Variability in repeated economic games: comparing trust game decisions to other social trust measures.

Economic games are well-established tools that offer a convenient approach to study social behaviour. Although widely used, recent evidence suggests that decisions made in the context of standard economic games are less predictive of real-world behaviour than previously assumed self-reported questionnaires. A possible explanation for this discrepancy is that economic games decisions in the laboratory are more likely to be influenced by the current situation, while questionnaires are specifically designed to measure people's average behaviour across a long period of time. To test this hypothesis, we performed a longitudinal study where 275 respondents played 16 Trust games every two days within a three-week period, and filled out a questionnaire that measures social trust. This study confirmed the instability of our measure of trust behaviour over time and the substantial stability of questionnaire responses. However, we found a significant association between self-reported social trust and participants' average behaviour in the trust game measured across sessions, but also with participants' behaviour measured only in Session 1. Nevertheless, analysis of behavioural changes in the Trust games over time revealed different behavioural profiles, highlighting how economic games and questionnaires can complement each other in the study of social trust.

Disease, perceived infectability and threat reactivity: A COVID-19 study.

Using a two-wave online experiment, we investigate whether COVID-19 exposure changes participants' threat-detection threshold. Threat reactivity was measured in a signal detection task among 277 British adults who also reported how vulnerable they felt to infectious diseases. Participants' data were then matched to the local number of confirmed COVID-19 cases announced by the NHS every day. We found that participants who perceive themselves as more likely to catch infectious diseases displayed higher threat reactivity in response to increased COVID-19 cases.

Correction: Environmental adversity is associated with lower investment in collective actions.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236715.].

Childhood environmental adversity is not linked to lower levels of cooperative behaviour in economic games.

Cooperation is a universal phenomenon, it is present in all human cultures from hunter-gatherers to industrialised societies, and it constitutes a fundamental aspect of social relationships. There is, however, variability in the amount of resources people invest in cooperative activities. Recent findings indicate that this variability may be partly explained as a contextually appropriate response to environmental conditions. Specifically, adverse environments seem to be associated with less cooperation and recent findings suggest that this effect is partly mediated by differences in individuals' life-history strategy. In this paper, we set out to replicate and extend these findings by measuring actual cooperative behaviour in three economic games - a Dictator game, a Trust game and a Public Goods game - on a nationally representative sample of 612 people. Although we found that the cooperation and life-history strategy latent variables were adequately captured by the models, the hypothesised relationship between childhood environmental adversity and adult cooperation and the mediation effect by life-history strategy were not found.

Environmental adversity is associated with lower investment in collective actions.

Environmental adversity is associated with a wide range of biological outcomes and behaviors that seem to fulfill a need to favor immediate over long-term benefits. Adversity is also associated with decreased investment in cooperation, which is defined as a long-term strategy. Beyond establishing the correlation between adversity and cooperation, the channel through which this relationship arises remains unclear. We propose that this relationship is mediated by a present bias at the psychological level, which is embodied in the reproduction-maintenance trade-off at the biological level. We report two pre-registered studies applying structural equation models to test this relationship on large-scale datasets (the European Values Study and the World Values Survey). The present study replicates existing research linking adverse environments (both in childhood and in adulthood) with decreased investment in adult cooperation and finds that this association is indeed mediated by variations in individuals' reproduction-maintenance trade-off.

When gas analysis assists with postmortem imaging to diagnose causes of death.

Postmortem imaging consists in the non-invasive examination of bodies using medical imaging techniques. However, gas volume quantification and the interpretation of the gas collection results from cadavers remain difficult. We used whole-body postmortem multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) followed by a full autopsy or external examination to detect the gaseous volumes in bodies. Gases were sampled from cardiac cavities, and the sample compositions were analyzed by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/thermal conductivity detection (HS-GC-MS/TCD). Three categories were defined according to the presumed origin of the gas: alteration/putrefaction, high-magnitude vital gas embolism (e.g., from scuba diving accident) and gas embolism of lower magnitude (e.g., following a traumatic injury). Cadaveric alteration gas was diagnosed even if only one gas from among hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide or methane was detected. In alteration cases, the carbon dioxide/nitrogen ratio was often >0.2, except in the case of advanced alteration, when methane presence was the best indicator. In the gas embolism cases (vital or not), hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide and methane were absent. Moreover, with high-magnitude vital gas embolisms, carbon dioxide content was >20%, and the carbon dioxide/nitrogen ratio was >0.2. With gas embolisms of lower magnitude (gas presence consecutive to a traumatic injury), carbon dioxide content was <20% and the carbon dioxide/nitrogen ratio was often <0.2. We found that gas analysis provided useful assistance to the postmortem imaging diagnosis of causes of death. Based on the quantifications of gaseous cardiac samples, reliable indicators were determined to document causes of death. MDCT examination of the body must be performed as quickly as possible, as does gas sampling, to avoid generating any artifactual alteration gases. Because of cardiac gas composition analysis, it is possible to distinguish alteration gases and gas embolisms of different magnitudes.

