two 15‐day old broiler chicks (Chunky strain ROSS 308) were randomly divided into four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial design. The main factors were diet (basal diet or basal diet supplemented with 0.15% astaxanthin‐rich dried cell powder (Panaferd‐P [astaxanthin 30 ppm]) and ambient temperature (thermo‐neutral [25 ± 1°C] or high [35 ± 1°C for 6 hr]). Dietary supplementation with Panaferd‐P did not affect growth performance, though high ambient temperature decreased feed intake and the weight of breast tender muscle, liver, and heart. High ambient temperature also decreased redness in both breast and leg muscles of chickens, while Panaferd‐P increased redness and yellowness of breast and leg muscles of chickens. Panaferd‐P increased Paracoccus carotinifaciens‐derived pigments (i.e., adonixanthin, astaxanthin, adonirubin, and cantaxanthin) as well as corn‐derived pigments such as zeaxanthin and lutein in breast and leg muscles. High ambient temperature increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in breast muscle, while Panaferd‐P decreased the MDA concentration in breast muscle under both temperature conditions. Our results suggest that dietary supplementation with Panaferd‐P increases muscle carotenoid content, the redness and yellowness of meat and decreases the muscle MDA concentration in broiler chickens kept under thermo‐neutral or high ambient temperature conditions.
Evaluation of recent changes in genetic variability in Japanese thoroughbred population based on a short tandem repeat parentage panel
Authors: Kakoi Hironaga , Kikuchi Mio , Tozaki Teruaki , Hirota Kei‐ichi , Nagata Shun‐ichi 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe integrity of thoroughbreds is maintained under strict regulation involving DNA parentage testing, which is robust in a population with high genetic variability. The genetic variability of the thoroughbred population is possibly fluctuating because of selective breeding that has focused on adaptations for racing performance. To monitor genetic variability within the population and the effectiveness of short tandem repeat (STR) parentage testing, we investigated allele frequencies and the exclusion probability (PE) of 16–17 loci of a parentage panel in the Japanese thoroughbred population over 15 years. Expected heterozygosities (He) of 14 loci indicated a decreasing trend, and the average He of the population decreased significantly. Low genetic variability was possibly induced by a decrease in population size and a selective breeding bias. Four loci showed both a significant increase in allele frequency and a significant decrease in He; it is assumed that those loci were affected by positive selection for racing performance. There was a significant decrease in the PE because of the changes in genetic variability; however, it has remained over 0.99995. The current STR panel is still effective for parentage control, but it will be necessary to continuously monitor genetic variability, which has decreased over 15 years.
Financial capacity of First Nations in Canada
Authors: Brock Kathy , Migone Andrea 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis article analyzes the financial capacity of First Nations in Canada using data contained in the audit information on the First Nation Financial Transparency Act (FNFTA) website for fiscal years 2013‐2014 through 2016‐2017 inclusive. Our analysis tackles three connected questions: What is the general state of First Nations finances? Are there recurrent issues with financial practices? Are principles of good government and good management, especially accountability and transparency, in evidence according to the audits of the statements and schedules? This data presents an image of First Nations fiscal management as much different from the one usually emerging from popular commentary.
Issues of independence in Northern Aboriginal‐state co‐management boards
Authors: White Graham 
Published: December 2018

AbstractA unique set of governance institutions has recently emerged in Canada’s territorial North under finalized comprehensive land claims agreements: Aboriginal‐state co‐management boards for land‐use planning, environmental regulation and wildlife management. Public administration scholars have paid little attention to these boards and the issues – practical and theoretical – that arise with them. Board members are required to act “in the public interest” and not as representatives of the governments and Aboriginal organizations that nominated or appointed them. Yet the boards have strong co‐management mandates. This article examines this apparent contradiction as well as various issues of independence facing the boards: appointment processes and concerns relating to members’ independence once appointed, board staffing and support, financial arrangements, and instances of government attempts to fundamentally alter boards or abolish them altogether.
Struggling toward Indigenous representation and service improvement within the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development
Authors: Rousseau Jane 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis article explores organizational conditions for change to promote active Indigenous representation and service outcome improvements in a provincial child welfare program responsible for the ongoing oppression of Indigenous Peoples. Specific structural and environmental variables that support or impede Indigenous professionals’ efforts toward critically needed improvements to Indigenous child welfare services are explored. Amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis level of Indigenous children in care, the results indicate that developing highly specialized and equitably resourced Indigenous services, rather than ongoing ineffective and vague organizational approaches toward “indigenizing” provincial child welfare programs, are strongly indicated.
