bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Very low concentrations of ethanol suppress excitatory synaptic transmission in rat visual cortex
Authors: Luong Lucas , Bannon Nicholas M. , Redenti Andrew , Chistiakova Marina , Volgushev Maxim 
Published: March 2017

AbstractEthanol is one of the most commonly used substances in the world. Behavioral effects of alcohol are well described, however, cellular mechanisms of its action are poorly understood. There is an apparent contradiction between measurable behavioral changes produced by low concentrations of ethanol, and lack of evidence of synaptic changes at these concentrations. Furthermore, effects of ethanol on synaptic transmission in the neocortex are poorly understood. Here, we set to determine effects of ethanol on excitatory synaptic transmission in the neocortex. We show that 1–50 mm ethanol suppresses excitatory synaptic transmission to layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons in rat visual cortex in a concentration‐dependent manner. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the effects of very low concentrations of ethanol (from 1 mm) on synaptic transmission in the neocortex. We further show that a selective antagonist of A1 adenosine receptors, 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dipropylxanthine (DPCPX), blocks effects of 1–10 mm ethanol on synaptic transmission. However, the reduction in excitatory postsynaptic potential amplitude by 50 mm ethanol was not affected by DPCPX. We propose that ethanol depresses excitatory synaptic transmission in the neocortex by at least two mechanisms, engaged at different concentrations: low concentrations of ethanol reduce synaptic transmission via A1R‐dependent mechanism and involve presynaptic changes, while higher concentrations activate additional, adenosine‐independent mechanisms with predominantly postsynaptic action. Involvement of adenosine signaling in mediating effects of low concentrations of ethanol may have important implications for understanding alcohol's effects on brain function, and provide a mechanistic explanation to the interaction between alcohol and caffeine.
Accuracy of intracranial electrode placement for stereoelectroencephalography: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vakharia Vejay N. , Sparks Rachel , O'Keeffe Aidan G. , Rodionov Roman , Miserocchi Anna , McEvoy Andrew , Ourselin Sebastien , Duncan John 
Published: March 2017

SummaryObjectiveStereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is a procedure in which electrodes are inserted into the brain to help define the epileptogenic zone. This is performed prior to definitive epilepsy surgery in patients with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy when noninvasive data are inconclusive. The main risk of the procedure is hemorrhage, which occurs in 1–2% of patients. This may result from inaccurate electrode placement or a planned electrode damaging a blood vessel that was not detected on the preoperative vascular imaging. Proposed techniques include the use of a stereotactic frame, frameless image guidance systems, robotic guidance systems, and customized patient‐specific fixtures.MethodsUsing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, a structured search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases identified studies that involve the following: (1) SEEG placement as part of the presurgical workup in patients with (2) drug‐resistant focal epilepsy for which (3) accuracy data have been provided.ResultsThree hundred twenty‐six publications were retrieved, of which 293 were screened following removal of duplicate and non–English‐language studies. Following application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 studies were included in the qualitative and quantitative synthesis of the meta‐analysis. Accuracies for SEEG electrode implantations have been combined using a random‐effects analysis and stratified by technique.SignificanceThe published literature regarding accuracy of SEEG implantation techniques is limited. There are no prospective controlled clinical trials comparing different SEEG implantation techniques. Significant systematic heterogeneity exists between the identified studies, preventing any meaningful comparison between techniques. The recent introduction of robotic trajectory guidance systems has been suggested to provide a more accurate method of implantation, but supporting evidence is limited to class 3 only. It is important that new techniques are compared to the previous “gold‐standard” through well‐designed and methodologically sound studies before they are introduced into widespread clinical practice.
