bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Different synaptic stimulation patterns influence the local androgenic and estrogenic neurosteroid availability triggering hippocampal synaptic plasticity in the male rat
Authors: Di Mauro Michela , Tozzi Alessandro , Calabresi Paolo , Pettorossi Vito Enrico , Grassi Silvarosa 
Published: February 2017

AbstractElectrophysiological recordings were used to investigate the role of the local synthesis of 17β‐estradiol (E2) and 5α‐dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on synaptic long‐term effects induced in the hippocampal CA1 region of male rat slices. Long‐term depression (LTD) and long‐term potentiation (LTP), induced by different stimulation patterns, were examined under the block of the DHT synthesis by finasteride (FIN), and the E2 synthesis by letrozole (LET). We used low frequency stimulation (LFS) for LTD, high frequency stimulation (HFS) for LTP, and intermediate patterns differing in duration or frequency. We found that FIN reverted the LFS‐LTD into LTP and enhanced LTP induced by intermediate and HFSs. These effects were abolished by exogenous DHT at concentration higher than the basal one, suggesting a stimulus dependent increase in DHT availability. No effect on the synaptic responses was observed giving DHT alone. Moreover, we found that the inhibition of E2 synthesis influenced the HFS‐LTP by reducing its amplitude, and the exogenous E2 either enhanced HFS‐LTP or reverted the LFS‐LTD into LTP. The equivalence of the E2 concentration for rescuing the full HFS‐LTP under LET and reverting the LFS‐LTD into LTP suggests an enhancement of the endogenous E2 availability that is specifically driven by the HFS. No effect of FIN or LET was observed on the responses to stimuli that did not induce either LTD or LTP. This study provides evidence that the E2 and DHT availability combined with specific stimulation patterns is determinant for the sign and amplitude of the long‐term effects.
Radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the seizure‐onset zone during stereoelectroencephalography
Authors: Dimova Petia , de Palma Luca , Job‐Chapron Anne‐Sophie , Minotti Lorella , Hoffmann Dominique , Kahane Philippe 
Published: February 2017

SummaryObjectiveTo assess long‐term outcome and identify prognostic factors of radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC) following stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) explorations in particularly complex cases of focal epilepsy.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical charts, video‐SEEGrecordings, and outcomes for 23 patients (aged 6–53 years) treated withSEEG‐guidedRFTC, of whom 15 had negative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and 10 were considered noneligible for resective surgery afterSEEG. Two to 11RFTCs per patient (mean 5) were produced by applying 40–50 V, 75–110 mAcurrent for 10–60 s onSEEGelectrode contacts within the epileptogenic region, which was very close to eloquent cortices in 12 cases. The general features,SEEGfindings, andRFTCextent of the patients were analyzed to extract potential preoperative predictors of post‐RFTCseizure outcomes.ResultsAfter a mean follow‐up of 32 months (range 2–119 months), eight patients experienced a ≥50% decrease of seizure frequency afterRFTC(R+, 34.8%), of whom one had a sustained seizure freedom and 15 patients did not benefit fromRFTC(R−, 65.2%). The presence of anMRIlesion was the only significant predictor of a positive outcome, whereas location of epilepsy, extent of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) and of the seizure onset zone, induction of seizures by electrical stimulation, as well as the ratio of the coagulated sites did not show a significant correlation to theRFTCresponse. However, (sub‐)continuousIEDs were more frequently found in R+ than in R− patients, thus suggesting that thisEEGmarker of the epileptogenic tissue might predict a positive outcome even in patients without obviousMRIlesion.SignificanceOur study confirms thatRFTC, although less effective than resective surgery, can be a reasonable therapeutic option in complex cases where anatomic constraints make impossible any cortical resection. Further prospective studies are needed to better defineRFTCindications and to optimize its methodology.