Spinning wheels: Surmounting the Indian Act’s impact on traditional Indigenous governance
Authors: Poucette Terry Lynn 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPrior to European settlement, First Nations governance systems were centered on extended families organized by clans. Traditional kin‐based leadership selection practices, combined with consensus decision‐making, ensured that all clans were equally represented and participated in governance. This article discusses findings from dissertation research on First Nations governance in Western Canada. It examines how contemporary First Nations governments, despite enduring ongoing legacies of colonization and operating under the Indian Act, a law that does not support good democratic governance, have worked to achieve effective governance. For this article, findings related to the Indian Act’s impact on traditional clan‐based systems of First Nations governance will be discussed: particularly, the ways Indian Act elections perpetuate nepotism and maintain the political status quo, creating a culture of spinning wheels that makes it difficult to maintain change.
Synergies between the key biodiversity area and systematic conservation planning approaches
Authors: Smith Robert J. , Bennun Leon , Brooks Thomas M. , Butchart Stuart H.M. , Cuttelod Annabelle , Di Marco Moreno , Ferrier Simon , Fishpool Lincoln D.C. , Joppa Lucas , Juffe‐Bignoli Diego , Knight Andrew T. , Lamoreux John F. , Langhammer Penny , Possingham Hugh P. , Rondinini Carlo , Visconti Piero , Watson James E.M. , Woodley Stephen , Boitani Luigi , Burgess Neil D. , De Silva Naamal , Dudley Nigel , Fivaz Fabien , Game Edward T. , Groves Craig , Lötter Mervyn , McGowan Jennifer , Plumptre Andrew J. , Rebelo Anthony G. , Rodriguez Jon Paul , Scaramuzza Carlos A. de M. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSystematic conservation planning and Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) are the two most widely used approaches for identifying important sites for biodiversity. However, there is limited advice for conservation policy makers and practitioners on when and how they should be combined. Here we provide such guidance, using insights from the recently developed Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs and the language of decision science to review and clarify their similarities and differences. We argue the two approaches are broadly similar, with both setting transparent environmental objectives and specifying actions. There is however greater contrast in the data used and actions involved, as the KBA approach uses biodiversity data alone and identifies sites for monitoring and vigilance actions at a minimum, whereas systematic conservation planning combines biodiversity and implementation‐relevant data to guide management actions. This difference means there is much scope for combining approaches, so conservation planners should use KBA data in their analyses, setting context‐specific targets for each KBA type, and planners and donors should use systematic conservation planning techniques when prioritizing between KBAs for management action. In doing so, they will benefit conservation policy, practice and research by building on the collaborations formed through the KBA Standard's development.
Individual diet specialisation in sparrows is driven by phenotypic plasticity in traits related to trade‐offs in animal performance
Authors: Maldonado Karin , Newsome Seth D. , Razeto‐Barry Pablo , Ríos Juan Manuel , Piriz Gabriela , Sabat Pablo 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIndividual diet specialisation (IS) is frequent in many animal taxa and affects population and community dynamics. The niche variation hypothesis (NVH) predicts that broader population niches should exhibit greater IS than populations with narrower niches, and most studies that examine the ecological factors driving IS focus on intraspecific competition. We show that phenotypic plasticity of traits associated with functional trade‐offs is an important, but unrecognised mechanism that promotes and maintains IS. We measured nitrogen isotope (δ15N) and digestive enzyme plasticity in four populations of sparrows (Zonotrichia capensis) to explore the relationship between IS and digestive plasticity. Our results show that phenotypic plasticity associated with functional trade‐offs is related in a nonlinear fashion with the degree of IS and positively with population niche width. These findings are opposite to the NVH and suggest that among individual differences in diet can be maintained via acclimatisation and not necessarily require a genetic component.
Cardiovascular risk profiling of long‐lived people shows peculiar associations with mortality compared with younger individuals
Authors: Montesanto Alberto , Pellegrino Daniela , Geracitano Silvana , La Russa Daniele , Mari Vincenzo , Garasto Sabrina , Lattanzio Fabrizia , Corsonello Andrea , Passarino Giuseppe 
Published: December 2018

AimCentenarians represent a biological model of successful aging because they escaped/postponed most invalidating age‐related diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the present study was to clarify whether a favorable cardiovascular risk profile increases the survival chances in long‐lived people.MethodsA total of 355 community‐dwelling nonagenarians and centenarians living in Southern Italy were recruited in the study. Patients were classified as at low and high cardiovascular risk on the basis of serum cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension and smoking status. The relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and 10‐year mortality was investigated by Cox regression analysis. Splines‐based hazard ratio curves were also estimated for total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure.ResultsLow levels of selected cardiovascular risk factors usually associated with lower mortality in adults do not increase survival chances among oldest‐old individuals. In particular, after adjusting for age, sex, and cognitive, functional and nutritional status, serum cholesterol >200 mg/dL increased the survival chances during the follow‐up period (hazard ratio 0.742, 95% CI 0.572–0.963).ConclusionsThe present results showed that in nonagenarians and centenarians, the clinical and prognostic meaning associated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors is very different from younger populations. Consequently, considering the increase of this population segment, further studies are required to confirm these results and to translate them into clinical practice/primary care. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 165–170.