Enculturation Incarnate: Ritual Sensoria in U.S. Patriotic Holidays
Authors: Clark Cindy Dell 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBecause ritual is based on symbolism that takes intense sensory, enacted form, its features are well suited to children's cultural learning via sensorimotor engagement. An ethnographic study of US patriotic rituals at Memorial Day and Independence Day (July 4th), conducted during 2005–12, reveals how children participated and learned through sensoria and embodied experiences within these festival days. Public and private rituals evoked sense‐linked metaphoric meanings that primed children for American values, including themes of militarism and freedom. Consistent with other researchers’ findings regarding U.S. Passover seder, American Catholic First Communion, and the ritual enculturation of Sri Lankan child monks, young cultural members encounter ritual through embodied learning and sensoria and not necessarily via adult intentional instruction.
Localization of breathing cracks in stepped rotors using super‐harmonic characteristic deflection shapes based on singular value decomposition in frequency domain
Authors: Lu Z. , Dong D. , Ouyang H. , Cao S. , Hua C. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAn output‐only multiple‐crack localization method is proposed in this paper to detect and localize breathing cracks in a stepped rotor, which utilizes the crack‐induced local shape distortions in super‐harmonic characteristic deflection shapes (SCDSs). To minimize the noise effects on SCDSs and improve the accuracy of SCDS‐based crack localization, singular value decomposition is adopted to estimate the SCDS as the dominant singular vector of output power spectral density matrix at a super‐harmonic frequency. Then, in order to better reveal shape distortions in the SCDSs, an after‐treatment technique called gapped smoothing method is applied to derive a damage index. Numerical experiments are carried out to investigate the performance of the proposed method based on a two‐disc stepped rotor‐bearing system with breathing cracks established by the finite element method. Results show that the method is effective for single and multiple crack localization in stepped rotors and interference of steps can be excluded. Furthermore, the method is robust to noise. Influences of crack depths and rotating speeds are also investigated, and how to choose the rotating speed for better crack localization is discussed.
Seasonality and 3D‐visualization of brooding in the hermaphroditic ophiuroid Amphiura capensis
Authors: MacKinnon Rebecca B. , Landschoff Jannes , Griffiths Charles L. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis article describes the reproductive biology and developing young of Amphiura capensis, a small brooding brittle star found in the intertidal zones of Namibia and South Africa. Each month from October 2014 to September 2015, 20 specimens were collected from Mouille Point, Cape Town, South Africa, and dissected for internal examination of brooding characteristics. Disc diameters of 238 analyzed adults ranged 2.5–8.7 mm, with a mean of 6.15 mm (SD = 1.10 mm). Brooding was exhibited in 60.5% of all sampled individuals, of which 30.6% contained young of only one of six subjectively chosen size classes, 31.9% contained two size classes, and the rest (37.5%) contained more than two size classes at the same time. Young within the same bursa were commonly of the same size class, which suggests sequential brooding. However, multiple size classes of young were often present within different bursae of the same parent, which thus exhibited characteristics of both sequential and simultaneous brooding. Of 584 brooded young retrieved from dissections, an average of 2.5 (SD = 3.2) and a maximum of 14 young were recorded within a single parent. As no larval stages were observed, development was assumed to be direct. Three‐dimensional visualizations of μCT scans revealed the positions of the brooded young to be quite different from those in other species, facing with their mouths downwards instead of upwards, and not all pressed against the adult's bursal wall. Brooding occurred throughout the year, but numbers of young peaked in austral winter, coinciding with warmer water temperatures at this site. The duration of brooded development was estimated to be ~6 months, comparable with other species with similar reproductive biology.
