bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sevoflurane anesthesia induces neither contextual fear memory impairment nor alterations in local population connectivity of medial prefrontal cortex local field potentials networks in aged rats
Authors: Xu Xinyu , Zhang Qian , Tian Xin , Wang Guolin 
Published: March 2016

AbstractSevoflurane has been found to increase apoptosis and pathologic markers associated with Alzheimer disease, provoking concern over their potential contribution to postoperative cognitive dysfunction. This study aimed to determine the effects of sevoflurane on contextual fear memory of aged rats and to characterize local population connectivity of local field potentials (LFPs) in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of aged rats during contextual fear memory. Eighteen‐month‐old male SD rats were implanted with one multichannel electrode array in mPFC. The aged rats were divided into control group, sevoflurane group (1 MAC sevoflurane for 2 h) and surgical group with 1.0 MAC sevoflurane for 2 h. We then assessed the effect of the anesthesia on contextual fear memory, and alterations in the local population connectivity of mPFC LFP networks by partial directed coherence (PDC). Surgery impaired contextual fear memory and reduced local population connectivity of mPFC LFP networks in aged rats at day 1 after the surgery and anesthesia. 1 MAC Sevoflurane anesthesia induced neither contextual fear memory impairment nor alterations in local population connectivity of mPFC LFP networks in aged rats when tested 1, 7, 15 and 30 days after exposure (P > 0.05). PDC values of theta band mPFC LFPs became strongly increased during contextual fear memory at 1, 7, 15, and 30 days after anesthesia. Our results suggest that 1 MAC sevoflurane anesthesia does not induce contextual fear memory impairment in aged rats and suggest that the increased local population connectivity in theta bands LFPs of mPFC plays a role in contextual fear memory.
Using models to guide field experiments: a priori predictions for the CO2 response of a nutrient‐ and water‐limited native Eucalypt woodland
Authors: Medlyn Belinda E. , De Kauwe Martin G. , Zaehle Sönke , Walker Anthony P. , Duursma Remko A. , Luus Kristina , Mishurov Mikhail , Pak Bernard , Smith Benjamin , Wang Ying‐Ping , Yang Xiaojuan , Crous Kristine Y. , Drake John E. , Gimeno Teresa E. , Macdonald Catriona A. , Norby Richard J. , Power Sally A. , Tjoelker Mark G. , Ellsworth David S. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe response of terrestrial ecosystems to rising atmospheric CO2 concentration (Ca), particularly under nutrient‐limited conditions, is a major uncertainty in Earth System models. The Eucalyptus Free‐Air CO2 Enrichment (EucFACE) experiment, recently established in a nutrient‐ and water‐limited woodland presents a unique opportunity to address this uncertainty, but can best do so if key model uncertainties have been identified in advance. We applied seven vegetation models, which have previously been comprehensively assessed against earlier forest FACE experiments, to simulate a priori possible outcomes from EucFACE. Our goals were to provide quantitative projections against which to evaluate data as they are collected, and to identify key measurements that should be made in the experiment to allow discrimination among alternative model assumptions in a postexperiment model intercomparison. Simulated responses of annual net primary productivity (NPP) to elevated Ca ranged from 0.5 to 25% across models. The simulated reduction of NPP during a low‐rainfall year also varied widely, from 24 to 70%. Key processes where assumptions caused disagreement among models included nutrient limitations to growth; feedbacks to nutrient uptake; autotrophic respiration; and the impact of low soil moisture availability on plant processes. Knowledge of the causes of variation among models is now guiding data collection in the experiment, with the expectation that the experimental data can optimally inform future model improvements.
