bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonuniform impacts of forward suppression on neural responses to preferred stimuli and nonpreferred stimuli in the rat auditory cortex
Authors: Gao Fei , Chen Liang , Zhang Jiping 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn natural conditions, human and animals need to extract target sound information from noisy acoustic environments for communication and survival. However, how the contextual environmental sounds impact the tuning of central auditory neurons to target sound source azimuth over a wide range of sound levels is not fully understood. Here, we determined the azimuth‐level response areas (ALRAs) of rat auditory cortex neurons by recording their responses to probe tones varying with levels and sound source azimuths under both quiet (probe alone) and forward masking conditions (preceding noise + probe). In quiet, cortical neurons responded stronger to their preferred stimuli than to their nonpreferred stimuli. In forward masking conditions, an effective preceding noise reduced the extents of the ALRAs and suppressed the neural responses across the ALRAs by decreasing the response strength and lengthening the first‐spike latency. The forward suppressive effect on neural response strength was increased with increasing masker level and decreased with prolonging the time interval between masker and probe. For a portion of cortical neurons studied, the effects of forward suppression on the response strength to preferred stimuli was weaker than those to nonpreferred stimuli, and the recovery from forward suppression of the response strength to preferred stimuli was earlier than that to nonpreferred stimuli. We suggest that this nonuniform forward suppression of neural responses to preferred stimuli and to nonpreferred stimuli is important for cortical neurons to maintain their relative stable preferences for target sound source azimuth and level in noisy acoustic environments.
Association between hyperinsulinaemia and laminitis severity at the time of pituitarypars intermediadysfunction diagnosis
Authors: Tadros E. M. , Fowlie J. G. , Refsal K. R. , Marteniuk J. , Schott H. C. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundHyperinsulinaemia is the suspected component of insulin dysregulation having the strongest association with laminitis and occurs variably in equids with pituitarypars intermediadysfunction (PPID).ObjectivesWe hypothesised that magnitude of hyperinsulinaemia correlates with laminitis severity in PPID‐affected equids. Furthermore, we hypothesised that owners can be unaware of chronic endocrinopathic laminitis.Study designCross‐sectional study.MethodsSerum insulin concentrations, owner‐reported laminitis history and radiographic evidence of laminitis were determined in 38 client‐owned horses and ponies with confirmed PPID. Laminitis severity was classified into four categories (normal [nonlaminitic], mild, moderate or severe laminitis) based on degree of distal phalangeal rotation. Animals were also categorised as normoinsulinaemic (<20 μU/ml), mildly hyperinsulinaemic (20–50 μU/ml) and severely hyperinsulinaemic (>50 μU/ml). One‐way ANOVA,ttests and Fisher's exact tests were performed.ResultsWhile owners reported laminitis in 37% of animals, 76% were laminitic based on study criteria (P = 0.01). Owners reported laminitis more frequently in hyperinsulinaemic vs. normoinsulinaemic animals; recognition increased with severity of hyperinsulinaemia (P = 0.03). Mean insulin concentrations were higher in equids with moderate to severe radiographic laminitis (geometric mean 74.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 38.4–143.1 uU/ml) vs. those classified radiographically as normal to mild (31.9, 95% CI 21.1–48.1 uU/ml P = 0.03).Main limitationsDynamic insulin testing was not performed; some normoinsulinaemic animals might have had subtle insulin dysregulation.ConclusionsAlthough radiographic abnormalities were present in most animals at the time of PPID diagnosis, chronic laminitis remained unrecognised by many owners. Owner awareness of laminitis increased with severity of hyperinsulinaemia and higher insulin concentrations were detected in association with more severe radiographic changes.The Summary is available in Chinese – See Supporting Information.
