bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local cholinergic interneurons modulate GABAergic inhibition in the chicken optic tectum
Authors: Weigel Stefan , Luksch Harald 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe chicken optic tectum (TeO) and its mammalian counterpart, the superior colliculus, are important sensory integration centers. Multimodal information is represented in a topographic map, which plays a role in spatial attention and orientation movements. The TeO is organised in 15 layers with clear input and output regions, and further interconnected with the isthmic nuclei (NI), which modulate the response in a winner‐takes‐all fashion. While many studies have analysed tectal cell types and their modulation from the isthmic system physiologically, little is known about local network activity and its modulation in the tectum. We have recently shown with voltage‐sensitive dye imaging that electrical stimulation of the retinorecipient layers results in a stereotypic response, which is under inhibitory control [S. Weigel & H. Luksch () J. Neurophysiol., 107, 640–648]. Here, we analysed the contribution of acetylcholine (ACh) and the NI to evoked tectal responses using a pharmacological approach in a midbrain slice preparation. Application of the nicotinic ACh receptor (AChR) antagonist curarine increased the tectal response in amplitude, duration and lateral extent. This effect was similar but less pronounced when γ‐aminobutyric acidA receptors were blocked, indicating interaction of inhibitory and cholinergic neurons. The muscarinic AChR antagonist atropine did not change the response pattern. Removal of the NI, which are thought to be the major source of cholinergic input to the TeO, reduced the response only slightly and did not result in a disinhibition. Based on the data presented here and the neuroanatomical literature of the avian TeO, we propose a model of the underlying local circuitry.
Linking genotype, ecotype, and phenotype in an intensively managed large carnivore
Authors: Shafer Aaron B. A. , Nielsen Scott E. , Northrup Joseph M. , Stenhouse Gordon B. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractNumerous factors influence fitness of free‐ranging animals, yet often these are uncharacterized. We integrated GPS habitat use data and genetic profiling to determine their influence on fitness proxies (mass, length, and body condition) in a threatened population of grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) in Alberta, Canada. We detected distinct genetic and habitat use (ecotype) clusters, with individual cluster assignments, or genotype/ecotype, being correlated (Pearson r = 0.34, P < 0.01). Related individuals showed evidence of similar habitat use patterns, irrespective of geographic distance and sex. Fitness proxies were influenced by sex, age, and habitat use, and homozygosity had a positive effect on these proxies that could be indicative of outbreeding depression. We further documented over 300 translocations occurring in the province since the 1970s, often to areas with significantly different habitat. We argue this could be unintentionally causing the pattern of outbreeding, although the heterozygosity correlation may instead be explained by the energetic costs associated with larger body size. The observed patterns, together with the unprecedented human‐mediated migrations, make understanding the link between genotype, ecotype, and phenotype and mechanisms behind the negative heterozygosity‐fitness correlations critical for management and conservation of this species.
Prevalence and factors associated with xerostomia and hyposalivation among community‐dwelling older people in Japan
Authors: Ohara Yuki , Hirano Hirohiko , Yoshida Hideyo , Obuchi Shuichi , Ihara Kazushige , Fujiwara Yoshinori , Mataki Shiro 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveThis study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with xerostomia and hyposalivation among community‐dwelling older people.BackgroundXerostomia and hyposalivation are common symptoms in the older population.Materials and methodsThis study included with 894 community‐dwelling, Japanese older people (355 men, 539 women; age 65–84 years) who participated in a comprehensive geriatric health examination, which included questionnaires and interviews regarding medical history, medications, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence (TMIG‐IC), depressive condition. The Zung Self‐Rating Depression Scale (SDS) was used to evaluate depression. Resting salivary flow rate was evaluated by the modified cotton roll method.ResultsIn this study, 34.8% of the participants (mean age, 73.5 ± 5.0 years) complained about xerostomia, while the prevalence of hyposalivation was 11.5%. Multiple regression analysis revealed hypnotics use [odds ratio (OR) = 1.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.13–2.61], SDS (OR = 1.05, CI = 1.04–1.07) and TMIG‐IC total points (OR = 0.87, CI = 0.76–0.99) to be significantly associated with xerostomia. In contrast, female gender (OR = 2.59, CI = 1.55–4.31) and the use of agents affecting digestive organs (OR = 1.78, CI = 1.11–2.86) were associated with hyposalivation.ConclusionOur findings showed that the prevalence of xerostomia and hyposalivation were approximately 1 in 3 and 1 in 10 respectively. The factors associated with psychological factors and high‐level functional competence, while hyposalivation was associated with medications and gender, as well as systemic and/or metabolic differences. It is important to consider these multidimensional factors associated with xerostomia and hyposalivation.