Stress‐dependent transport properties of fractured arkosic sandstone
Authors: French M. E. , Chester F. M. , Chester J. S. , Wilson J. E. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractWe measure the fluid transport properties of microfractures and macrofractures in low‐porosity polyphase sandstone and investigate the controls of in situ stress state on fluid flow conduits in fractured rock. For this study, the permeability and porosity of the Punchbowl Formation sandstone, a hydrothermally altered arkosic sandstone, were measured and mapped in stress space under intact, microfractured, and macrofractured deformation states. In contrast to crystalline and other sedimentary rocks, the distributed intragranular and grain‐boundary microfracturing that precedes macroscopic fracture formation has little effect on the fluid transport properties. The permeability and porosity of microfractured and intact sandstone depend strongly on mean stress and are relatively insensitive to differential stress and proximity to the frictional sliding envelope. Porosity variations occur by elastic pore closure with intergranular sliding and pore collapse caused by microfracturing along weakly cemented grain contacts. The macroscopic fractured samples are best described as a two‐component system consisting (i) a tabular fracture with a 0.5‐mm‐thick gouge zone bounded by 1 mm thick zones of concentrated transgranular and intragranular microfractures and (ii) damaged sandstone. Using bulk porosity and permeability measurements and finite element methods models, we show that the tabular fracture is at least two orders of magnitude more permeable than the host rock at mean stresses up to 90 MPa. Further, we show that the tabular fracture zone dilates as the stress state approaches the friction envelope resulting in up to a three order of magnitude increase in fracture permeability. These results indicate that the enhanced and stress‐sensitive permeability in fault damage zones and sedimentary basins composed of arkosic sandstones will be controlled by the distribution of macroscopic fractures rather than microfractures.
Recurrence and prognosis of patients emergently hospitalized for acute esophageal variceal bleeding: A long‐term cohort study
Authors: Cho Hourin , Nagata Naoyoshi , Shimbo Takuro , Sakurai Toshiyuki , Sekine Katsunori , Okubo Hidetaka , Imbe Koh , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Mikami Shintaro , Yokoi Chizu , Kobayakawa Masao , Mizokami Masashi , Yanase Mikio , Akiyama Junichi , Uemura Naomi 
Published: March 2016

AimTo elucidate the rates of recurrence and mortality in acute esophageal variceal bleeding and the associated risk factors.MethodsA cohort of 174 patients emergently hospitalized for esophageal variceal bleeding was analyzed. All patients underwent endoscopic variceal ligation within 3 h of arrival. Comorbidities, vital signs, drug use, laboratory data, etiology, endoscopic findings, transfusion requirement, and follow‐up endoscopy were assessed. Cox's proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR).ResultsRebleeding was identified in 49 patients with a mean follow‐up of 18 months. The cumulative rebleeding rate at 1 month, 1 year, and 5 years was 10.2%, 30.0%, and 51.0%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for rebleeding were child‐Pugh class C (HR 1.94; P = 0.027), alcoholic liver cirrhosis (HR 2.32; P = 0.01), and no follow‐up endoscopy (HR 13.3; P < 0.001). During the overall mean follow‐up of 22 months, 69 patients died (17 due to bleeding), and the cumulative mortality rate at 1 month, 1 year, and 5 years was 12.2%, 26.6%, and 63.0%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for mortality were child‐Pugh class C (HR 2.91; P < 0.001), coexistence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HR 1.92; P = 0.013), and no follow‐up endoscopy (HR 23.6; P < 0.001).ConclusionThis study revealed more than 50% cumulative rebleeding and mortality in the 5‐year period after endoscopic variceal ligation for esophageal variceal bleeding in an emergency setting. Child–Pugh C, alcoholic liver cirrhosis, and no follow‐up endoscopy increased the risk of rebleeding; Child–Pugh C, coexistence of hepatocellular carcinoma, and no follow‐up endoscopy increased the risk of mortality.