Durability assessment via residual strength and viscoelastic observations on filled rubber compounds
Authors: Liu R. , Sancaktar E. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBecause rubber compounds are widely used under cyclic loading conditions, such as tire applications, their fatigue behaviour has been studied for a long time. Two main stages are commonly considered in studying rubber fatigue: crack nucleation and crack growth. Not many studies exist on the residual strength of rubber subsequent to fatigue loading. In this study, the residual strength method is used to model fatigue behaviour of carbon black‐filled and silica‐filled styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) compounds. Samples are subjected to repeated fatigue loading (ie, nonzero mean stress) using different strain amplitudes and then subjected to uniaxial constant crosshead rate, relaxation, and creep tests to assess their residual strength and viscoelastic behaviours respectively. The residual strength results are compared with typical S‐N curves. Initial relaxation rates, initial creep rates, asymptotic relaxation values, and secondary creep rates are plotted as functions of fatigue cycle number to understand the viscoelastic behaviours of carbon black and silica‐filled SBR compounds as affected by fatigue processes.
Greater macroinvertebrate diversity and freshwater mussel density in meander margins of an Amazon river
Authors: Simeone Diego , Santos Cristiney , Gisane Flávia , Tagliaro Claudia Helena , Beasley Colin Robert 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMeanders are complex aquatic environments exhibiting different flow and sediment characteristics that influence macroinvertebrate distribution. Differences in macroinvertebrate composition, freshwater mussel density (mainly Castalia ambigua Lamarck, 1819) and habitat variables were investigated, using uni‐ and multivariate analyses, in two zones, the margin and thalweg, of the meanders of a 7‐km stretch of a morphologically unaltered tropical alluvial lowland river. Clear differences were found between meander zones, with greater taxonomic and functional diversity of macroinvertebrates and greater freshwater mussel densities in the meander margin. A total of 12 families of macroinvertebrates were exclusive to the meander margin, and macroinvertebrate indicators of zones were Philopotamidae and Leptoceridae (meander margin) and Chironomidae and Elmidae (meander thalweg). In the meander margin, there were no differences in macroinvertebrate abundance, and taxonomic and functional group diversity among areas with low, medium and high mussel density. Macroinvertebrate abundance did not vary between zones, but in both, abundance was associated with lower pH and higher electrical conductivity. Low shear velocity, which stabilises the river bed, high organic matter content and percentage silt in the meander margin were associated with higher taxonomic and functional macroinvertebrate diversity, as well as the presence of freshwater mussels. Natural unaltered meanders are spatially heterogeneous in both habitat and biodiversity and, similar to restored meanders, support greater macroinvertebrate taxonomic and functional diversity, as well as maintain freshwater mussel beds, mainly by stabilising the river bed. The meander margin may also be important for attracting mussel host fish that feed on macroinvertebrates and aid mussel dispersal. Thus, the meander margins, and other similar riparian habitats with low shear velocity, for example, side channels and pools, have potentially high conservation value and should be afforded due protection.
Effects of chronic elevated nitrate concentrations on the structure and function of river biofilms
Authors: Koch Ryan , Kerling David , O'Brien Jonathan M. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Biofilms play an important role in nutrient cycling and retention in streams and rivers, altering transport of nitrate () to downstream ecosystems. However, increased nutrient availability may alter biofilm composition and function.

We assessed effects of chronic N pollution on biofilm function by incubating initially thin (i.e., early stage) and well‐developed biofilms in laboratory chambers at four concentrations (0, 0.5, 5 and 25 mg N/L).

For initially thin biofilms, elevated resulted in greater photosynthesis, higher chlorophyll contents and greater biomass accrual. Elevated also increased heterotrophic activity by increasing extracellular enzyme activity and heterotrophic respiration. However, well‐developed biofilms had lower growth and were less responsive to added elevated .

Uptake kinetics showed a consistent decrease in cell‐specific maximum uptake (Umax) with elevated treatments. As a result, ambient uptake at experimental concentrations was essentially constant per unit photosynthesis across the range of concentration and uptake was apparently driven by biofilm growth.

Across treatments, initially thin biofilms shifted from a diatom‐dominated community to a community dominated by green algae and cyanobacteria. However, well‐developed biofilms were not affected by chronic in terms of biomass or enzyme activities.

Our results show that chronic loading alters biofilm growth patterns, physiology, algal community composition and relationship between algae and bacteria. Taken together, these results provide a set of mechanisms to explain the efficiency loss of uptake as a function of stream nitrogen concentration seen in field studies.