Randomized in situ clinical trial evaluating erosion protection efficacy of a 0.454% stannous fluoride dentifrice
Authors: West Nicola X. , He Tao , Hellin Nikki , Claydon Nicholas , Seong Joon , Macdonald Emma , Farrell Svetlana , Eusebio Rachelle , Wilberg Aneta 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the protective effects of a 0.454% stabilized stannous fluoride dentifrice and a marketed triclosan dentifrice against enamel erosion in a 10‐day in situ model.MethodsThis was a double‐blind, randomized, 2‐treatment, 4‐period, crossover in situ trial involving healthy adult participants. Participants were randomized to a treatment sequence involving the following products: a highly bioavailable 0.454% stannous fluoride dentifrice (Procter & Gamble) and a marketed dentifrice control containing 0.24% sodium fluoride and 0.3% triclosan (Colgate‐Palmolive). Each study period took place over 10 days. Participants wore an intra‐oral appliance retaining two polished human enamel samples for 6 hours per day. Two times per day they swished with the assigned dentifrice slurry and four times per day they swished with 250 mL of orange juice (25 mL per minute) over a 10‐minute period. Contact profilometry measurements were made for each sample at baseline and day 10 to determine surface change.ResultsThirty‐six participants were enrolled and 33 completed the study (mean age = 40.5 years). The stannous fluoride dentifrice demonstrated 93.5% less enamel loss than the NaF/triclosan dentifrice (P < 0.001) at Day 10, with median enamel loss of 0.097 µm and 1.495 µm, respectively. Both products were well tolerated.ConclusionThe stannous fluoride dentifrice demonstrated significantly greater erosion protection efficacy relative to the NaF/triclosan dentifrice in this randomized in situ clinical trial.
Domestic financial instability and foreign reserves accumulation in China
Authors: Wang Lirong , Hueng Chiayang James 
Published: December 2018

AbstractUsing a time series analysis, this paper argues that domestic financial instability, which increases the potential for resident‐based capital flight from the domestic currency, provides an incentive for China to hold more foreign reserves in the short run. To measure its domestic financial conditions, we construct a monthly Chinese financial stress index, which is used as a proxy for the possibility of capital flight. The empirical results show that this index is a significant determinant of the movements of China's foreign reserves around its trend and that using M2 as a proxy for domestic financial instability as suggested by previous studies is not a valid strategy for China. It is suggested that greater attention should be given to the role of domestic financial conditions in explaining China's short‐run demand for foreign reserves.
Salivary LL‐37 and periodontal health in children exposed to passive smoking
Authors: Karsiyaka Hendek Meltem , Erkmen Almaz Merve , Olgun Ebru , Kisa Ucler 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundAntimicrobial peptides play an important role in the local defence of oral cavity. Cigarette smoke has detrimental effects on immune defence mechanisms. The effect of passive smoking on salivary LL‐37, as an antimicrobial peptide, in children has not yet been reported.AimThe aims of this study were to evaluate salivary LL‐37 levels in PS‐exposed and PS‐unexposed children and to investigate the association between salivary LL‐37 levels and periodontal clinical parameters.DesignUnstimulated salivary samples were collected from 180 children (90 PS‐exposed [38 girls and 52 boys; mean age: 9.36 ± 1.60 years] and 90 PS‐unexposed [43 girls and 47 boys; mean age: 9.02 ± 1.71 years]) in this study. Periodontal clinical parameters, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL), were recorded in all children. Salivary cotinine and LL‐37 levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsPI and GI values in PS‐exposed children were significantly higher than those in PS‐unexposed children. The mean salivary cotinine concentration was significantly higher in PS‐exposed children than in control subjects. The mean salivary LL‐37 concentration of PS‐exposed children was significantly lower (100.71 ± 72.14 pg/mL) than that of PS‐unexposed children (151.84 ± 107.89 pg/mL).ConclusionPassive smoking could suppress salivary LL‐37 concentrations in children.