Excitonic properties of wurtzite InP nanowires grown on silicon substrate.

In order to investigate the optical properties of wurtzite (Wz) InP nanowires grown on Si(001) by solid source molecular beam epitaxy with the vapour-liquid-solid method, the growth temperature and V/III pressure ratio have been optimized to remove any zinc-blende insertion. These pure Wz InP nanowires have been investigated by photoluminescence (PL), time-resolved PL and PL excitation. Direct observation of the second and third valence band in Wz InP nanowires using PL spectroscopy at high excitation power have been reported and, from these measurements, a crystal field splitting of 74 meV and a spin-orbit interaction energy of 145 meV were extracted. Based on the study of temperature-dependent optical properties, we have performed an investigation of the thermal escape processes of carriers and the electron-phonon coupling strength.

Detection of hemorrhage source: the diagnostic value of post-mortem CT-angiography.

The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic value of post-mortem computed tomography angiography (PMCTA) to conventional, ante-mortem computed tomography (CT)-scan, CT-angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the detection and localization of the source of bleeding in cases of acute hemorrhage with fatal outcomes. The medical records and imaging scans of nine individuals who underwent a conventional, ante-mortem CT-scan, CTA or DSA and later died in the hospital as a result of an acute hemorrhage were reviewed. Post-mortem computed tomography angiography, using multi-phase post-mortem CTA, as well as medico-legal autopsies were performed. Localization accuracy of the bleeding was assessed by comparing the diagnostic findings of the different techniques. The results revealed that data from ante-mortem and post-mortem radiological examinations were similar, though the PMCTA showed a higher sensitivity for detecting the hemorrhage source than did ante-mortem radiological investigations. By comparing the results of PMCTA and conventional autopsy, much higher sensitivity was noted in PMCTA in identifying the source of the bleeding. In fact, the vessels involved were identified in eight out of nine cases using PMCTA and only in three cases through conventional autopsy. Our study showed that PMCTA, similar to clinical radiological investigations, is able to precisely identify lesions of arterial and/or venous vessels and thus determine the source of bleeding in cases of acute hemorrhages with fatal outcomes.

Wurtzite InP/InAs/InP core-shell nanowires emitting at telecommunication wavelengths on Si substrate.

Optical properties of wurtzite InP/InAs/InP core-shell nanowires grown on silicon substrates by solid source molecular beam epitaxy are studied by means of photoluminescence and microphotoluminescence. The growth conditions were optimized to obtain purely wurtzite radial quantum wells emitting in the telecom bands with a radiative lifetime in the 5-7 ns range at 14 K. Optical studies on single nanowires reveal that the polarization is mainly parallel to the growth direction. A 20-fold reduction of the photoluminescence intensity is observed between 14 and 300 K confirming the very good quality of the nanowires.

InGaAs quantum dots grown by molecular beam epitaxy for light emission on Si substrates.

The aim of this study is to achieve homogeneous, high density and dislocation free InGaAs quantum dots grown by molecular beam epitaxy for light emission on silicon substrates. This work is part of a project which aims at overcoming the severe limitation suffered by silicon regarding its optoelectronic applications, especially efficient light emission device. For this study, one of the key points is to overcome the expected type II InGaAs/Si interface by inserting the InGaAs quantum dots inside a thin silicon quantum well in SiO2 fabricated on a SOI substrate. Confinement effects of the Si/SiO2 quantum well are expected to heighten the indirect silicon bandgap and then give rise to a type I interface with the InGaAs quantum dots. Band structure and optical properties are modeled within the tight binding approximation: direct energy bandgap is demonstrated in SiO2/Si/InAs/Si/SiO2 heterostructures for very thin Si layers and absorption coefficient is calculated. Thinned SOI substrates are successfully prepared using successive etching process resulting in a 2 nm-thick Si layer on top of silica. Another key point to get light emission from InGaAs quantum dots is to avoid any dislocations or defects in the quantum dots. We investigate the quantum dot size distribution, density and structural quality at different V/III beam equivalent pressure ratios, different growth temperatures and as a function of the amount of deposited material. This study was performed for InGaAs quantum dots grown on Si(001) substrates. The capping of InGaAs quantum dots by a silicon epilayer is performed in order to get efficient photoluminescence emission from quantum dots. Scanning transmission electronic microscopy images are used to study the structural quality of the quantum dots. Dislocation free In50Ga50As QDs are successfully obtained on a (001) silicon substrate. The analysis of QDs capped with silicon by Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry in a channeling geometry is also presented.