The Effect of OnabotulinumtoxinA on Aura Frequency and Severity in Patients With Hemiplegic Migraine: Case Series of 11 Patients
Authors: Chen Tiffany Y. , Garza Ivan , Dodick David W. , Robertson Carrie E. 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundOnabotulinumtoxinA has been demonstrated to be effective for the preventive treatment of headache in individuals with chronic migraine and has been approved and recommended for this patient population. While the therapeutic effect of onabotulinumtoxinA on migraine headache is well documented, there is limited information on the effect of onabotulinumtoxinA on migraine aura.ObjectiveGiven the prolonged and often debilitating nature of aura in patients with hemiplegic migraine, our group sought to examine the effect of onabotulinumtoxinA on aura frequency and severity in this specific subset of migraine patients.MethodsAll clinical notes from July 1, 1994 to December 1, 2017 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients diagnosed with hemiplegic migraine who received at least one set of onabotulinumtoxinA injections. Thirty‐four patients were identified; and of those, 23 were excluded due to incomplete documentation regarding aura symptoms at follow‐up visits. The clinical notes of the remaining 11 patients (4 with familial hemiplegic migraine [FHM] and 7 with sporadic hemiplegic migraine [SHM]) were reviewed, and the frequency and description of their headaches and aura before and after receiving onabotulinumtoxinA were recorded.ResultsNine of the 11 patients in our series noted a decrease in the frequency, severity, and/or duration of their aura after receiving onabotulinumtoxinA. Of the 2 non‐responders, one was FHM and one was SHM. Of the 9 that noticed improved aura symptoms, 6 described a “wearing off” effect of onabotulinumtoxinA around week 9 or 10 of the 12‐week cycle, with subsequent improvement after the next round.ConclusionFor 9 of 11 patients with hemiplegic migraine, onabotulinumtoxinA was helpful not only in reducing the frequency and severity of headaches but also in reducing the frequency and severity of the aura. In this manuscript, we speculate on potential pathophysiologic mechanisms that could have contributed to this effect.
Remaining hepatocellular carcinoma risk in chronic hepatitis B patients receiving entecavir/tenofovir in South Korea
Authors: Yu Jung Hwan , Jin Young‐Joo , Lee Jin‐Woo , Lee Don‐Haeng 
Published: May 2018

AimWe aimed to identify the incidence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients treated with entecavir or tenofovir in South Korea, and to identify predictors of HCC development in these patients.MethodsBetween January 2007 and December 2015, 582 CHB patients initially received entecavir (n = 406, 69.8%) or tenofovir (n = 176, 30.2%) for CHB.ResultsDuring a median follow‐up of 57.1 months, HCC developed in 38 (6.5%) of the 582 patients, regardless of antiviral agent type. Entecavir‐ and tenofovir‐treated patients had similar HCC development rates (P = 0.471). For the 582 patients, 2‐, 4‐, and 6‐year cumulative HCC development rates were 2.6%, 4.4%, and 8.3%, respectively, and the 2‐, 4‐, and 6‐year cumulative HCC development rates of patients with liver cirrhosis were significantly greater than those of patients without liver cirrhosis (6.2%, 9.8%, and 18.4% vs. 0.3%, 1.1%, and 2.2%, respectively; P < 0.001). Older (≥60 years) patients, regardless of the presence of cirrhosis, and cirrhotic patients aged ≥40 years showed significantly higher risk of HCC development compared to others (both P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that an older age (≥50 years; hazard ratio [HR] 5.02, P = 0.009), and the presence of cirrhosis (HR 4.95, P = 0.002) independently predicted HCC development.ConclusionsThe 6‐year cumulative HCC development rate was 6.5% in CHB patients treated with entecavir or tenofovir. Age ≥50 years and liver cirrhosis were found to predict HCC development in these patients.