Effect of pulsed laser irradiation on the SiC surface
Authors: Suess Manuela , Wilhelmi Christian , Salvo Milena , Casalegno Valentina , Tatarko Peter , Funke Matthias 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe effect of a pulsed laser irradiation (Nd:YVO4, 1064 nm) in air on the surface morphology and chemical composition of silicon carbide and on the adhesion with an epoxy adhesive was investigated. Scanning and transmission electron microscopies, atomic force microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the laser treatment reduced the contamination level of the surface and induced the formation of a silica‐based nanostructured columnar layer on the SiC surface. The mechanism for the formation of five different microstructural regions is described in this paper. In addition, the formation of a 5‐10‐nm‐thick graphite layer between the oxide layer and SiC was observed. The joining test with Hysol® EA9321 showed that the nanostructured columnar silica layer was completely infiltrated by the adhesive, thus leading to a significant increase in the joined specific area and a mechanical interlocking at the adhesive/substrate interface. Nevertheless, the apparent shear strength of the joined SiC samples slightly decreased after the laser processing of the surfaces from about 42 MPa for lapped SiC to about 35 MPa for laser‐nanostructured SiC. The formation of the graphite layer was found to be responsible of the poor adhesion properties of the SiC surfaces modified by the laser radiation.
Life‐Space Mobility Change Predicts 6‐Month Mortality
Authors: Kennedy Richard E. , Sawyer Patricia , Williams Courtney P. , Lo Alexander X. , Ritchie Christine S. , Roth David L. , Allman Richard M. , Brown Cynthia J. 
Published: February 2017

ObjectivesTo examine 6‐month change in life‐space mobility as a predictor of subsequent 6‐month mortality in community‐dwelling older adults.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingCommunity‐dwelling older adults from five Alabama counties in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Study of Aging.ParticipantsA random sample of 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries, stratified according to sex, race, and rural or urban residence, recruited between November 1999 and February 2001, followed by a telephone interview every 6 months for the subsequent 8.5 years.MeasurementsMortality data were determined from informant contacts and confirmed using the National Death Index and Social Security Death Index. Life‐space was measured at each interview using the UAB Life‐Space Assessment, a validated instrument for assessing community mobility. Eleven thousand eight hundred seventeen 6‐month life‐space change scores were calculated over 8.5 years of follow‐up. Generalized linear mixed models were used to test predictors of mortality at subsequent 6‐month intervals.ResultsThree hundred fifty‐four deaths occurred within 6 months of two sequential life‐space assessments. Controlling for age, sex, race, rural or urban residence, and comorbidity, life‐space score and life‐space decline over the preceding 6‐month interval predicted mortality. A 10‐point decrease in life‐space resulted in a 72% increase in odds of dying over the subsequent 6 months (odds ratio = 1.723, P < .001).ConclusionsLife‐space score at the beginning of a 6‐month interval and change in life‐space over 6 months were each associated with significant differences in subsequent 6‐month mortality. Life‐space assessment may assist clinicians in identifying older adults at risk of short‐term mortality.
Effects of a hospital–community partnership transitional program in patients with coronary heart disease in Chengdu, China: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cao Xiao‐Yi , Tian Lang , Chen Lin , Jiang Xiao‐Lian 
Published: February 2017

AimTo evaluate the effects of a hospital–community partnership transitional program among patients with coronary heart disease.MethodsThis was a randomized controlled trial with 236 patients who were randomized into two groups. The patients in the control group received the usual care. In contrast, the patients in the study group received the transitional care program. The data were collected at the baseline, 30 days, and 90 days after discharge. The primary outcomes were the 30 and 90 day readmission rates after discharge. The secondary outcomes included the quality‐of‐care transitions, medicine adherence, and chronic disease self‐efficacy.ResultsThe findings indicated that: (i) the patients in the study group reported significantly lower 30 and 90 day readmission rates after their discharge than those in the control group; (ii) statistically significant differences were found in the quality‐of‐care transitions at 30 days postdischarge between the two groups as the patients in the study group reported significantly higher quality‐of‐care transitions, compared to those in the control group; and (iii) the patients in the study group reported significantly higher scores in medication adherence and chronic disease self‐efficacy at 30 and 90 days after discharge than those in the control group.ConclusionThis study is an original effort to establish and evaluate a hospital–community partnership transitional care program in patients with coronary heart disease in China and the findings have demonstrated its effects.