Electrochemically assisted room‐temperature crack healing of ceramic‐based composites
Authors: Shi Shengfang , Goto Tomoyo , Cho Sunghun , Sekino Tohru 
Published: December 2018

AbstractWe demonstrated for the first time the room‐temperature crack healing in ceramic‐based composites. For this purpose, 20 and 30 vol% of fine titanium metal (Ti) were homogeneously dispersed in electrically insulating alumina (Al2O3) ceramic to obtain composites that exhibited excellent electrical conductivity. Electrochemical anodization at room temperature was used to successfully heal cracks induced in the Al2O3/Ti composites and recover their fracture strength and reliability. The bending strength of as‐prepared, crack‐induced, and electrochemically healed composites was measured to evaluate the crack‐healing ability. Moreover, the effects of the anodization current density, crack size (including length and crack open distance), and the conductivity of the composites on their crack‐healing behavior were investigated and discussed. The results indicate that the bending strength of crack‐induced composites, which was approximately 61% of the crack‐free composite strength, was completely recovered after the crack‐healing procedure at room temperature under appropriate anodization conditions. The titanium oxides obtained after anodization formed bridges that healed the crack; this was considered to be the main strength recovery mechanism. By anodizing Al2O3/Ti composites, we developed a new and convenient approach to heal cracks and recover the fracture strength of cracked ceramics at room temperature.
A positive feedback loop between ZNF205‐AS1 and EGR4 promotes non‐small cell lung cancer growth
Authors: He Susu , Lin Jian , Xu Youzu , Lin Ling , Feng Jiaxi 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAccumulating evidences revealed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are frequently implicated in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein, we reported the identification of a novel NSCLC‐associated functional lncRNA ZNF205 antisense RNA 1 (ZNF205‐AS1). ZNF205‐AS1 was increased in NSCLC tissues and cell lines, and associated with poor prognosis of NSCLC patients. Bioinformatics prediction, combined with experimental verification revealed that early growth response 4 (EGR4) directly bound to ZNF205‐AS1 promoter, increased the promoter activity of ZNF205‐AS1, and activated ZNF205‐AS1 transcription. Intriguingly, ZNF205‐AS1 transcript directly interacted with EGR4 mRNA, increased EGR4 mRNA stability, and up‐regulated EGR4 expression via RNA‐RNA interaction. Thus, ZNF205‐AS1 and EGR4 formed a positive feedback loop. Through regulating EGR4, ZNF205‐AS1 activated its own promoter activity. EGR4 was also increased in NSCLC and the expression of ZNF205‐AS1 was significantly positively correlated with EGR4 in NSCLC tissues. Gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function assays demonstrated that both ZNF205‐AS1 and EGR4 promoted NSCLC cell growth in vitro and NSCLC tumour growth in vivo. Concurrently depleting ZNF205‐AS1 and EGR4 more significantly repressed NSCLC tumour growth in vivo. Collectively, our study demonstrated that the positive feedback loop between ZNF205‐AS1 and EGR4 promotes NSCLC growth, and implied that targeting this feedback loop may be promising therapeutic strategy for NSCLC.
Silver deposition on demineralized dentine surface dosed by silver diammine fluoride with different saliva
Authors: Peng Jing‐Yuan , Tsoi James K. H. , Matinlinna Jukka P. , Botelho Michael G. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAimSilver diammine fluoride (SDF) is an anticaries agent that binds to tooth tissue. The aim of the present study was investigate the dose‐response effect of SDF on demineralized dentine in basal medium mucin (BMM) saliva substitute and human saliva.MethodsDentine discs stored in saliva substitute, BMM, and human unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) were chemically demineralized, and 10 μL of 10 wt%, 24 wt%, or 38 wt% SDF was applied and then stored in its respective saliva (BMM or UWS) for 5 days. Dentine disc samples were digested in 70% HNO3, and silver was quantitatively detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy.ResultsFor both the BMM and UWS groups, the presence of silver increased proportionally with increasing concentrations of SDF (P < 0.05). For the 38 wt% SDF application, the mean absorption percentage of silver in dentine was 3.90% for the UWS group and 6.61% for the BMM group. The BMM group was found to yield a significantly higher amount of silver compared to UWS at 10 wt% and 38 wt% SDF application (α = 0.05); 38 wt% SDF interacts more with BMM with higher silver deposition than UWS.ConclusionThe amount of silver found in dentine was in proportion to the concentration of SDF. Extrapolation of in vitro investigations using artificial saliva for SDF tooth interactions should be interpreted with caution.