In search of compassion: a new taxonomy of compassionate physician behaviours
Authors: Cameron Rachel A. , Mazer Benjamin L. , DeLuca Jane M. , Mohile Supriya G. , Epstein Ronald M. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundCompassion has been extolled as a virtue in the physician–patient relationship as a response to patient suffering. However, there are few studies that systematically document the behavioural features of physician compassion and the ways in which physicians communicate compassion to patients.ObjectiveTo develop a taxonomy of compassionate behaviours and statements expressed by the physician that can be discerned by an outside observer.DesignQualitative analysis of audio‐recorded office visits between oncologists and patients with advanced cancer.Setting and ParticipantsOncologists (n = 23) and their patients with advanced cancer (n = 49) were recruited in the greater Rochester, New York, area. The physicians and patients were surveyed and had office visits audio recorded.Main Outcome MeasuresAudio recordings were listened to for qualitative assessment of communication skills.ResultsOur sensitizing framework was oriented around three elements of compassion: recognition of the patient's suffering, emotional resonance and movement towards addressing suffering. Statements of compassion included direct statements, paralinguistic expressions and performative comments. Compassion frequently unfolded over the course of a conversation rather than being a single discrete event. Additionally, non‐verbal linguistic elements (e.g. silence) were frequently employed to communicate emotional resonance.Discussion and ConclusionsThis study is the first to systematically catalogue instances of compassionate communication in physician‐patient dialogues. Further refinement and validation of this preliminary taxonomy can guide future education and training interventions to facilitate compassion in physician–patient interactions.
Urinary biomarkers of kidney injury are associated with all‐cause mortality in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS)
Authors: Peralta CA , Scherzer R , Grunfeld C , Abraham A , Tien PC , Devarajan P , Bennett M , Butch AW , Anastos K , Cohen MH , Nowicki M , Sharma A , Young MA , Sarnak MJ , Parikh CR , Shlipak MG 
Published: December 2013

ObjectivesChronic kidney disease (CKD) is common in HIV‐infected individuals, and is associated with mortality in both the HIV‐infected and general populations. Urinary markers of tubular injury have been associated with future kidney disease risk, but associations with mortality are unknown.MethodsWe evaluated the associations of urinary interleukin‐18 (IL‐18), liver fatty acid binding protein (L‐FABP), kidney injury molecule‐1 (KIM‐1), neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) and the albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (ACR) with 10‐year, all‐cause death in 908 HIV‐infected women. Serum cystatin C was used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (eGFRcys).ResultsThere were 201 deaths during 9269 person‐years of follow‐up. After demographic adjustment, compared with the lowest tertile, the highest tertiles of IL‐18 [hazard ratio (HR) 2.54; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.75–3.68], KIM‐1 (HR 2.04; 95% CI 1.44–2.89), NGAL (HR 1.50; 95% CI 1.05–2.14) and ACR (HR 1.63; 95% CI 1.13–2.36) were associated with higher mortality. After multivariable adjustment including adjustment for eGFRcys, only the highest tertiles of IL‐18 (HR 1.88; 95% CI 1.29–2.74) and ACR (HR 1.46; 95% CI 1.01–2.12) remained independently associated with mortality. Findings for KIM‐1 were borderline (HR 1.41; 95% CI 0.99–2.02). We found a J‐shaped association between L‐FABP and mortality. Compared with persons in the lowest tertile, the HR for the middle tertile of L‐FABP was 0.67 (95% CI 0.46–0.98) after adjustment. Associations were stronger when IL‐18, ACR and L‐FABP were simultaneously included in models.ConclusionsAmong HIV‐infected women, some urinary markers of tubular injury are associated with mortality risk, independently of eGFRcys and ACR. These markers represent potential tools with which to identify early kidney injury in persons with HIV infection.