Is It Race, Class, or Gender? The Sources of Perceived Discrimination in Brazil
Authors: Layton Matthew L. , Smith Amy Erica 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObservers have long noted Brazil's distinctive racial politics: the coexistence of relatively integrated race relations and a national ideology of “racial democracy” with deep social inequalities along color lines. Those defending a vision of a nonracist Brazil attribute such inequalities to mechanisms perpetuating class distinctions. This article examines how members of disadvantaged groups perceive their disadvantage and what determines self-reports of discriminatory experiences, using 2010 AmericasBarometer data. About a third of respondents reported experiencing discrimination. Consistent with Brazilian national myths, respondents were much more likely to report discrimination due to their class than to their race. Nonetheless, the respondent's skin color, as coded by the interviewer, was a strong determinant of reporting class as well as race and gender discrimination. Race is more strongly associated with perceived “class” discrimination than is household wealth, education, or region of residence; female gender intensifies the association between color and discrimination.
On critical observations that constrain models of terrestrial hypervelocity impact craters
Authors: Dence Michael R. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractImpact structures in the crystalline rocks of the Canadian Shield range over two orders of magnitude in size and display morphologies recognized elsewhere in the solar system. This contribution draws upon new examinations of drill core from Canadian craters to reaffirm some relationships, modify others, and refine the transitions from simple to complex with central peak to peak‐ring structures. These include recognizing the hyperbolic form of transient craters, sharpening the allochthon–parautochthon distinction, and proposing new formulae for key relationships. It emphasizes the role of dynamic tensile strength and the attenuation of tensile rarefaction waves in determining the size of both transient and final crater dimensions. On Earth, depth (d) to diameter (D) ratios are not invariant at about 1:10 but change smoothly with size from 1:3 at Brent through 1:5 to 1:10 in the largest; that is, d = 0.4 D0.75. In craters in crystalline rocks, the central peak grows at about uplift = 0.175 D until, at D about 28 km, the uplift rises above the original surface then collapses to form a peak‐ring structure. These relationships demonstrate the dominant role of gravity in attenuating tensile rarefaction waves and controlling transient crater depth and overall size relative to the volume shocked.
Blood feeding of Ornithodoros turicata larvae using an artificial membrane system
Authors: KIM H. J. , FILATOV S. , LOPEZ J. E. , PÉREZ DE LEÓN A. A. , TEEL P. D. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAn artificial membrane system was adapted to feed Ornithodoros turicata (Ixodida: Argasidae) larvae from a laboratory colony using defibrinated swine blood. Aspects related to larval feeding and moulting to the first nymphal instar were evaluated. A total of 55.6% of all larvae exposed to the artificial membrane in two experimental groups fed to repletion and 98.0% of all fed larvae moulted. Mortality rates of first instar nymphs differed significantly depending on the sorting tools used to handle engorged larvae (χ2 = 35.578, P < 0.0001): engorged larvae handled with featherweight forceps showed significantly higher mortality (odds ratio = 4.441) than those handled with a camel‐hair brush. Differences in the physical properties of the forceps and camel‐hair brush may affect the viability of fragile soft tick larvae even when care and the same technique are used to sort them during experimental manipulations. The current results represent those of the first study to quantify successful feeding to repletion, moulting and post‐moulting mortality rates in O. turicata larvae using an artificial membrane feeding system. Applications of the artificial membrane feeding system to fill gaps in current knowledge of soft tick biology and the study of soft tick–pathogen interactions are discussed.