Depression, quality of life and breast cancer: a review of the literature.

Depression is misdiagnosed and undertreated among breast cancer population. Risk factors for depression in the 5 years after diagnosis are related more to the patient rather than to the disease or its treatment. The breast cancer stage (early and advanced) is not statistically significant in terms of rates of psychosocial distress except for recurrence. Risk factors of depression might impair quality of life such as fatigue, past history or recent episode of depression after the onset of cancer, cognitive attitudes of helplessness/hopelessness, resignation. Body image impairment from mastectomy and sexuality aftermath generates higher rates of mood disorders. The link between increased risk of breast cancer and depression is controversial among the literature. Some studies suggest a protective factor, others find a relation between stress, immunity and cancer occurrence or even mortality. Breast cancer survivors report a higher prevalence of mild to moderate depression with a lower quality of life in all areas except for family functioning. Treatment of depression in breast cancer women improves their quality of life and may increase longevity. Antidepressant medications remain the cornerstone of depression treatment. The hypothetical link between their prescription and increased breast cancer risk is not supported by literature's data.

[Treatment of isolated nocturnal enuresis: alarm or desmopressin?]. / Traitement de l'énurésie nocturne isolée: alarme sonore ou desmopressine?

BACKGROUND: Monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis is common in healthy school children. Treatment is often required because of social and psychological convenience. We therefore conducted a randomized prospective trial using either desmopressin (D) or alarm (A). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients (n = 135) aged 6 to 16 years were enrolled between January 1992 and December 1994. Desmopressin (Minirin spray, Ferring SA) was given intranasally at a dose of 20 micrograms at bedtime and increased to 40 micrograms after 2 weeks if partial result was obtained. The alarm was a pad-bell device (Wet-stop, Sega) and the sound source was attached to the upper part of the pajamas. Inclusion criteria were: primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis in healthy children, age > or = 6 years, absence of previous treatment using either desmopressin or alarm. The aim of the treatment was to achieve 100% dry nights. Patients were evaluated after 15 days on therapy by phone call and thereafter by attending the outpatient clinic at 2-3 and 4-6 months. At the time of the second evaluation, a switch from alarm to desmopressin (or vice-versa) was proposed to those who did not respond to the initial treatment. RESULTS: In group D (n = 62), only 27 children were included since 12 (19%) were switched to alarm and 23 (37%) were excluded because they were either non-compliant or lost to follow-up. In group A (n = 73), only 31 were included since six (8%) were switched to desmopressin and 36 (49%) were excluded for the same reasons as in group D. Prior to inclusion, the percentage of dry nights was 21% in group D and 14% in group A. After 15 days on therapy, patients from group D achieved 80% dry nights compared to 50% in group A (P = 0.001). After 3 months, patients from group D attained 85% dry nights vs 90% in group A. After 6 months, children from group A achieved 94% dry nights vs 78% in group D (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Desmopressin offers better short-term results than enuresis alarm but the latter is significantly more efficient in the long term. In France, the alarm device is not reimbursed by the national health service and therefore is poorly accepted, as suggested from the high rate of patients lost to follow-up.

[Renal function after nephrectomy for Wilms' tumor]. / Fonction rénale après néphrectomie pour tumeur de Wilms.

