bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal snuff use and cotinine in late pregnancy—A validation study
Authors: Gunnerbeck Anna , Raaschou Pauline , Cnattingius Sven , Edstedt Bonamy Anna‐Karin , Wickström Ronny 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIntroductionOral moist snuff is widely used in Sweden including during pregnancy. Maternal snuff use has been associated with increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes in epidemiological studies. Self‐reported maternal snuff use has not been validated previously. The main objective of this study was to validate self‐reported snuff use in pregnancy in a prospective cohort study and in the Medical Birth Register.Material and methodsA prospective Swedish cohort study, 2005‐2011, in which 572 women were asked to participate. Of 474 recruited women, 381 non‐smokers (263 snuff users and 118 non‐tobacco users) were included in the main analyses. Participants prospectively reported snuff use through questionnaires. Medical Birth Register data on the participants was obtained. Maternal urine cotinine was collected in late pregnancy and was used as a biomarker.ResultsCotinine levels in maternal urine confirmed a high validity of self‐reported snuff use through questionnaires in late pregnancy; sensitivity and specificity values were 98% and 96%, respectively. In the Medical Birth Register, 45% of the snuff users were misclassified as nonusers in late pregnancy. There were significant differences in median cotinine levels between users of mini pouches and users of standard pouches, but there was a great difference of cotinine levels among users with similar number of pouches used daily.ConclusionsSelf‐reported snuff use through questionnaires has high validity. In the Medical Birth Register, in late pregnancy, many snuff users were misclassified as nonusers. As a consequence, there is a risk of underestimating the harmful effects of snuff use when using late pregnancy Medical Birth Register data.
Women's experiences with water birth: A matched groups prospective study
Authors: Lathrop Anthony , Bonsack Carrie F. , Haas David M. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundWater birth has become an increasingly popular childbirth option, but has also come under scrutiny because of its possible risks and benefits. The primary objective of this study was to explore potential benefits of water birth by comparing the experiences of women who gave birth in water versus conventionally. We also compared maternal and newborn outcomes.MethodsWe performed a prospective study of 66 women who had water births and 132 who had conventional births. Data collected included demographics, labor and birth characteristics, perinatal outcomes, and maternal scores on the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ). Groups were matched for variables known to influence CEQ scores.ResultsWomen in the water birth group had more positive childbirth experiences compared with the conventional birth group (P < .001), and also compared with the subgroup of women who had epidural anesthesia (P = .002). After controlling for potential confounders, water birth was associated with a decreased likelihood of perineal lacerations requiring repair (P = .001) and a higher rate of breastfeeding initiation in the delivery room (P < .001). Adverse outcomes such as neonatal intensive care unit admission, blood loss >500 mL, 3rd/4th degree lacerations, and perinatal infections were rare. The study was not sufficiently powered to detect differences in rare outcomes.ConclusionWater birth was associated with more positive maternal childbirth experiences as represented by CEQ scores. Adverse outcomes were rare in both the water birth and conventional birth groups.
Insight into the Last Glacial Maximum climate and environments of the Baikal region
Authors: Tarasov Pavel E. , Ilyashuk Boris P. , Leipe Christian , Müller Stefanie , Plessen Birgit , Hoelzmann Philipp , Kostrova Svetlana S. , Bezrukova Elena V. , Meyer Hanno 
Published: June 2018

This study presents a multi‐proxy record from Lake Kotokel in the Baikal region at decadal‐to‐multidecadal resolution and provides a reconstruction of terrestrial and aquatic environments in the area during a 2000‐year interval of globally harsh climate often referred to as the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The studied lake is situated near the eastern shoreline of Lake Baikal, in a climatically sensitive zone that hosts boreal taiga and cold deciduous forests, cold steppe associations typical for northern Mongolia, and mountain tundra vegetation. The results provide a detailed picture of the period in focus, indicating (i) a driest phase (c. 24.0–23.4 cal. ka BP) with low precipitation, high summer evaporation, and low lake levels, (ii) a transitional interval of unstable conditions (c. 23.4–22.6 cal. ka BP), and (iii) a phase (c. 22.6–22.0 cal. ka BP) of relatively high precipitation (and moisture availability) and relatively high lake levels. One hotly debated issue in late Quaternary research is regional summer thermal conditions during the LGM. Our chironomid‐based reconstruction suggests at least 3.5 °C higher than present summer temperatures between c. 22.6 and 22.0 cal. ka BP, which are well in line with warmer and wetter conditions in the North Atlantic region inferred from Greenland ice‐cores. Overall, it appears that environments in central Eurasia during the LGM were affected by much colder than present winter temperatures and higher than present summer temperatures, although the effects of temperature oscillations were strongly influenced by changes in humidity.