The effect of age at metamorphosis on the transition from larval to adult suspension‐feeding of the slipper limpet Crepidula fornicata
Authors: Pechenik Jan A. , Strathmann Richard R. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSlipper limpets use different ciliary feeding mechanisms as larvae and adults. Veliger larvae of Crepidula fornicata developed part of the adult feeding apparatus, including ctenidial filaments, neck lobe, and radula, before metamorphosis, but ctenidial feeding did not begin until well after loss of the larval feeding apparatus (velum) at metamorphosis. Earlier initiation of ctenidial feeding by individuals that were older larvae when metamorphosis occurred suggests continued development toward ctenidial feeding during delay of metamorphosis. Early juveniles produced a ciliary current through the mantle cavity and moved the radula in a grasping action before they began to capture algal cells on mucous strands or form a food cord. Either early juveniles could not yet form mucous strands or they delayed their production until development of other necessary structures. The neck canal for transporting food from ctenidium to mouth cannot develop before velar loss. In their first feeding, juveniles fed much like the adults except that the neck canal was less developed and the path of the food cord toward the mouth sometimes varied. As suspension feeders, calyptraeids lack the elaborations of foregut that complicate transition to juvenile feeding for many caenogastropods, but a path for the food cord must develop after velar loss. Why individuals can initiate ctenidial feeding sooner when they are older at metamorphosis is not yet known. The juveniles became sedentary soon after metamorphosis and were not observed to feed by scraping the substratum with the radula, in contrast to the first feeding by juveniles of another calyptraeid species, observed by Montiel et al. ().
The importance of treating the field in actinic keratosis
Authors: Stockfleth E. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractActinic keratoses (AKs) are intraepithelial atypical proliferations of keratinocytes that develop in skin that has undergone long‐term exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Given the ageing population and an increasing prevalence of AK, the socio‐economic burden of AK is likely to rise over the coming years. Areas of subclinical (non‐visible) sun damage in the periphery of visible AK lesions contain the same genetic changes as those found in the lesions themselves, and are known as areas of field cancerization. AK lesions and the field are associated with an increased risk of skin cancer, including invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Although effective in clearing visible AK, lesion‐directed therapies do not address field cancerization and can lead to high recurrence rates. In contrast, field‐directed therapies, such as ingenol mebutate, imiquimod and diclofenac, can clear both visible and subclinical AK lesions and reduce the development of new lesions in the treated field. Additionally, preclinical studies suggest that field therapy may prevent or delay the recurrence of non‐melanoma skin cancer. AK treatment guidelines now recognize the importance of treating the field in patients with AK, and adaptation of treatment guidelines into clinical practice is warranted. Physician and patient education around the consequences of leaving the field of cancerization untreated is necessary in order to reduce the increasing burden associated with AK.
Modeling Data From Collaborative Assessments: Learning in Digital Interactive Social Networks
Authors: Wilson Mark , Gochyyev Perman , Scalise Kathleen 
Published: March 2017

This article summarizes assessment of cognitive skills through collaborative tasks, using field test results from the Assessment and Teaching of 21st Century Skills (ATC21S) project. This project, sponsored by Cisco, Intel, and Microsoft, aims to help educators around the world enable students with the skills to succeed in future career and college goals. In this article, ATC21S collaborative assessments focus on the project's “ICT Literacy—Learning in digital networks” learning progression. The article includes a description of the development of the learning progression, as well as examples and the logic behind the instrument construction. Assessments took place in random pairs of students in a demonstration digital environment. Modeling of results employed unidimensional and multidimensional item response models, with and without random effects for groups. The results indicated that, based on this data set, the models that take group into consideration in both the unidimensional and the multidimensional analyses fit better. However, the group‐level variances were substantially higher than the individual‐level variances. This indicates that a total individual estimate of group plus individual is likely a more informative estimate than individual alone but also that the performances of the pairs dominated the performances of the individuals. Implications are discussed in the results and conclusions.