Selected factors influencing the ability of Bifidobacterium to form biogenic amines
Authors: Lorencová Eva , Buňková Leona , Pleva Pavel , Dráb Vladimír , Kubáň Vlastimil , Buňka František 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe ability of typical probiotic culture of Bifidobacterium to produce biogenic amines could be considered a contrastive feature to the beneficial dietary effect on human health. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the decarboxylase activity of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CCDM 239 influenced by selected factors (pH 4.5 and 5.0; the contents of NaCl 0–20.0 g L−1, glucose and lactose 0–10.0 g L−1) at in vitro conditions. The kinetics of the biogenic amine production under the above‐mentioned conditions was also monitored. The biogenic amine content detection was carried out in the supernatants of inoculated broth [MRS enriched with amino acids: arginine, ornithine, lysine, tyrosine; 3 g L−1 after the cultivation (48 h, 37 ± 1 °C)]. RP‐HPLC after the precolumn derivatisation with dansyl chloride was used. In most cases, the low concentrations of tyramine were monitored (<15 mg L−1). Simultaneously, it was found out that the addition of certain fermentable saccharide concentrations and NaCl in their mutual combination seemed to have supporting effect on the decarboxylase activity of the tested Bifidobacterium.
Angiotensin I‐converting enzyme inhibitory activity of protein hydrolysates prepared from three freshwater carps (Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala) using Flavorzyme
Authors: Elavarasan Krishnamoorthy , Shamasundar Bangalore Aswathnarayan 
Published: December 2013

SummaryFish protein hydrolysates from three freshwater carps, Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala with different degree of hydrolysis (DH) (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%), were prepared using Flavorzyme enzyme and designated as HCF, HRF and HMF, respectively. The angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of hydrolysates was found to vary from 43 ± 2% to 71 ± 3%. Based on ACE inhibitory activity, HRF with DH‐15% was taken up for further study. The mode of ACE activity inhibition by HRF‐DH 15% was mixed type as revealed by Lineweaver–Burk plot. Sequential digestion of HRF‐DH 15% using pepsin and pancreatin decreased the ACE inhibitory activity from 76% to 63%. Partial purification of HRF‐DH 15% by size exclusion chromatography gave three different fractions designated as F‐1, F‐2 and F‐3 with the molecular mass in the range of 6456–407 Da. Fraction 2 had significantly higher ACE inhibitory activity than the other fractions.
Carbonate in Struvite Stone Detected in Raman Spectra Compared with Infrared Spectra and X‐Ray Diffraction
Authors: Takasaki Etsuji 
Published: December 2013

Background: In regard to identify the compositions of urinary stones, the infrared spectra is a contemporary routine method. However, it is difficult to detect the absorption of carbonate in struvite stone by infrared spectra, because NH4 absorption of magnesium ammonium phosphate overlaps CO3 absorption of carbonate at 1420–1435 cm−1. With the purpose of demonstrating the existence of carbonate in struvite stones, the analysis of these stones by means of Raman spectra has been tried.Methods: Forty urinary stones, the chemical compositions of which were previously determined by infrared spectroscopy, were submitted to Raman spectrum analysis, and subsequently to analysis by x‐ray diffraction.Results: Thirty of 40 urinary stones were found to be composed of struvite and of mixed struvite‐calcium oxalate by infrared analysis. Twelve of these stones were shown to have Raman spectra of magnesium ammonium phosphate, and the other stones to have spectra of apatite. By x‐ray diffraction magnesium ammonium phosphate crystals were detected in 25 of these struvite stones and hydroxyl‐apatite in another 3, and 2 cases were undeterminable. For other components, such as calcium oxalate, uric acid and cystine, the analytical results of infrared spectra coincided with those of Raman spectra and x‐ray diffraction. Carbonate was detected in only a part of one struvite stone by Raman spectra.Conclusions: Above‐mentioned results may indicate that carbonate is only a minor component of urinary stones. Therefore, most of 1420–1435 cm−1bands on the infrared spectra of struvite stones do not indicate CO3 absorption of carbonate, but NH4 absorption of magnesium ammonium phosphate.