Noradrenaline up‐regulates volume‐regulated chloride current by PKA‐independent cAMP/exchange protein activated by cAMP pathway in human atrial myocytes
Authors: Xiao Guo‐Sheng , Zhang Yan‐Hui , Wang Yan , Sun Hai‐Ying , Baumgarten Clive M , Li Gui‐Rong 
Published: June 2018

Background and PurposeAdrenergic regulation of cell volume‐regulated chloride current (ICl.vol) is species‐dependent. The present study investigates the mechanism underlying adrenergic regulation of ICl.vol in human atrial myocytes.Experimental ApproachConventional whole‐cell patch voltage‐clamp techniques were used to record membrane current in human atrial myocytes. ICl.vol was evoked by hyposmotic bath solution (0.6 times isosmotic, 0.6 T).Key ResultsICl.vol was augmented by noradrenaline (1 μM) during cell swelling in 0.6 T but not under isosmotic (1 T) conditions. Up‐regulation of ICl.vol in 0.6 T was blocked by the β‐adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol (2 μM), but not by the α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (2 μM). This β‐adrenergic response involved cAMP but was independent of PKA; the protein kinase inhibitor H‐89 (2 μM) or PKI (10 μM in pipette solution) failed to prevent ICl.vol up‐regulation by noradrenaline. Moreover, the PI3K/PKB inhibitor LY294002 (50 μM) and the PKG inhibitor KT5823 (10 μM) did not affect noradrenaline‐induced increases in ICl.vol. Interestingly, the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) agonist 8‐pCPT‐2′‐O‐Me‐cAMP (50 μM) also up‐regulated ICl.vol, and the noradrenaline‐induced increase of ICl.vol in 0.6 T was reversed or prevented by the Epac inhibitor ESI‐09 (10 μM).Conclusion and ImplicationsThese data show that ICl.vol evoked by cell swelling of human atrial myocytes is up‐regulated by noradrenaline via a PKA‐independent cAMP/Epac pathway in human atrial myocytes. cAMP/Epac‐induced ICl.vol is expected to shorten action potential duration during human atrial myocytes swelling and may be involved in abnormal cardiac electrical activity during cardiac pathologies that evoke β‐adrenoceptor signalling.
Mutualistic acacia ants exhibit reduced aggression and more frequent off‐tree movements near termite mounds
Authors: Henry Lucas P. , Tokita Christopher K. , Misra Mayank , Forrow Avery B. , Rubenstein Daniel I. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn many ant–plant mutualisms, ants establish colonies in hollow thorns, leaf pouches, or other specialized structures on their host plants, which they then defend from herbivores. Resource heterogeneity could affect the maintenance of these mutualisms if it leads to one or both partners altering their investment in the interaction. Such a phenomenon may be especially pertinent to the Acacia–ant mutualism found in East African savannas, where termite mounds have a profound effect on the spatial structuring of resources used by both plants and ants. Here, we examined whether the proximity to termite mounds of Acacia drepanolobium trees is associated with variation in the behavior of one of their ant associates, Crematogaster nigriceps. We found that ant colonies near termite mounds had decreased aggressive responses to simulated herbivory as well as increased off‐tree movement. We hypothesize that these changes are the result of resident ant colonies near termite mounds shifting investment from defense of their host plant to foraging for nearby resources.
Canadian geopolitical culture: Climate change and sustainability
Authors: Dalby Simon 
Published: June 2018

Key MessagesCanadian nationalist rhetoric is still premised on resource extraction despite discussions of climate change by the Liberal government since 2015.Taking earth system science seriously requires rethinking national identity and the conventional geopolitical premises on which it is based.Meeting Paris Agreement on Climate Change commitments requires much more fundamental changes than Canadian Federal government rhetoric so far acknowledges.