Long‐term effects of a computer‐based nutritional training program for inpatient hospital care
Authors: Westergren Albert , Edfors Ellinor , Norberg Erika , Stubbendorff Anna , Hedin Gita , Wetterstrand Martin , Hagell Peter 
Published: March 2017

AbstractRationaleA previous short‐term study showed that a computer‐based training in eating and nutrition increased the probability for hospital inpatients at undernutrition (UN) risk to receive nutritional treatment and care without increasing overtreatment (providing nutritional treatment to those not at UN risk). The aim of this study was to investigate if a computer‐based training in eating and nutrition influences the precision in nutritional treatment and care in a longer‐term perspective.MethodA preintervention and postintervention study was conducted with a cross‐sectional design at each time points (baseline and 7 months postintervention). Hospital inpatients >18 years old at baseline (2013; n = 201) and follow‐up (2014; n = 209) were included. A computer‐based training was implemented during a period of 3 months with 297 (84%) participating registered nurses and nurse assistants. Undernutrition risk was screened for using the minimal eating observation and nutrition form—version II. Nutritional treatment and care was recorded using a standardized protocol.ResultsThe share of patients at UN risk that received energy‐dense food (+25.2%) and dietician consultations (+22.3%) increased between baseline and follow‐up, while fewer received oral nutritional supplements (‐18.9%). “Overtreatment” (providing nutritional treatment to those not at UN risk) did not change between baseline and follow‐up.ConclusionThe computer‐based training increased the provision of energy‐dense food and dietician consultations to patients at UN risk without increasing overtreatment of patients without UN risk.
Development and use of an Arctic charr cell line to study antiviral responses at extremely low temperatures
Authors: Semple S L , Vo N T K , Li A R , Pham P H , Bols N C , Dixon B 
Published: March 2017

AbstractArctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) are the northernmost distributed freshwater fish and can grow at water temperatures as low as 0.2 °C. Other teleost species have impaired immune function at temperatures that Arctic charr thrive in, and thus, charr may maintain immune function at these temperatures. In this study, a fibroblastic cell line, named ACBA, derived from the bulbus arteriosus (BA) of Arctic charr was developed for use in immune studies at various temperatures. ACBA has undergone more than forty passages at 18 °C over 3 years, while showing no signs of senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase activity and producing nitric oxide. Remarkably, ACBA cells survived and maintained some mitotic activity even at 1 °C for over 3 months. At these low temperatures, ACBA also continued to produce MH class I proteins. After challenge with poly I:C, only antiviral Mx proteins were induced while MH proteins remained constant. When exposed to live viruses, ACBA was shown to permit viral infection and replication of IPNV, VHSV IVa and CSV at 14 °C. Yet at the preferred temperature of 4 °C, only VHSV IVa was shown to replicate within ACBA. This study provides evidence that Arctic charr cells can maintain immune function while also resisting infection with intracellular pathogens at low temperatures.
Hospital Variation in Rates of New Institutionalizations Within 6 Months of Discharge
Authors: Middleton Addie , Zhou Jie , Ottenbacher Kenneth J. , Goodwin James S. 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesHospitalization in community‐dwelling elderly is often accompanied by functional loss, increasing the risk for continued functional decline and future institutionalization. The primary objective of our study was to examine the hospital‐level variation in rates of new institutionalizations among Medicare beneficiaries.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingHospitals and nursing homes.ParticipantsMedicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries discharged from 4,469 hospitals in 2013 (N = 4,824,040).MeasurementsNew institutionalization, defined as new long term care nursing home residence (not skilled nursing facility) of at least 90 days duration within 6 months of hospital discharge.ResultsThe overall observed rate of new institutionalizations was 3.6% (N = 173,998). Older age, white race, Medicaid eligibility, longer hospitalization, and having a skilled nursing facility stay over the 6 months before hospitalization were associated with higher adjusted odds. Observed rates ranged from 0.9% to 5.9% across states. The variation in rates attributable to the hospital after adjusting for case‐mix and state was 5.1%. Odds were higher for patients treated in smaller (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.27–1.45, ≤50 vs >500 beds), government owned (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.09–1.21 compared to for‐profit), limited medical school affiliation (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.07–1.19 compared to major) hospitals and lower for patients treated in urban hospitals (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.76–0.82 compared to rural). Higher Summary Star ratings (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.67–0.93, five vs one stars) and Overall Hospital Rating (OR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.57–0.67, ratings of 9–10 vs 0) were associated with lower odds of institutionalization.ConclusionHospitalization may be a critical period for preventing future institutionalization among elderly patients. The variation in rates across hospitals and its association with hospital quality ratings suggest some of these institutionalizations are avoidable and may represent targets for care improvement.