Positron Annihilation Study of Zirconia Nanopowders and Nanoceramics Stabilized by Magnesia and Ceria
Authors: Prochazka Ivan , Cizek Jakub , Melikhova Oksana , Konstantinova Tetyana E. , Danilenko Igor A. , Yashchishyn Igor A. 
Published: December 2013

Positron lifetime (LT) and coincidence Doppler broadening (CDB) measurements on nanopowders and ceramics of ceria‐ and magnesia‐stabilized zirconia (CeSZ and MgSZ, respectively) are presented. The nanopowders were prepared by the coprecipitation technique. Effects of nanopowder calcination and sintering at various temperatures were investigated. In the nanopowders, the two kinds of open‐volume defects associated with grain boundaries (GBs) could be identified via positron trapping: (i) vacancy‐like misfit defects situated along GBs and (ii) larger defects at the intersections of at least three GBs (triple points). CDB measurements on CeSZ compacted nanopowders indicated a segregation of Ce ions along GBs. A few percent fractions of positrons were found to form positronium localized in pores of ≈1.8 nm diameter in compacted nanopowders. Sintering of nanopowders at 1500°C appeared to be sufficient for disappearance of pores and triple point defects. In sintered ceramics, contrary to compacted nanopowders, positrons were trapped in zirconium vacancies in grain interiors.
Leadership and innovation in nursing seen through a historical lens
Authors: Harris Ruth , Bennett Janette , Ross Fiona 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimTo explore nurses' archived accounts of Matron Muriel Powell's management and leadership style and the impact of this on the implementation and sustainability of innovation in the workplace.BackgroundIn popular discourse, the matron has become an emblem of leadership. Although the title disappeared in the UK in the late 1960s as part of the re‐organization recommended by the Salmon Report, it re‐appeared in 2002 in an attempt to improve care standards by reasserting a strong nursing presence and clinical leadership role.DesignSecondary data analysis using qualitative thematic analysis.MethodsThis paper draws on interview data held in the ‘Nurses Voices’ archive. The interview transcripts of 132 nurses who trained or worked at St George's hospital in 1920–1980 were analysed in depth between March 2011–January 2012 and themes were generated inductively by grouping together emergent codes in the data with similar meaning.ResultsLooking back, the nurses recalled strong memories of the leadership of Matron Powell. Her presence emerged as a significant influence throughout the interviews. Two resonant themes were identified: innovation and open communication.ConclusionsThrough her visibility and direct access with patients and staff, Dame Muriel Powell showed what we would now call transformative leadership qualities. Her leadership created a culture of open communication and innovation that initiated change in the organization and the nursing workforce. Looking back and learning from historical figures can deepen understanding and provide pointers for the nurse leaders of today.
A Collaborative Group Method of Inclusive Research
Authors: Bigby Christine , Frawley Patsie , Ramcharan Paul 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundFunding bodies in Australia and the United Kingdom require research on issues that affect the lives of people with intellectual disability to be inclusive. Debate continues about the nature and benefits of inclusive research, which has become an umbrella term encompassing a broad spectrum of approaches.MethodThis study proposes one method of inclusive research, the ‘collaborative group' approach. It examines the processes used to conduct a study involving academics and self‐advocates, presenting findings derived from an inductive analysis of field note data, interview and meeting transcripts.ResultsFive components are identified: shared and distinct purposes of participants equally valued, shared involvement and distinct contributions equally valued, flexible, adapted research methods, working as a group with trusting relationships and dispersed power, and scaffolding for inclusion.ConclusionsThis collaborative group method potentially results in better research than either academics or self‐advocates could achieve alone and has multiple knowledge outcomes with differing accessibility and complexity.Accessible AbstractBackgroundWhen people with an intellectual disability and researchers from universities or other organisations do research together it is called inclusive research. People have worked together on research for a long time but there are still some questions about why we should do it and the best way to do it.MethodThis paper talks about one way of doing inclusive research that the people who wrote the paper call ‘collaborative group approach’. They did a big project with a group of people with an intellectual disability and talked and thought a lot about what they were doing. What they found out. There are five parts to working this way; (i) Having some of the same and some different reasons for doing the research (ii) Doing some things together and doing some things apart (iii) Being able to change things as you go so people can do what they want to do and are good at. (iv) Knowing each other well and being able to work together equally. (v) Thinking about the way you work all the time to make sure people are doing what they are good at and what they want to do.ConclusionIf people work this way it might lead to better research and understanding about the lives of people with an intellectual disability.