Survival probabilities of end stage renal disease patients on renal replacement therapy in Iran
Authors: Heidary Rouchi Alireza , Mansournia Mohammad Ali , Aghighi Mohammad , Mahdavi‐Mazdeh Mitra 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAimTo bridge the gap in the current knowledge, the present study was conducted to obtain evidences relating to clinical outcomes of the end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) population in Iran over the last two decades.MethodsThe records of 84 652 incident ESRD patients from 1995 up to and including 2014 in the national registry of ESRD patients were analyzed retrospectively. Data were collected from dialysis and transplant centres in Iran from 1995 to 2008 via paper forms and from 2009 to 2014 through web‐based records.ResultsMean age (SD) in incident cases of ESRD (57.7% male) was 52.5 (16.6) years. The prevalence of ESRD patients grew on average 14.9% and 5.3% annually in the periods of 1995–2004 and 2005–2014, respectively. Adjusted mortality rate among dialysis patients in 1995, 2005, and 2014 was 145, 154, and 177/ 1000 patient‐years, respectively. Median graft half‐life (IQR) and median expected remaining life‐years (IQR) for dialysis patients in the 2003 incident patient cohort were 4.4 (1.9–8.3) and 4.2 (1.8–8.2) years, respectively.ConclusionsThe overall slightly decreasing, and still comparable, survival trend in dialysis patients, despite the accessible and free dialysis treatment, may be the result of the counterbalance of different contributory factors, including increased age and the higher proportion of patients with co‐morbidities resulting from diabetes and hypertension. The half‐lives of renal allografts were generally shorter compared to thus far shared evidence, which may be due to tissue incompatibility. The decreasing trend, in this context, can be attributable to the increased number of transplantation from deceased donors with expanded criteria.
Association between neural reactivity and startle reactivity to uncertain threat in two independent samples
Authors: Gorka Stephanie M. , Lieberman Lynne , Shankman Stewart A. , Phan K. Luan 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPrior studies indicate that anxiety disorders are associated with heightened sensitivity to uncertain threat (U threat). Individual differences in reactivity to U threat have been measured in the laboratory with two methodologies—startle eyeblink potentiation and fMRI. While startle and fMRI are purported to relate to each other, very little research exists on whether individual differences in one measure are associated with individual differences in another and, thus, whether startle and fMRI capture shared mechanisms. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate if and where in the brain measures of startle potentiation and fMRI BOLD signal correlate during response to U threat across two independent samples. Participants in both studies completed two threat anticipation tasks—once during collection of startle potentiation and once during fMRI. In Study 1 (n = 43), the startle and fMRI tasks both used electric shock as the threat. As an extension, in Study 2 (n = 38), the startle task used electric shock but the fMRI task used aversive images. Despite these methodological differences, greater startle potentiation to U threat was associated with greater dorsal anterior cingulate, caudate, and orbitofrontal cortex reactivity to U threat in both samples. The findings suggest that startle and fMRI measures of responding to U threat overlap, and points toward an integrated brain‐behavior profile of aberrant U threat responding.
Factors influencing platelet clumping during peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell collection
Authors: Mathur Gagan , Mott Sarah L. , Collins Laura , Nelson Gail A. , Knudson C. Michael , Schlueter Annette J. 
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUNDPlatelet clumping is a common occurrence during peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) collection using the Spectra Optia mononuclear cell (MNC) protocol. If clumping persists, it may prevent continuation of the collection and interfere with proper MNC separation. This study is the first to report the incidence of clumping, identify precollection factors associated with platelet clumping, and describe the degree to which platelet clumping interferes with HSC product yield.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSIn total, 258 HSC collections performed on 116 patients using the Optia MNC protocol were reviewed. Collections utilized heparin in anticoagulant citrate dextrose to facilitate large‐volume leukapheresis. Linear and logistic regression models were utilized to determine which precollection factors were predictive of platelet clumping and whether clumping was associated with product yield or collection efficiency.RESULTSPlatelet clumping was observed in 63% of collections. Multivariable analysis revealed that a lower white blood cell count was an independent predictor of clumping occurrence. Chemotherapy mobilization and a lower peripheral blood CD34+ cell count were predictors of the degree of clumping. Procedures with clumping had higher collection efficiency but lower blood volume processed on average, resulting in no difference in collection yields. Citrate toxicity did not correlate with clumping.CONCLUSIONAlthough platelet clumping is a common technical problem seen during HSC collection, the total CD34+ cell‐collection yields were not affected by clumping. WBC count, mobilization approach, and peripheral blood CD34+ cell count can help predict clumping and potentially drive interventions to proactively manage clumping.