Evaluation of the effects of the solution used for electrochemical dissolution of nickel–titanium endodontic files on dentine structure, microhardness and cell viability
Authors: Amaral C. C. F. , Ormiga F. , Boldrini L. C. , Miranda P. G. , Mendonça T. A. , Granjeiro J. M. , Gomes J. A. C. P. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effects of the [NaF 12 g L−1 + NaCl 1 g L−1] solution used in the electrochemical dissolution process of fractured endodontic files, as well as its NiTi‐containing product, on dentine hardness, topography and human fibroblast viability.MethodologySixty single‐rooted human teeth were evaluated for dentine microhardness using the Vickers hardness test and the area and number of dentinal tubules by scanning electron microscopy. The samples were divided according to the dentine surface treatment: distilled water; 17% EDTA; [NaF 12 g L−1 + NaCl 1 g L−1]; and 17% EDTA + [NaF 12 g L−1 + NaCl 1 g L−1]. Thirty‐six single‐rooted human teeth were divided according to the irrigation protocol: Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium + 10% foetal bovine serum; 5.25% NaOCl; [NaF 12 g L−1 + NaCl 1 g L−1]; and [NaF 12 g L−1 + NaCl 1 g L−1 + NiTi]. The extracts in contact with the apical foramen were used in the MTT assay to evaluate human fibroblast viability, with dilutions of 100%, 50%, 25% and 12.5%. Statistical tests used were paired t‐tests, one‐way anova, Tukey's test, Kruskal–Wallis test and Dunn's post‐test.ResultsThe [NaF 12 g L−1 + NaCl 1 g L−1] solution did not modify dentine microhardness or the average dentinal tubule area. However, EDTA induced changes in dentine structure and microhardness (P < 0.05). The [NaF 12 g L−1 + NaCl 1 g L−1] solution, and its NiTi‐containing product had lower cytotoxicity than NaOCl at dilutions of 25% and 50% (P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe [NaF 12 g L−1 + NaCl 1 g L−1] solution did not alter dentine microhardness or damage the dentine structure. It also demonstrated lower cytotoxicity than NaOCl.
Polyserositis: a diagnostic challenge
Authors: Losada Inés , González‐Moreno Juan , Roda Nuria , Ventayol Lola , Borjas Yolanda , Domínguez Francisco J. , Fernández‐Baca Victoria , García‐Gasalla Mercedes , Payeras Antoni 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundPolyserositis (PS) is the inflammation, with effusion, of different serous membranes. It has been associated with different aetiologies, but the aetiology of PS remains unknown in a high percentage of patients.AimsThe general objective of this retrospective study was to analyse the aetiology of PS cases seen at Son Llàtzer Hospital in an 11‐year period. Other objectives were to determine the epidemiological, clinical and analytical characteristics of these patients.MethodsAn observational, descriptive and retrospective study to analyse the aetiology of PS cases seen at Son Llàtzer Hospital. The inflammation of two or more serous membranes confirmed by an imaging test was required and at least one of the serous fluid should be an exudate.ResultsA total of 92 patients was included in the study. The most common diagnosis was neoplasm (nearly one‐third of cases) followed by infectious and autoimmune diseases. PS aetiology was unknown in more than one‐third. Pleura and pericardium were the most common sites of serosal involvement (83%). Antinuclear antibodies’ positivity in serum and increased levels of adenosine deaminase in pleural effusion were significantly associated with a final diagnosis of autoimmune disease. Increased pleural lactate dehydrogenase levels were significantly associated with a final diagnosis of neoplasm. In 9 of 14 patients with a previous cancer, PS represented a recurrence of their cancer. Cases of unknown aetiology presented most frequently as pleural and pericardial involvement, and the majority resolved. In very few patients, an infectious aetiology could be proven.ConclusionPS is a frequent clinical entity that is associated with different diseases and its diagnosis could be challenging, with a high rate of unknown aetiologies.
Epidemiology and phylogenetic analysis of hepatitis D virus infection in Australia
Authors: Jackson Kathy , MacLachlan Jennifer , Cowie Benjamin , Locarnini Stephen , Bowden Scott , Higgins Nasra , Karapanagiotidis Theo , Nicholson Suellen , Littlejohn Margaret 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence and trends of the hepatitis D virus (HDV) in Australia have not been recently assessed, and the circulating genotypes have never been determined.AimTo characterise the current virology and epidemiology of HDV.MethodsNotifiable disease surveillance and laboratory testing data were analysed to assess demographics, risk factors and trends. HDV serology and RNA testing were performed on requested samples from 2010 to 2016. Sequencing of a 500‐nucleotide amplicon of the delta antigen and phylogenetic analysis of the strains from 2009 to 2016 were also conducted.ResultsNinety HDV notifications were reported to the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services between 2010 and 2016. The majority (64.4%) of those diagnosed were born overseas, most commonly in Sudan, Pakistan and Vietnam. Over the same period, 190 patients tested positive for anti‐HDV serology and 166 for HDV RNA. Sequencing of isolates from 169 individuals between 2009 and 2016 found that 80.5% strains were genotype 1, 16% genotype 5 and 3.5% genotype 2. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the relatedness of strains from birth country, demonstrated the presence of the ‘Pacific Island’ genotype 1 strain in Queensland and supported possible transmission in correctional facilities and within families.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the ongoing need for routine HDV screening and engagement in clinical care for people living with HBV in Australia. Epidemiological findings highlight the diversity in those affected and provide insights into local and global geographic distribution and transmission patterns.
