bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quorum sensing restrains growth and is rapidly inactivated during domestication of Sinorhizobium meliloti
Authors: Charoenpanich Pornsri , Soto Maria J. , Becker Anke , McIntosh Matthew 
Published: December 2014

SummaryMicrobial cooperative behaviours, such as quorum sensing (QS), improve survival and this explains their prevalence throughout the microbial world. However, relatively little is known about the mechanisms by which cooperation promotes survival. Furthermore, cooperation typically requires costly contributions, e.g. exopolysaccharides, which are produced from limited resources. Inevitably, cooperation is vulnerable to damaging mutations which results in mutants that are relieved of the burden of contributing but nonetheless benefit from the contributions of their parent. Unless somehow prevented, such mutants may outcompete and replace the parent. The bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti uses QS to activate the production of copious levels of exopolysaccharide (EPS). Domestication of this bacterium is typified by the appearance of spontaneous mutants incapable of EPS production, which take advantage of EPS production by the parent and outcompete the parent. We found that all of the mutants were defect in QS, implying that loss of QS is a typical consequence of the domestication of this bacterium. This instability was traced to several QS‐regulated processes, including a QS‐dependent restraint of growth, providing the mutant with a significant growth advantage. A model is proposed whereby QS restrains population growth to prevent overcrowding and prepares the population for the survival of severe conditions.
Pre‐operative baroreflex sensitivity and efferent cardiac parasympathetic activity are correlated with post‐operative pain
Authors: NIELSEN R. , NIKOLAJSEN L. , KRØNER K. , MØLGAARD H. , VASE L. , JENSEN T. S. , TERKELSEN A. J. 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundA maladaptation of the autonomic nervous system may been seen in patients with chronic pain that includes persistent changes in the autonomic tone, increased heart rate, and reduced heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity. Baroreflex sensitivity and acute pain intensity have been reported to be inversely correlated. However, it is unknown whether the same correlation applies with regard to post‐operative pain. In the present study, autonomic function was measured in patients scheduled for minor hand surgery and correlated with early and persistent pain after the procedure. Thus, the cause (autonomic imbalance) was present before the effect (post‐operative pain). Our primary hypothesis was that a lower level of pre‐operative baroreflex sensitivity is correlated with increased early post‐operative pain.MethodsThere were 30 patients included and scheduled for open carpal tunnel surgery. Baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability were measured before surgery. Efferent cardiac parasympathetic activity was estimated by power spectral analysis of heart rate variability. Post‐operative pain was recorded daily for 6 weeks (early post‐operative pain) and for 1 week 1 year after surgery (persistent post‐operative pain).ResultsPre‐operative baroreflex sensitivity correlated negatively with early (P = 0.05) and persistent (P = 0.04) post‐operative pain. Efferent cardiac parasympathetic activity correlated negatively with early (P = 0.03) but not persistent post‐operative pain (P = 0.12).ConclusionsThe findings suggest that a low pre‐operative level of baroreflex sensitivity is associated with higher post‐operative pain intensity. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show the correlation between baroreflex sensitivity and post‐operative pain.