Mechanical properties of canine osteosarcoma‐affected antebrachia
Authors: Steffey Michele A. , Garcia Tanya C. , Daniel Leticia , Zwingenberger Allison L. , Stover Susan M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the influence of neoplasia on the biomechanical properties of canine antebrachia.Study designEx vivo biomechanical study.Sample population: Osteosarcoma (OSA)‐affected canine antebrachia (n = 12) and unaffected canine antebrachia (n = 9).MethodsAntebrachia were compressed in axial loading until failure. A load‐deformation curve was used to acquire the structural mechanical properties of neoplastic and unaffected specimens. Structural properties and properties normalized by body weight (BW) and radius length were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Modes of failure were compared descriptively.ResultsNeoplastic antebrachia fractured at, or adjacent to, the OSA in the distal radial diaphysis. Unaffected antebrachia failed via mid‐diaphyseal radial fractures with a transverse cranial component and an oblique caudal component. Structural mechanical properties were more variable in neoplastic antebrachia than unaffected antebrachia, which was partially attributable to differences in bone geometry related to dog size. When normalized by dog BW and radial length, strength, stiffness, and energy to yield and failure, were lower in neoplastic antebrachia than in unaffected antebrachia.ConclusionsOSA of the distal radial metaphysis in dogs presented for limb amputation markedly compromises the structural integrity of affected antebrachia. However, biomechanical properties of affected bones was sufficient for weight‐bearing, as none of the neoplastic antebrachia fractured before amputation. The behavior of tumor invaded bone under cyclic loading warrants further investigations to evaluate the viability of in situ therapies for bone tumors in dogs.
Measuring Nurses’ Value, Implementation, and Knowledge of Evidence‐Based Practice: Further Psychometric Testing of the Quick‐EBP‐VIK Survey
Authors: Connor Linda , Paul Fiona , McCabe Margaret , Ziniel Sonja 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe Quick‐EBP‐VIK is a new instrument for measuring nurses’ value, implementation, and knowledge of EBP. Psychometric testing was conducted in two parts. Part 1 describes the tool development and validity testing which resulted in the development of a 25‐item survey after receiving ≥0.80 Item‐Level Content Validity Index for both clarity and relevance. Part 2 describes psychometric testing was necessary to assess additional types of validity and reliability.AimThe purpose of this paper is to further describe the psychometric testing of the Quick‐EBP‐VIK survey instrument.MethodsThis descriptive study was designed to assess test–retest reliability, internal consistency and construct validity via a web‐based survey. The survey instrument was e‐mailed to all nurses at the study hospital. Nurses who responded to the first survey (Wave 1) received another e‐mail invitation to complete the survey instrument again (Wave 2) for the purpose of assessing the test–retest reliability of the instrument.ResultsA total of 1,177 deliverable e‐mails were sent to all nursing staff at one free standing pediatric hospital with Magnet® designation in the northeast. A total of 382 nurses returned completed surveys, indicating a 32.5% response rate for Wave 1. A total of 131 nurses responded to Wave 2 indicating a response rate of 34.3%. The intraclass correlation coefficients for the items included in the final instrument ranged from 0.43 to 0.80 and were deemed sufficient. These represent a sufficient intraclass correlation coefficient. The Cronbach's Alpha values for each of the three domains are all higher than 0.7 indicating that the items of each of the measurement dimension are internally consistent. However, the composite reliability of the third domain was slightly lower than 0.7 when using Raykov's Rho.Linking Evidence to ActionThe Quick‐EBP‐VIK instrument has gone through rigorous comprehensive testing and has demonstrated good psychometric properties.