Conceptualizing Inclusive Research with People with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Bigby Christine , Frawley Patsie , Ramcharan Paul 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundThe inclusion of people with intellectual disability in research is a common requirement of research funding. Little conceptual clarity is available to guide the conduct of inclusive research or judge its fidelity, there is minimal evidence of its impact, and questions remain about its feasibility and rigour.MethodA comprehensive review of the peer reviewed literature and key texts was undertaken to more clearly conceptualize inclusive research and identify the issues associated with ways of approaching it.FindingThree approaches to inclusive research were identified: advisory, leading and controlling, and collaborative group. Using the literature and the authors' own experience, each approach is illustrated and discussed.ConclusionsA clearer conceptual framework is developed to guide researchers and administrators as they consider inclusive research and its feasibility to particular research questions. A strong self‐advocacy movement is identified as one of the conditions necessary for inclusive research to flourish.Accessible AbstractBackgroundOrganisations including government that fund research about people with an intellectual disability in the UK and Australia say it is important that people with an intellectual disability are involved in planning and doing research that is about them; this is called inclusive research. Some people have written about what they have done but not enough has been written and shared about the different ways of doing inclusive research.MethodThe people who wrote this paper looked at all the literature about ways of doing inclusive research and reflected on the way they had worked with a group of self advocates in writing about their history.ResultsThere are three main ways of doing inclusive research; (i) Where people with an intellectual disability give advice about what to do; (ii) Where people with an intellectual disability lead and control research (iii) Where people with and without intellectual disability work together as a group with different jobs based on their different interests and skills.ConclusionsIn the past there has been an idea that there is only one way to do inclusive research. This paper talks about the advantages and disadvantages of different ways of doing inclusive research, and when you might choose one way rather than another.
Partitioning taxon, phylogenetic and functional beta diversity into replacement and richness difference components
Authors: Cardoso Pedro , Rigal François , Carvalho José C. , Fortelius Mikael , Borges Paulo A. V. , Podani Janos , Schmera Denes 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimTo propose a unified framework for quantifying taxon (Tβ), phylogenetic (Pβ) and functional (Fβ) beta diversity via pairwise comparisons of communities, which allows these types of beta diversity to be partitioned into ecologically meaningful additive components.LocationGlobal, with case studies in Europe and the Azores archipelago.MethodsUsing trees as a common representation for taxon, phylogenetic and functional diversity, we partition total beta diversity (βtotal) into its replacement (turnover, βrepl) and richness difference (βrich) components according to which part of a global tree was shared by or unique to communities that were being compared. We demonstrate the application of this framework using artificial and empirical examples (mammals in Europe and epigean arthropods in the Azores).ResultsOur empirical examples show that comparing Pβ and Fβ with the most commonly used Tβ revealed previously hidden patterns of beta diversity. More importantly, we demonstrate that partitioning Pβtotal and Fβtotal into their respective βrepl and βrich components facilitates the detection of more complex patterns than using the overall coefficients alone, further elucidating the different forces operating in community assembly.Main conclusionsThe methods presented here allow the integration and full comparison of Tβ, Pβ and Fβ. They provide a tool for effectively disentangling the replacement (turnover) and richness difference components of the different biodiversity facets within the same methodological framework.