Single‐Tooth Rehabilitations Supported by Dental Implants Used in an Immediate‐Provisionalization Protocol: Report on Long‐Term Outcome with Retrospective Follow‐Up
Authors: Maló Paulo , de Araújo Nobre Miguel , Lopes Armando , Ferro Ana , Gravito Inês 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundThere is a need for long‐term studies evaluating the outcome of single‐tooth rehabilitations supported by dental implants in immediate loading.PurposeTo report the long‐term outcome (in excess of 5 years) of single‐tooth rehabilitations supported by dental implants in an immediate‐provisionalization protocol.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 332 consecutive patients (189 females and 143 males) with an average age of 47 years (range: 16 to 82 years) who were rehabilitated between 1996 and 2006 with 594 single crowns supported by dental implants in immediate loading. Implant success rates were calculated based on implant function and using life tables. Marginal bone levels were measured at 5 and 10 years. Mechanical and biological complications were calculated for the follow‐up period between implant insertion and 5 years and every 6 months thereafter.ResultsFifty‐four patients dropped out of the study (16.5%). Nineteen patients lost a total of 25 implants (n = 23 in the maxilla; n = 2 in the mandible), rendering a cumulative survival rate of 95.7% at both 5 and 10 years of follow‐up. The mean marginal bone levels were 1.56 mm (standard deviation 0.78 mm) and 1.75 mm (standard deviation 0.29 mm) at 5 and 10 years of follow‐up. Mechanical complications occurred in 83 patients and 116 implants (19.5%) up to the 10‐year follow‐up, namely prosthetic screw loosening (2.4%), abutment complications (4.4%), fracture of provisional crowns (9.6%), and fracture of definitive ceramic crowns (3.5%). Biological complications occurred in 58 patients and 79 implants (13.3%) up to the 10‐year follow‐up, with the majority consisting in peri‐implant pathology.ConclusionsConsidering the high survival rates and stable marginal bone levels after 10 years, it can be concluded within the limitations of the present study that replacement of single teeth with dental implants in an immediate‐provisionalization protocol is a viable and safe treatment option for both maxilla and mandible.
Factors associated with clinical characteristics and symptoms in a case series of oral lichen planus
Authors: Barbosa Natália G. , Silveira Éricka J. D. , Lima Emeline N. de A. , Oliveira Patrícia T. , Soares Maria Sueli M. , de Medeiros Ana Miryam C. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundOral lichen planus (OLP) is a relatively common chronic inflammatory disease whose etiopathogenesis is not completely understood. Several factors have been proposed in an attempt to explain the variety of clinical manifestations and periods of exacerbation and remission of symptoms of these lesions. The objective of this study was to associate local factors, systemic diseases, and level of anxiety with clinical characteristics of OLP.MethodsThe following factors were analyzed in 37 patients with OLP: presence of smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hepatitis C virus infection. Anxiety was measured by the Spielberger State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory. These variables were associated with clinical form and symptoms (chi‐squared/Fisher's exact test).ResultsThe erosive form was the most prevalent presentation (57.1%). Symptoms were reported by 45.7% of the patients. Most patients were non‐smokers (97.3%), and none of them was an alcoholic. Diabetes and hypertension were present in 10.8% and 16.2% of the patients, respectively. Only one patient was hepatitis C virus seropositive, and 78.4% presented moderate levels of anxiety. No significant association was observed between the variables studied and clinical form or symptoms.ConclusionsIn this study, no association was observed between local and systemic factors or level of anxiety and clinical characteristics of OLP.
Stroke physician versus stroke neurologist: can anyone thrombolyse?
Authors: Lee A. , Gaekwad A. , Bronca M. , Cheruvu L. , Davies O. , Whitehead C. , Agzarian M. , Chen C. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackground/AimThe aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of thrombolysis under standard clinical settings between subjects treated by a stroke neurologist versus those treated by a non‐neurologist stroke physician.MethodsSingle‐centre, observational cohort study of subjects thrombolysed in a calendar year, stratified according to the physician type authorising thrombolysis. Endpoints measured include proportion of subjects with symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage, door‐to‐needle time, change in National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and discharge destination.ResultsForty‐nine subjects with a mean age 76 ± 16 years underwent thrombolysis, 21 were under the care of a stroke neurologist and 28 by a non‐neurologist stroke physician. No symptomatic intracranial haemorrhages were observed. There was no difference in terms of door‐to‐needle time, proportion of individuals with haemorrhagic transformation, mortality or discharge destination between the two groups.ConclusionDue to the single‐centre, observational nature of this study, the equivalent outcomes between those thrombolysed by a stroke neurologist versus those thrombolysed by a stroke physician must be interpreted with caution pending further studies. Nevertheless, in the current setting, no signal for harm has been detected. This study is unique as it is the first to our knowledge comparing outcomes between a neurologist and non‐neurologist following thrombolysis.
Dynamic Social Security after the crisis: Towards a new welfare state?