Alanine aminotransferase course, serum hepatitis B virus DNA, and liver stiffness measurement for therapeutic decisions in hepatitis B e antigen‐negative chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Charatcharoenwitthaya Phunchai , Phisalprapa Pochamana , Pausawasdi Nonthalee , Rungkaew Pimpattana , Kajornvuthidej Sorrayut , Bandidniyamanon Wimolrak , Chotiyaputta Watcharasak , Chainuvati Siwaporn , Tanwandee Tawesak 
Published: March 2016

AimTo evaluate the utility of the combination of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) course, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level, and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) for determining significant liver disease in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐negative patients.MethodsThree hundred and ninety nine consecutive HBeAg‐negative patients with HBV DNA >2000 IU/mL and documented serial measurements of ALT were enrolled to undergo LSM followed by liver biopsy.ResultsUsing ALT <40 IU/L as a normal value, 142 patients had persistently normal ALT (PNALT), whereas 257 had persistently or intermittently elevated ALT (PIEALT) in the prior year. Among patients with HBV DNA of 2000–19 999, 20 000–199 999, and ≥200 000 IU/mL, significant pathological lesions defined as the presence of moderate to severe necroinflammation and/or significant fibrosis by METAVIR scoring was present in 40%, 45%, and 71% of the PIEALT group, and 15%, 31%, and 36% of the PNALT group, respectively. In PNALT patients with HBV DNA <20 000 IU/mL, liver biopsy could be avoided in 88% when LSM <7 kPa is used as an indicator of non‐significant liver histology but 12% of those who indeed had significant pathological lesions would be missed. In PIEALT patients with HBV DNA ≥20 000 IU/mL, the need for liver biopsy could be reduced by 53% with a false positive rate of 14% when LSM ≥7 kPa is used as a predictor of significant pathological lesions.ConclusionThe combination of serial ALT, viral load, and LSM appears to be a promising non‐invasive tool. A management algorithm for HBeAg‐negative patients comprising these non‐invasive measures is proposed with liver biopsy being pursued in selected cases.
Characterisation of chickpea flour‐based gluten‐free batters and muffins with added biopolymers: rheological, physical and sensory properties
Authors: Herranz Beatriz , Canet Wenceslao , Jiménez María José , Fuentes Raúl , Alvarez María Dolores 
Published: March 2016

SummaryChickpea flour (CF)‐based muffin formulations were made with CF alone and with added biopolymers [whey protein (WP), xanthan gum (XG) and inulin (INL)] to evaluate their suitability to be a wheat flour (WF) substitute in muffins. Structural characteristics of the batters and muffins were studied by means of rheometry, microscopy, physicochemical properties, and texture and sensory analysis. Partial replacement of CF with XG, alone (at 0.5 and 1%) or blended with either WP or INL, significantly increased the batter viscoelasticity as denser matrices developed; moreover, the muffins with XG added at 1% had similar hardness to wheat gluten muffins. The replacement of WF decreased the springiness, cohesiveness, chewiness, resilience and specific volume of the muffin. However, baked muffins with added XG also showed higher sensory sponginess and moisture associated with numerous air bubbles in the batter and were perceived to be easier to swallow and to have better general appearance.
Exploring complex pheromone biosynthetic processes in the bumblebee male labial gland by RNA sequencing
Authors: Buček A. , Brabcová J. , Vogel H. , Prchalová D. , Kindl J. , Valterová I. , Pichová I. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMale marking pheromones (MPs) are used by the majority of bumblebee species (Hymenoptera: Apidae), including a commercially important greenhouse pollinator, the buff‐tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris), to attract conspecific females. MP biosynthetic processes in the cephalic part of the bumblebee male labial gland (LG) are of extraordinary complexity, involving enzymes of fatty acid and isoprenoid biosynthesis, which jointly produce more than 50 compounds. We employed a differential transcriptomic approach to identify candidate genes involved in MP biosynthesis by sequencing Bombus terrestris LG and fat body (FB) transcriptomes. We identified 12 454 abundantly expressed gene products (reads per kilobase of exon model per million mapped reads value > 1) that had significant hits in the GenBank nonredundant database. Of these, 876 were upregulated in the LG (> 4‐fold difference). We identified more than 140 candidate genes potentially involved in MP biosynthesis, including esterases, fatty acid reductases, lipases, enzymes involved in limited fatty acid chain shortening, neuropeptide receptors and enzymes involved in biosynthesis of triacylglycerols, isoprenoids and fatty acids. For selected candidates, we confirmed their abundant expression in LG using quantitative real‐time reverse transcription‐PCR (qRT‐PCR). Our study shows that the Bombus terrestris LG transcriptome reflects both fatty acid and isoprenoid MP biosynthetic processes and identifies rational gene targets for future studies to disentangle the molecular basis of MP biosynthesis. Additionally, LG and FB transcriptomes enrich the available transcriptomic resources for Bombus terrestris.