BACKGROUND: Most children with Wilms tumour recover after nephrectomy, chemotherapy and sometimes radiotherapy. It is therefore important to assess their long-term renal function. POPULATION AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients with Wilms tumour experienced unilateral nephrectomy between 1986 and 1993: three were excluded; 23 were staged as grade I, one at grade II, two at grade III and four at grade IV. They were treated with SIOP 6 and SIOP 9 protocols. The results were compared to five controls who underwent unilateral nephrectomy including three for renal trauma. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was measured by inulin clearance and the renal plasma flow (RPF) by para-amino-hippuric acid clearance. RESULTS: The mean age at nephrectomy was 3.4 +/- 2.5 years (median: 3, range: 0.2-10.6) and the duration of follow-up was 4.6 +/- 3.1 years (median: 4.5, range: 1-8.5), the GFR was 93 +/- 13 mL/min/1.73 m2 (median: 93, range: 73-130), the RPF was 441 +/- 85 mL/min/1.73 m2 (median: 453, range: 236-650) and the filtrated fraction (FF) was 0.21 +/- 0.03 (median: 0.20, range: 0.18-0.31). The difference in renal function between patients and controls was not significant (GRF: 86 +/- 12 mL/min/1.73 m2, RPF: 486 +/- 185 mL/min/1.73 m2, FF: 0.22 +/- 0.03). The electrolyte reabsorption rate was normal and none of the patients suffered from arterial hypertension. Fourteen children had urinary albumin: creatinine ratio > 2 g/mol. When comparing patients according to the duration of follow-up after nephrectomy (< 4 years vs > 4 years), the renal function was not statistically different. The age at nephrectomy (< 2 years vs > 2 years) did not increase the risk of renal impairment. CONCLUSION: Children with Wilms tumour who were treated with nephrectomy and non-nephrotoxic drugs (actinomycin, vincristine, epiadriamycin) have a good long-term renal outcome. It is speculated that systematic renal investigation should be limited to those children with increased microalbuminuria and/or elevated blood pressure.

Effect of kappa-casein split peptides on platelet aggregation and on thrombus formation in the guinea-pig.

An undecapeptide (residues 106-116 of cow kappa-casein) is known to inhibit human platelet aggregation and fibrinogen binding through inhibition of the interaction between the fibrinogen gamma-chain C-terminus and alphaIIbbeta3. This was due to structural homologies with the fibrinogen gamma-chain C-terminal dodecapeptide. We have therefore compared in this work the in vitro anti-aggregating activity of kappa-casein split peptides and their in vivo potential antithrombotic activity in a model of arterial thrombosis triggered by laser-induced intimal injury in the guinea-pig. Caseinoglycopeptide (residues 106-169), the undecapeptide (residues 106-116) and the pentapeptide KNQDK (residues 112-116) from cow kappa-casein, were anti-aggregating peptides and exerted a significant antithrombotic activity in the guinea-pig. Caseinoglycopeptides from three species (cow, ewe and human) were also antithrombotic and the most potent being the human one. The antithrombotic activity was achieved in vivo for doses less than the one suspected from in vitro data and for which, ex vivo platelet aggregation was not decreased. In conclusion, the relative involvement of the fibrinogen gamma-chain C-terminal dodecapeptide could be much more important in in vivo thrombosis process than in in vitro platelet aggregation. Its specificity and activity in vivo unveiled an interesting potential way for inhibition of arterial thrombosis if alternative molecular presentation (i.e. peptidomimetics) and alternative route (i.e. per os) can be developed.

Unusual association of juvenile macular dystrophy with congenital hypotrichosis: occurrence in two siblings suggesting autosomal recessive inheritance.

A familial association between juvenile macular dystrophy and congenital hypotrichosis is described in two siblings aged 25 and 23 years. We put forward arguments for locating the retinal alteration at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium and suggest that the hair disorder could be a Marie-Unna type hypotrichosis. This association is transmitted as an autosomal recessive condition.

High dose rate 60Co remote afterloading irradiation in cancer of the cervix in Haiti, 1977-1984.

From 1977 through 1984, 293 previously untreated patients with biopsy proven carcinoma of the uterine cervix were treated by whole pelvis irradiation and high intensity 60Co remote afterloading (RAL) intrauterine tandem techniques in Haiti. The treatment results were analyzed retrospectively to evaluate the therapeutic results and prognostic factors of a strict protocol involving 40 Gy to the whole pelvis (2 Gy/day, 5 days/week). In addition, on the 5th day of the 3rd week, the first outpatient 60Co remote afterloading intracavitary insertion, delivering 7.5 Gy to point "A" with each insertion, repeated 3 times by a week separation for a total of 4 times. The total TDF for external beam plus RAL was 158 and 175 for early and late effects respectively. One hundred-four patients were evaluable after 1 year or more follow-up, with a median of 26.5 months. No evidence of disease (NED) by Stage at 1 year was: Stage I of 100% (3/3), Stage II of 82% (9/11), Stage III of 80% (47/59), and Stage IV of 58% (18/31). The post-therapeutic complication rate was 7.7%, with no fistulas or requirement of surgical intervention. Those with documented follow-up of at least 2 years (74 patients) had comparable survival to other high dose rate and low dose rate studies. This study shows that outpatient brachytherapy can be carried out without sophisticated and expensive equipment with minimal staff trained in radiation therapy. A detailed description of this outpatient RAL technique and results are described so that this method can be adapted to other developing and industrialized nations where cost containment is becoming a key issue.