Authors: Diamond Patrick , Lodge Guy 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe conservative bias in social attitudes to the welfare state is manifested in entrenched support among the public for traditional welfare and social security benefits, chiefly higher pension payments and public expenditure on health care. This pattern has been reinforced by the 2008 financial crisis and the Great Recession as public support for social protection strategies geared towards “new” social risks – structural changes in labour markets, adverse demography, gender inequality, and family instability – has remained relatively weak. This pattern of resistance to change may hardly be surprising given that reforms are more often viewed by the public as a form of retrenchment with clear losers and few obvious beneficiaries. This underlines that political courage is rarely enough to achieve structural reforms of the welfare state. There will need to be clearly defined short‐term and long‐term objectives underpinned by a coherent rationale capable of persuading publics and citizens of the case for change if a more “Dynamic” system of social security is to be enacted in the industrialized countries over the next 20 years.
Understanding the Brazilian social policy model: Myths, milestones and Dynamic Social Security
Authors: Matijascic Milko , Kay Stephen J. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSince Brazil's re‐democratization in 1985, the country's system of social protection has become more focused on the neediest population groups while at the same time emphasizing universal access. In a context of severe inequality, the sub‐national units of government have played a greater role in reaching the broader population. Yet Brazil's social protection model favours cash transfers over social services, and reduces inequalities in the context of a highly unequal labour market. Strategies based on cash transfers appear to have reached their limits, because they are not the most effective way to promote equality and generate opportunities, when compared to the outcomes obtained by social service provision. Furthermore, while much progress toward reducing inequality has been achieved, benefits and services continue to fall short of what might be considered as typifying a welfare state or “Dynamic Social Security”.
Temporary employment protection and productivity growth in EU economies
Authors: DAMIANI Mirella , POMPEI Fabrizio , RICCI Andrea 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis article examines national and industry‐level differences in total factor productivity (TFP), or efficiency, for 14 European countries and ten industries for the period 1995–2007. The main aim is to ascertain the extent to which employment protection legislation (EPL) for workers with temporary contracts affects TFP, based on difference‐in‐difference estimations. The results show that the deregulation of temporary employment negatively affects TFP growth in European economies and that, at industry level, this liberalization affects industries with a higher propensity to use temporary workers. Furthermore, the authors find that the deregulation of temporary employment discourages training and the acquisition of firm‐specific skills.
Aesthetics, Authenticity and the Spectacle of the Real: How Do We Educate the Visual World We Live in Today?
Authors: Adkins Kirsten 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn his analysis of the twentieth century, the philosopher Alain Badiou defined a ‘passion for the real’ in terms of spectacle, in its extreme violence, disseminated through art or cultural media, that would shake us out of a complacency we might call reality. But how do we teach Badiou's ‘real’ in the technological world we live in today? We now have continual access to the ‘spectacle’ of the real uploaded within moments of it happening. Photography, video and consumer journalism become a dominating force in our visual experience of the world. In the face of this, how might we consider our relationship with the image, its aesthetic and authenticity? What role does art education play in promoting a critical dialogue with representations of today's real?
Doubting Learning Outcomes in Higher Education Contexts: from Performativity towards Emergence and Negotiation
Authors: Addison Nicholas 
Published: December 2014

AbstractLearning Outcomes models, particularly constructive alignment, are the default ‘theoretical’ tool underpinning HE curriculum design in the UK despite continuing doubts as to their efficacy. With reference to the literature, this article summarises the history of the Learning Outcomes movement and charts the perceived benefits and deficits of Learning Outcomes/Assessment as it pertains to art and design. It proceeds with an examination of the theoretical assumptions that underpin its principles specifically in relation to inclusivity and creative practice. Drawing on cultural historical activity theory, a case is made for a less prescriptive model, one that recognises socially constructed, situated meaning‐making, and the impossibility of second‐guessing the affect‐laden motivations that generate specific learning needs.