Learnt and perceived professional roles of a new type of nurse specialized in Gerontology and Geriatrics, a qualitative study
Authors: Huizenga Petra , Finnema Evelyn , Roodbol Petrie 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimTo gain insight into a new type of nurse specialized in gerontology and geriatrics, how they find meaning in the care of older persons and how this relates to the seven professional roles derived from the CanMEDS theoretical framework.BackgroundTo promote the quality of care for older persons in the Netherlands, one of the measures taken is the training and deployment of Registered Nurses specialized in Gerontology and Geriatrics. We focus on their professional roles in this study, to gain insight into the extent to which they fulfil their professional standards.DesignA qualitative study, consisting of seven focus group interviews.MethodsThe study population included 67 Registered Nurses. Data were collected between October 2011–May 2013.FindingsNurses work in all seven CanMEDS roles, but not with all competences associated with these seven roles. The more distant the role is from patient activities, the less frequently competences such as social networks; design; research; innovation of care; legal, financial and organizational frameworks; professional ethics and professional innovation are mentioned.ConclusionNurses engage in activities consistent with nursing care for older people; however, despite their training, they are mainly focused on direct‐patient care.Their limited awareness of the complete range of professional competences risks the stagnation of their development in professional roles such as health advocate, scholar and professional, which will not lead to an improvement in the care for older persons.
What's So Bad About Killer Robots?
Authors: Leveringhaus Alex 
Published: March 2016

AbstractRobotic warfare has now become a real prospect. One issue that has generated heated debate concerns the development of ‘Killer Robots’. These are weapons that, once programmed, are capable of finding and engaging a target without supervision by a human operator. From a conceptual perspective, the debate on Killer Robots has been rather confused, not least because it is unclear how central elements of these weapons can be defined. Offering a precise take on the relevant conceptual issues, the article contends that Killer Robots are best seen as executors of targeting decisions made by their human programmers. However, from a normative perspective, the execution of targeting decisions by Killer Robots should worry us. The article argues that what is morally bad about Killer Robots is that they replace human agency in warfare with artificial agency, a development which should be resisted. Finally, the article contends that the issue of agency points to a wider problem in just war theory, namely the role of moral rights in our normative reasoning on armed conflict.
Saplings or Caterpillars? Trying to Understand Children's Wellbeing
Authors: Tomlin Patrick 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIs childhood valuable? And is childhood as, less, or more, valuable than adulthood? In this article I first delineate several different questions that we might be asking when we think about the ‘value of childhood’, and I explore some difficulties of doing so. I then focus on the question of whether childhood is good for the person who experiences it. I argue for two key claims. First, if childhood wellbeing is measured by the same standards as adulthood, then children are worse off than adults. Second, if childhood and adulthood wellbeing are measured by different standards, then we cannot compare them, and children are neither better off nor worse off than adults. This has some counter‐intuitive implications, such as that we do not harm persons by depriving them of a childhood, nor by keeping them as children for elongated periods.
Practitioner Review: On the trustworthiness of clinical practice guidelines – a systematic review of the quality of methods used to develop guidelines in child and youth mental health
Authors: Bennett Kathryn , Gorman Daniel A. , Duda Stephanie , Brouwers Melissa , Szatmari Peter 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundNumerous practice guidelines (PGs) relevant to child and youth mental health (CYMH) are available, but their quality is uncertain. We used systematic review methodology to identify the methods employed to develop PGs in CYMH and assess whether they align with international quality standards.MethodsWe used prespecified inclusion criteria to search for CYMH PGs (2009–2014) in journals of professional associations or websites of organizations who produce or house PGs. Eligible PGs and organization websites were screened to identify PG development methods. Two reviewers assessed the alignment of the PG development methods with PG quality criteria using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) domains and Institute of Medicine (IOM) standards.ResultsFive sets of eligible development methods were identified in 70 eligible PGs. Three sets adhered to all (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence; Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) or most (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) AGREE II domains and IOM standards, and were used to develop 31.4% of PGs. The two remaining sets of development methods had important weaknesses (e.g. lack of mandatory rigorous systematic reviews, multidisciplinary development groups, or transparent conflict of interest methods) and were associated with 21.4% of PGs. No development methods could be identified in 40.0% of PGs; ineligible development methods were referenced in 7.1% of PGs.ConclusionsUp to 69% of available CYMH PGs may have been developed using methods that do not align with AGREE II quality criteria or IOM standards. The quality of available CYMH PGs needs to be assessed, and strategies designed to guide practitioners to high quality PGs and facilitate adherence by PG developers to international quality standards are needed.