Local allergic rhinitis: Implications for management
Authors: Campo P. , Eguiluz‐Gracia I. , Bogas G. , Salas M. , Plaza Serón C. , Pérez N. , Mayorga C. , Torres M. J. , Shamji M.H. , Rondon C. 
Published: June 2018

SummaryA significant proportion of rhinitis patients without systemic IgE‐sensitisation tested by skin prick test and serum allergen‐specific IgE (sIgE) display nasal reactivity upon nasal allergen provocation test (NAPT). This disease phenotype has been termed local allergic rhinitis (LAR). LAR is an underdiagnosed entity affecting children and adults from different parts of the world, with moderate‐to‐severe symptoms, impairment of quality of life and rapid progression to symptom worsening. LAR is a stable phenotype and not merely an initial state of AR. Allergic rhinitis and LAR share many clinical features including a positive NAPT response, markers of type 2 nasal inflammation including sIgE in nasal secretions and a significant rate of asthma development. LAR should be considered as a differential diagnosis in those subjects of any age with symptoms suggestive of AR but no evidence of systemic atopy. Although LAR pathophysiology is partially unknown, in some patients sIgE can be demonstrated directly in the nasal secretions and/or indirectly via positive responses in basophil activation test (BAT). LAR can coexist with other rhinitis phenotypes, especially AR. The diagnosis currently relies on the positivity of NAPT to a single or multiple allergens. NAPT has high sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility, and it is considered the gold standard. BAT and the measurement of nasal sIgE can also contribute to LAR diagnosis. LAR patients benefit from the same therapeutic strategies than AR individuals, including the avoidance of allergen exposure and the pharmacotherapy. Moreover, several recent studies support the effectiveness and safety of allergen immunotherapy for LAR, which opens a window of treatment opportunity in these patients.
Role Conflict among Family Childcare Providers in the Bronx
Authors: Fernandez Josephine , Mootoo Candace J. , Romero Sara , Rasmussen Andrew 
Published: June 2018

Family childcare (FCC) providers provide childcare for many low‐income families in the United States, and the literature suggests they take on several other support roles as well. The current study consisted of focus groups and interviews in which FCC providers (N = 22) shared successes and challenges in their profession. Using grounded theory we identified four primary FCC roles: teacher, caregiver, social worker and business owner. Conflict within and between roles was related to considerable stress. Because roles varied across a spectrum from entangled to rigid professional relationship boundaries, many FCC providers struggled with the limits of their daily work. Suggestions are made to limit role conflict, re‐establish boundaries and promote FCC providers’ well‐being.
The Recruitment of Shifting and Inhibition in On‐line Science and Mathematics Tasks
Authors: Vosniadou Stella , Pnevmatikos Dimitrios , Makris Nikos , Lepenioti Despina , Eikospentaki Kalliopi , Chountala Anna , Kyrianakis Giorgos 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPrior research has investigated the recruitment of inhibition in the use of science/mathematics concepts in tasks that require the rejection of a conflicting, nonscientific initial concept. The present research examines if inhibition is the only EF skill recruited in such tasks and investigates whether shifting is also involved. It also investigates whether inhibition and/or shifting are recruited in tasks in which the use of science/mathematics concepts does not require the rejection of an initial concept, or which require only the use of initial concepts. One hundred and thirty‐three third‐ and fifth‐grade children participated in two inhibition and shifting tasks and two science and mathematics conceptual understanding and conceptual change (CU&C) tasks. All the tasks were on‐line, and performance was measured in accuracy and RTs. The CU&C tasks involved the use of initial concepts and of science/mathematics concepts which required conceptual changes for their initial formation. Only in one of the tasks the use of the science/mathematics concepts required the concurrent rejection of an initial concept. The results confirmed that in this task inhibition was recruited and also showed that the speed of shifting was a significant predictor of performance. Shifting was a significant predictor of performance in all the tasks, regardless of whether they involved science/mathematics or initial concepts. It is argued that shifting is likely to be recruited in complex tasks that require multiple comparisons of stimuli and the entertainment of different perspectives. Inhibition seems to be a more selective cognitive skill likely to be recruited when the use of science/mathematics concepts requires the rejection of a conflicting initial concept.