Study protocol for ‘we DECide’: implementation of advance care planning for nursing home residents with dementia
Authors: Ampe Sophie , Sevenants Aline , Coppens Evelien , Spruytte Nele , Smets Tinne , Declercq Anja , van Audenhove Chantal 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effects of ‘we DECide’, an educational intervention for nursing home staff on shared decision‐making in the context of advance care planning for residents with dementia.BackgroundAdvance care planning (preparing care choices for when persons no longer have decision‐making capacity) is of utmost importance for nursing home residents with dementia, but is mostly not realized for this group. Advance care planning consists of discussing care choices and making decisions and corresponds to shared decision‐making (the involvement of persons and their families in care and treatment decisions).DesignThis quasi‐experimental pre‐test–post‐test study is conducted in 19 nursing homes (Belgium). Participants are nursing home staff.Methods‘We DECide’ focuses on three crucial moments for discussing advance care planning: the time of admission, crisis situations and everyday conversations. The ‘ACP‐audit’ assesses participants’ views on the organization of advance care planning (organizational level), the ‘OPTION scale’ evaluates the degree of shared decision‐making in individual conversations (clinical level) and the ‘IFC‐SDM Questionnaire’ assesses participants’ views on Importance, Frequency and Competence of realizing shared decision‐making (clinical level). (Project funded: July 2010).DiscussionThe study hypothesis is that ‘we DECide’ results in a higher realization of shared decision‐making in individual conversations on advance care planning. A better implementation of advance care planning will lead to a higher quality of end‐of‐life care and more person‐centred care. We believe our study will be of interest to researchers and to professional nursing home caregivers and policy‐makers.
Potential stagnation in the splanchnic hemodynamics demonstrated by the dynamic microbubbles in chronic liver disease
Authors: Sekimoto Tadashi , Maruyama Hitoshi , Kondo Takayuki , Shimada Taro , Kiyono Soichiro , Yokosuka Osamu 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackground and AimImpaired splanchnic hemodynamics are well‐documented phenomena in cirrhosis. However, comprehensive hemodynamic features from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) to the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) via intestinal capillaries have not been studied. The aim was to examine splanchnic hemodynamics and their relationship with clinical presentations.MethodsContrast‐enhanced ultrasound was performed for both the SMA and SMV under fasting conditions and postprandially following ingestion of a liquid diet. The microbubble traveling time (MTT) was determined as the difference between the contrast onset in the SMA and SMV, indicating the time required for microbubble transit through the splanchnic circulation.ResultsThere were 192 subjects for fasting conditions (81 cirrhosis, 72 chronic hepatitis, 39 healthy controls), and 74/192 for postprandial conditions (44 cirrhosis, 11 chronic hepatitis, 19 healthy controls). The MTT (fasting; postprandial) was significantly longer in cirrhosis (7.7 ± 2.9 s; 7.0 ± 0.3 s) than in controls (5.4 ± 2.3 s, P < 0.001; 3.9 ± 0.9 s, P < 0.001) and chronic hepatitis (6.3 ± 2.5 s, P = 0.007; 5.1 ± 1.4 s, P = 0.013). The MTT ratio (postprandial/fasting) showed disease‐related changes: 0.75 ± 0.20 in controls, 0.78 ± 0.15 in chronic hepatitis, and 1.00 ± 0.28 in cirrhosis (P = 0.003, vs controls; P = 0.036, vs chronic hepatitis).ConclusionsThe real‐time observation of traveling microbubble on the sonogram revealed a prolonged transit with a weak postprandial response in the intestinal circulation, suggesting better understanding of underlying pathophysiology of splanchnic hemodynamics in chronic liver disease.
Adiposity Estimated Using Dual Energy X‐Ray Absorptiometry and Body Mass Index and Its Association with Cognition in Elderly Adults
Authors: Smith Evelyn , Bailey Phoebe E. , Crawford John , Samaras Katherine , Baune Bernhard T. , Campbell Lesley , Kochan Nicole , Menant Jasmine , Sturnieks Daina L. , Brodaty Henry , Sachdev Perminder , Trollor Julian N. 