Model to Predict Growth/No Growth Interfaces of Enterococcus as A Function of NACl and NANO2
Authors: Lee Heeyoung , Gwak EunjI , Lee Soomin , Kim Sejeong , Lee Jeeyeon , Ha Jimyeong , Oh Mi‐hwa , Park Beom‐young , Yang Mihi , Choi Kyoung‐hee , Yoon Yohan 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis study developed growth/no growth models to describe the effect of NaNO2 and NaCl on Enterococcus growth. Enterococcus spp. were incubated in deMan, Rogosa and Sharpe broth formulated with NaNO2 (0–210 ppm) and NaCl (0–1.75%) at 4–15C up to 1,080 h under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Growth responses (growth: 1 or no growth: 0) for all the combinations were collected. The growth response data (NaNO2 × NaCl × storage time) for each temperature and packaging condition were analyzed by logistic regression. The developed model showed that NaNO2 and NaCl influenced Enterococcus growth, but a combination effect of NaNO2 and NaCl was observed at 7C and 15C, and at 7C, 10C and 12C under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, respectively. Under the conditions at which a combination effect was observed, the antimicrobial effect of NaNO2 increased as NaCl concentration increased. Validation showed a high concordance rate (90%). The results indicate that the developed models may be useful for describing the effect of NaNO2 and NaCl on Enterococcus growth.Practical ApplicationNaCl and NaNO2 are widely used as preservative agents in meat processing, but Enterococcus are resistant to antimicrobial activities of NaCl and NaNO2. Thus, Enterococcus may cause spoilage in meat products such as frankfurters. The developed growth/no growth model can be used to predict the growth probabilities of Enterococcus in the combination of NaCl and NaNO2, which may be useful in predicting Enterococcus growth in meat products.
Ameliorating effect of antioxidants and pregabalin combination in pain recurrence after ductal clearance in chronic pancreatitis: Results of a randomized, double blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Talukdar Rupjyoti , Lakhtakia Sundeep , Reddy D Nageshwar , Rao G Venkat , Pradeep Rebala , Banerjee Rupa , Gupta Rajesh , Ramchandani Mohan , Tandan Manu , Murthy H Vivekananda 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackground and AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of antioxidant–pregabalin combination on pain recurrence in patients with chronic calcific pancreatitis.MethodsIn this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, chronic calcific pancreatitis patients with pain recurrence following pancreatic ductal clearance of stones received either antioxidant‐pregabalin combination or matching placebo for 2 months followed by open‐label antioxidants for the next 4 months in both groups. Compliance, daily pain, and adverse events were recorded weekly and at the end of study by a coordinator blinded to treatment status. Primary outcome was pain improvement (visual analog scale and Izbicki score); secondary outcomes were as follows: complete pain resolution, painful days, and adverse events. Number needed‐to‐treat was calculated.ResultsWe randomized 42 and 45 patients (mean age 29.3 years) to treatment and placebo arms, respectively. Baseline characteristics, including pain scores, were similar for both groups. No patients received high‐potency narcotic. At 2 months, a significant improvement in the treatment arm was observed in percent reduction of visual analog scale (−50 [−80.0; −32.1] vs −29.5 [−64.5; 0]; P = 0.01), Izbicki score (14.5 [0; 21.3] vs 30.0 [11.8; 41.3]; P = 0.001), complete pain resolution (20 [47.6%] vs 12 [26.7%]; P = 0.04), and number of painful days (10.0 [2.0; 16.0] vs 18.0 [7.0; 34.0]; P = 0.01). Needed‐to‐treat was 4.8. Pain reduction persisted at 6 months in the original treatment group (20.0 [15.0; 28.0] vs 36.0 [20.0; 50.0]; P = 0.006). A total of 33 patients in the treatment arm experienced mild to moderate self‐limiting nausea/vomiting and drowsiness, respectively and did not require any change in study protocol.ConclusionAntioxidant–pregabalin combination results in significant relief in pain recurrence after ductal clearance in narcotic naïve patients with chronic calcific pancreatitis.