Drinking patterns vary by gender, age and country‐level income: Cross‐country analysis of the International Alcohol Control Study
Authors: Chaiyasong Surasak , Huckle Taisia , Mackintosh Anne‐Marie , Meier Petra , Parry Charles D. H. , Callinan Sarah , Viet Cuong Pham , Kazantseva Elena , Gray‐Phillip Gaile , Parker Karl , Casswell Sally 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIntroduction and AimsGender and age patterns of drinking are important in guiding country responses to harmful use of alcohol. This study undertook cross‐country analysis of drinking across gender, age groups in some high‐and middle‐income countries.Design and MethodsSurveys of drinkers were conducted in Australia, England, Scotland, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis (high‐income), Thailand, South Africa, Mongolia and Vietnam (middle‐income) as part of the International Alcohol Control Study. Drinking pattern measures were high‐frequency, heavier‐typical quantity and higher‐risk drinking. Differences in the drinking patterns across age and gender groups were calculated. Logistic regression models were applied including a measure of country‐level income.ResultsPercentages of high‐frequency, heavier‐typical quantity and higher‐risk drinking were greater among men than in women in all countries. Older age was associated with drinking more frequently but smaller typical quantities especially in high‐income countries. Middle‐income countries overall showed less frequent but heavier typical quantities; however, the lower frequencies meant the percentages of higher risk drinkers were lower overall compared with high‐income countries (with the exception of South Africa).Discussion and ConclusionsHigh‐frequency drinking was greater in high‐income countries, particularly in older age groups. Middle‐income countries overall showed less frequent drinking but heavier typical quantities. As alcohol use becomes more normalised as a result of the expansion of commercial alcohol it is likely frequency of drinking will increase with a likelihood of greater numbers drinking at higher risk levels.
Study of hardening and cyclic plastic behaviour around the crack tip of C(T) specimen made by as‐received and annealed copper
Authors: Hosseini R. , Seifi R. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this research is determining experimentally the characteristics of tension and cyclic plastic behaviours of as‐received and annealed coppers and studying distribution of stress/strain field near the crack tip. Samples made by pure copper were annealed at 420°C for 40 minutes in electric furnace. To determine the properties of the cyclic plastic behaviour, proper tests with symmetric strain‐controlled conditions were performed on standard samples. Chaboche nonlinear hardening model was used to determine the cyclic plastic behaviour of both materials. According to results, annealing process creates isotropic hardening in the copper and also changes its initial kinematic hardening behaviour. Effects of the annealing and hardening on the variations of the stresses and strains around the crack tip were investigated. Also, ratcheting and mean stress relaxations versus number of cycles, inside the plastic region, were studied.
A crucible salt saturation method for determining sulfur solubility in glass melt
Authors: Jin Tongan , Kim Dongsang , Darnell Lori P. , Weese Brigitte L. , Canfield Nathan L. , Bliss Mary , Schweiger Michael J. , Vienna John D. , Kruger Albert A. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractExperiments were conducted to determine sulfur solubility in Hanford low‐activity waste (LAW) glass melts by a sulfur saturation method. Sulfur‐incorporated glass melts were prepared by salt saturation and bubbling methods. The salt saturation method was performed by mixing crushed premelted baseline glasses with an excess amount of Na2SO4prior to melting the mixture at 1150°C for 1 hour. The bubbling method involved bubbling the glass melt at 1150°C in a Pt crucible with anSO2/O2/N2gas mix to equilibrate the melt at a known pressure ofSO3. Preliminary results suggested that performing 1 cycle of mixing and melting was not sufficient to saturate the glass. The bubbling method successfully incorporated sulfur into the glass but caused significant losses of sodium from the melt. In order to saturate the glass melt with sulfate without causing noticeable sodium loss, a modified crucible salt saturation method was developed by repeating the mixing and melting of the glass and salt mixture. For all 3 representativeLAWglasses tested in this study, it was found that after 3 mixing and melting cycles, the sulfur concentration reaches a plateau, indicating reasonable sulfur saturation.