Trajectories of Verbal Episodic Memory in Middle‐Aged and Older Adults: Evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Olaya Beatriz , Bobak Martin , Haro Josep Maria , Demakakos Panayotes 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesTo identify distinct latent groups of baseline levels and age‐related decline in verbal episodic memory in middle‐aged and older adults, and to identify factors associated with these trajectories.DesignLongitudinal study of six data collections over a period of 10 years.SettingPopulation‐based cohort in England.Participants9,515 community‐dwelling adults aged 50‐79 years.MeasurementsSix repeated measurements of immediate and delayed recall of 10 words over 10‐year follow‐up. Group‐based trajectory modeling was used to identify patterns of baseline levels and subsequent decline in memory in two age categories (50‐64 and 65‐79 years), and to investigate associations between trajectories and baseline predictors of group membership (gender, education, household wealth, marital status, smoking and physical activity) and time‐varying covariates (depressive symptoms and number of chronic conditions).ResultsFour trajectories were identified and labelled according to baseline status and decline in memory: very low/decline (9.8%), low/stable (40.2%), average/stable (39.5%) and good/stable (10.5%) in the younger group, and very low/rapid decline (15.7%), low/decline (32.0%), average/stable (38.8%), and good/stable (13.5%) in older participants. In people with stable or declining trajectories, a higher number of depressive symptoms and the presence of cardiovascular diseases were associated with worse memory. Female sex, younger age, and higher education, wealth and physical activity were consistently associated with more favourable trajectories.ConclusionsWe identified four memory trajectories. Factors known to be associated with cognitive reserve (such as education, wealth and physical activity) were associated with better memory function while depressive symptoms and cardiovascular disease were associated with poorer memory. This suggests that interventions to reduce depressive symptoms and better manage cardiovascular risk factors and disease in midlife may help prevent or delay future memory decline.
Changes in Emergency Department Geriatric Services in Quebec and Correlates of These Changes
Authors: McCusker Jane , Vadeboncoeur Alain , Cossette Sylvie , Veillette Nathalie , Ducharme Francine , Minh Vu Thien Tuong , Ciampi Antonio , Cetin‐Sahin Deniz , Belzile Eric 
Published: March 2017

Background/ObjectivesTo describe changes in geriatric emergency department (ED) services from 2006 (T1) to 2013/14 (T2), associated factors, and outcomes.DesignTwo‐wave survey design.SettingProvince of Quebec, Canada.ParticipantsLead nurses and physicians at 57 EDs that participated in both the T1 and T2 surveys.InterventionChanges over time in ED geriatric services, observed naturalistically.MeasurementsSurvey questionnaires assessed: ED geriatric services (11 items) and nursing and geriatric staffing resources. Key administrative data indicators for ED bed visits for T1 and T2 for ages 75 and over included: volume of ED visits; length of ED stay; admission rate; and 30‐day return visits.ResultsThere was a significant overall increase in the number ED geriatric services, from mean 2.8 (SD 2.2) at T1 to mean 6.0 (SD 2.0) at T2. EDs were clustered into 3 groups based on their T1 and T2 geriatric service scores: “early adopters” (n = 12); “late adopters” (n = 27); “non‐adopters” (n = 18). Group membership was associated with three T1 variables: availability of a geriatric nurse clinician, a lower ratio of nurses to ED beds, and longer ED stays. There were significant overall increases between T1 and T2 in number of ED bed visits and ED length of stay among those aged 75 and over, decreases in hospitalization rates, but no change in ED return visits. There were no differential changes in the key indicators among the three ED clusters.ConclusionsOverall, ED geriatric services improved in Quebec from 2006 to 2013/14. EDs with a geriatric nurse clinician, relatively fewer nursing resources, and longer ED stays improved more quickly.