Published: December 2014

ObjectivesTo determine whether obesity, estimated according to body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body fat and abdominal fat assessed using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA), was associated with cognitive performance.DesignCross‐sectional.SettingCommunity based.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 74–94 (N = 406).MeasurementsBMI, waist circumference, body fat, and abdominal fat were assessed using DEXA. Cognitive performance was assessed using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery.ResultsWhen categorized using BMI, overweight individuals had higher global cognitive function and executive function scores than normal‐weight individuals. This relationship did not differ according to sex. When categorized according to DEXA, there were no relationships between body fat and cognitive function in the whole group, but women in the middle and highest tertiles of DEXA body fat had better executive function than those in the lowest tertile. Men in the middle tertile of DEXA body fat had significantly better executive function and memory than those in the lowest tertile. BMI had greater power to predict executive function than DEXA body fat. No significant associations were found between cognition and estimates of abdominal adiposity.ConclusionThis study found an association between being overweight and better executive function in elderly adults; this association was stronger for the simpler BMI than the more‐elaborate DEXA measures.
A descriptive model of the offence chain for imprisoned adult male firesetters (descriptive model of adult male firesetting)
Authors: Barnoux Magali , Gannon Theresa A. , Ó Ciardha Caoilte 
Published: December 2014

PurposeFiresetting has devastating consequences. Although some theoretical efforts have been made to explain firesetting (i.e., a small number of multi‐ and single‐factor theories), little effort has been devoted to understand how deliberate firesetting unfolds across time (i.e., micro or offence chain theories). This research aimed to produce the first descriptive offence chain theory for incarcerated adult male firesetters.MethodsThirty‐eight adult male firesetters – recruited from prison establishments in England and Wales – were interviewed about the events, thoughts, and feelings leading up to, surrounding, and immediately following a deliberate incident of firesetting.ResultsUsing grounded theory analysis, the descriptive model of adult male firesetting (DMAF) was developed documenting the cognitive, behavioural, affective, and contextual factors leading to a single incident of deliberate firesetting.ConclusionsNew information generated from the DMAF is presented and its contributions to the current evidence base are highlighted. Clinical implications, limitations, and future research directions are also discussed.
Postharvesting population dynamics of the South American sea lion (Otaria byronia) in the southwestern Atlantic
Authors: Franco‐Trecu Valentina , Drago Massimiliano , Baladán Claudia , García‐Olazábal Mateo D. , Crespo Enrique A. , Cardona Luis , Inchausti Pablo 
Published: December 2014

AbstractMany pinniped populations precipitously declined during the 19th and 20th centuries due to overharvesting. In Uruguay, the South American sea lion (SASL) was harvested until 1986. Birth rates in two nearby breeding colonies have had opposite trends for at least 20 yr. We assessed different mechanisms that could explain opposite trends in birth rates in the two SASL colonies. We compared feeding habits (δ15N and δ13C) of breeding females, birth mass, individual growth rate and early survival of pups and the social structure between colonies. Breeding females from the two colonies did not differ in their feeding habits. However, male and female pups grew faster but had a lower survival in the second month in the smallest colony. We found differences in the social structures, with a higher proportion of males in the smallest colony. The latter is important because peripheral SASL males may abduct and kill pups, which may explain the lower survival of pups in smaller colonies. We believe that the cumulative effects of population extractions have lowered the local SASL population size and disrupted its social structure to the point where Allee‐like effects could become important and hamper the recovery of the Uruguayan SASL population.
Papal Diplomacy and The Great War
Authors: Pollard John 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe election of Giacomo Della Chiesa as Pope Benedict XV coincided with the outbreak of the First World War. His pacifism led to vigorous attempts to halt the war, which failed because of the Vatican's isolation and poor diplomatic prestige. The most notable attempt was Benedict Peace Note of 1917 that set out seven proposals for negotiating peace. Despite Benedict's failure to alter the course of the war, his diplomatic efforts were matched by humanitarian action on behalf of prisoners of war and famished children. Benedict's legacy has been greater diplomatic resources for the Vatican and an energetic search for peace.