The underreporting of medication errors: A retrospective and comparative root cause analysis in an acute mental health unit over a 3‐year period
Authors: Morrison Maeve , Cope Vicki , Murray Melanie 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMedication errors remain a commonly reported clinical incident in health care as highlighted by the World Health Organization's focus to reduce medication‐related harm. This retrospective quantitative analysis examined medication errors reported by staff using an electronic Clinical Incident Management System (CIMS) during a 3‐year period from April 2014 to April 2017 at a metropolitan mental health ward in Western Australia. The aim of the project was to identify types of medication errors and the context in which they occur and to consider recourse so that medication errors can be reduced. Data were retrieved from the Clinical Incident Management System database and concerned medication incidents from categorized tiers within the system. Areas requiring improvement were identified, and the quality of the documented data captured in the database was reviewed for themes pertaining to medication errors. Content analysis provided insight into the following issues: (i) frequency of problem, (ii) when the problem was detected, and (iii) characteristics of the error (classification of drug/s, where the error occurred, what time the error occurred, what day of the week it occurred, and patient outcome). Data were compared to the state‐wide results published in the Your Safety in Our Hands (2016) report. Results indicated several areas upon which quality improvement activities could be focused. These include the following: structural changes; changes to policy and practice; changes to individual responsibilities; improving workplace culture to counteract underreporting of medication errors; and improvement in safety and quality administration of medications within a mental health setting.
Perceptions of sex offenders with intellectual disability: A comparison of forensic staff and the general public
Authors: Steans Jennifer , Duff Simon 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundExisting literature suggests that individuals with intellectual disability are not always held accountable for their actions and forensic staff are unlikely to report their sexually harmful behaviour.MethodThis research explores how categorization of an offender as having intellectual disability and the framing of an offence as planned or opportunistic, impacts upon ratings of risk, blame and intent by forensic staff and the general public. The impact of pre‐existing attitudes towards sex offenders upon these ratings was also considered.ResultsDifferences are identified between participants’ ratings when the offender is categorized as having an intellectual disability. More positive attitudes are associated with lower ratings of several factors.ConclusionsIndividuals with overly positive attitudes towards sex offenders could underestimate the risk posed by sex offenders with intellectual disability. These results are important to consider alongside the NHS Transforming Care Agenda.
The role of professionals in promoting independent living: Perspectives of self‐advocates and front‐line managers
Authors: Pallisera Maria , Vilà Montserrat , Fullana Judit , Díaz‐Garolera Gemma , Puyalto Carolina , Valls Maria‐Josep 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundSupport from professionals plays an important role in helping people with intellectual disabilities to live an independent life. This research aims to analyse the role played by support professionals based on the perceptions of the professionals and self‐advocates with intellectual disabilities. The research was conducted in Catalonia (Spain).MethodA total of 33 interviews were conducted with front‐line managers and 10 focus groups with 72 self‐advocates. These were recorded and transcribed, and then analysed using thematic content analysis.ResultsSelf‐advocates particularly value professionals' interpersonal skills and emotional support. Front‐line managers and self‐advocates highlight training actions aimed at enhancing autonomy in the home and propose fostering natural supports and increasing the involvement of people with disabilities.ConclusionsMaking progress in the rights of people with intellectual disabilities to an independent life requires requires transforming the support model, promoting decision making among people with intellectual disabilities, and strengthening interpersonal skills linked to emotional support in the training of professionals.