Antecedent rest may not be necessary for automated office blood pressure at lower treatment targets
Authors: Colella Tracey J. F. , Tahsinul Anam , Gatto Hannah , Oh Paul , Myers Martin G. 
Published: June 2018

In SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial), use of the Omron 907XL blood pressure (BP) monitor set at 5 minutes of antecedent rest to record BP produced an automated office BP value 7/6 mm Hg lower than awake ambulatory BP at 27 months. The authors studied the impact on automated office BP of setting the Omron 907XL to 0 minutes instead of 5 minutes of rest in patients with readings in the lower normal BP range, similar to on‐treatment BP in the SPRINT intensive therapy group. Patients (n = 100) in cardiac rehabilitation were randomized to three BP readings at 1‐minute intervals using an Omron 907XL BP device set for 5 or 0 minutes of antecedent rest. Mean (±standard deviation) automated office BP (mm Hg) after 5 minutes of rest (120.2 ± 14.6/66.9 ± 8.6 mm Hg) was lower (P < .001/P < .01) than without rest (124.2 ± 16.4/67.9 ± 9.1 mm Hg). When target BP is in the lower normal range, automated office BP recorded without antecedent rest using an Omron 907XL device should be higher and closer to the awake ambulatory BP, compared with readings taken after 5 minutes of rest.
Occurrence, performance and shoot damage of Tomicus piniperda in pine stands in southern Sweden after storm‐felling
Authors: Öhrn Petter , Björklund Niklas , Långström Bo 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe pine shoot beetle, Tomicus piniperda (L.), is considered one of the most destructive pests of Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris (L.), in Europe. At high population densities, its feeding in the shoots of living pine trees may lead to substantial shoot and subsequent growth losses. After a storm‐felling in southern Sweden in January 2005, there were high amounts of breeding material and a subsequent risk for bark beetle outbreaks. To study the beetle's reproductive success, population levels and risks for growth losses, we analysed bark samples of colonized trees, and counted fallen pine shoots. During the first season after the storm‐felling, the pine shoot beetle population level was low. However, due to high reproductive success beetle numbers markedly increased in the second season, and there were high rates of successful colonization of available host material in following years. Shoot damage levels concomitantly rose in 2005–2006, then declined in 2007 and 2008. However, the accumulated shoot losses do not indicate any subsequent growth losses, as the recorded shoot damage levels were below those earlier seen in connection with growth reductions in damaged pine stands.
Elevated CO2 and temperature alter specific‐species population dynamic and interspecific competition of three wheat aphids
Authors: Wang Long , Li Li‐Kun , Song Ying‐Ying , Han Tong , Li Zhuo , Wan Gui‐Jun , Chen Fa‐Jun 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAtmospheric warming, combined with projected atmospheric carbon dioxide (ab. CO2) level arising, may have marked ecological effects on growth of agricultural crop plants, and in turn affect the higher trophic level of insect herbivores. In this study, the effects of elevated CO2 (i.e., 650 μL/L vs. ambient 400 μL/L) and temperature (ab. T; ambient vs. ambient +0.6°C) on the population abundance and the interspecific competition among three co‐occurring species of wheat aphids (Sitobion avenae, Rhopalosiphum padi and Schizaphis graminum) were studied. The results indicated that wheat plants had higher biomass and yields when grown under elevated CO2 in contrast to ambient CO2, and elevated T had no significant effect on the biomass and yields of wheat plants. Elevated CO2 significantly decreased the population dynamic level of S. avenae, and increased the population dynamic levels of R. padi and S. graminum; Elevated T significantly decreased the population dynamic level of S. avenae and significantly increased the population dynamic level of R. padi. Moreover, elevated T significantly decreased the niche breadth of S. avenae and S. graminum, respectively, while elevated CO2 had no significant effect on the three species niche breadth. Furthermore, elevated CO2 and T both significantly increased the niche overlap index (ab. NOI) between S. avenae and R. padi, as well as between R. padi and S. graminus, elevated T significantly reduced the NOI between S. avenae and S. graminus. This study provides evidence that elevated CO2 and T can alter the species‐specific population abundance of three wheat aphids, and aggravate two major interspecific competition among these three co‐occurring species of wheat aphids by increasing their spatial overlap.