bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The views of parents who experience intergenerational poverty on parenting and play: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Smith R. L. , Stagnitti K. , Lewis A. J. , Pépin G. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundThere is minimal literature on how parents experiencing intergenerational poverty view their role as parents and the value they place on children's play. The objective of this study was to examine how these parents view their parenting role and their beliefs about children's play.MethodsThirteen mothers of preschool‐aged children who experienced intergenerational poverty were recruited to the study. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted and were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.ResultsParents described their role as guiding their children to become ‘good’ people, to teach them skills and provide a routine within the home. There were two disconnections in the data including the view that whilst parenting was hard and lonely, it was also a private matter and participants preferred not to seek support. A second disconnection was in terms of their beliefs about play. Parents believed that whilst play was valuable to their child's development, it was not their role to play with children. However, if parents did play with their child, they noticed positive changes in their child's behaviour.ConclusionThe views of parents who experienced intergenerational poverty were similar to other reported findings in parenting studies. However, the current sample differed on not seeking help for support as well as not seeing their role as playing with their children, even though occasions of joining their child in play were associated with a positive change in their relationship with their child. This has implications for communicating about parenting issues with parents who have experienced intergenerational poverty.
Reconsidering Corporate Ratings
Authors: Hassani Bertrand , Zhao Xin 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIn this paper, a new corporate ratings methodology is proposed. The information from the annually accounting ratios and the daily credit derivative spreads are combined through a two‐steps approach to calibrate the credit risk of the corporations. To test the performance of the proposed rating methodology, an empirical analysis is carried out on a sample of 197 public traded corporations with credit ratings from the big‐three credit rating agencies. The ratings generated from the presented approach perform better than the ratings from the external agencies as it is more representative of companies’ credit quality over time. This rating method provides an approach to integrate the long term and short term information of corporate credibility.
Anesthetic effects of isoflurane on the tonotopic map and neuronal population activity in the rat auditory cortex
Authors: Noda Takahiro , Takahashi Hirokazu 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSince its discovery nearly four decades ago, sequential microelectrode mapping using hundreds of recording sites has been able to reveal a precise tonotopic organization of the auditory cortex. Despite concerns regarding the effects that anesthesia might have on neuronal responses to tones, anesthesia was essential for these experiments because such dense mapping was elaborate and time‐consuming. Here, taking an ‘all‐at‐once’ approach, we investigated how isoflurane modifies spatiotemporal activities by using a dense microelectrode array. The array covered the entire auditory cortex in rats, including the core and belt cortices. By comparing neuronal activity in the awake state with activity under isoflurane anesthesia, we made four observations. First, isoflurane anesthesia did not modify the tonotopic topography within the auditory cortex. Second, in terms of general response properties, isoflurane anesthesia decreased the number of active single units and increased their response onset latency. Third, in terms of tuning properties, isoflurane anesthesia shifted the response threshold without changing the shape of the frequency response area and decreased the response quality. Fourth, in terms of population activities, isoflurane anesthesia increased the noise correlations in discharges and phase synchrony in local field potential (LFP) oscillations, suggesting that the anesthesia made neuronal activities redundant at both single‐unit and LFP levels. Thus, while isoflurane anesthesia had little effect on the tonotopic topography, its profound effects on neuronal activities decreased the encoding capacity of the auditory cortex.
Hippocampal interplay with the nucleus accumbens is critical for decisions about time
Authors: Abela Andrew R. , Duan Yiran , Chudasama Yogita 
Published: June 2015

AbstractHuman cognition depends upon the capacity to make decisions in the present that bear upon outcomes in the future. The nucleus accumbens, a recipient of direct projections from both the hippocampus and orbitofrontal cortex, is known to contribute to these aspects of decision‐making. Here we demonstrate that interaction of the nucleus accumbens with the hippocampus, but not the orbitofrontal cortex, is critical in shaping decisions that involve time trade‐offs. Compared with controls, rats with a disrupted hippocampal–accumbens interaction were strongly biased toward choosing stimuli that led to small and immediate food rewards over large and delayed ones. We show that this pattern of behavior cannot be ascribed to the impaired representation of stimulus value, the incapacity to wait, or a general disruption of decision‐making. These results identify a hippocampal–accumbens circuit that may underlie a range of problems in which daily decisions are marked by a shift toward immediate gratification.
Fractional anisotropy in the substantia nigra in Parkinson's disease: a complex picture
Authors: Lenfeldt N. , Larsson A. , Nyberg L. , Birgander R. , Forsgren L. 
Published: June 2015

Background and purposeThis study employs magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diffusion tensor imaging to compare diffusion measures in the brains of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) with healthy controls using longitudinal data.MethodsOne‐hundred and twenty‐two patients and 34 controls were included at baseline. The MRI investigations were repeated after 1, 3 and 5 years. The diffusion measures were quantified using fractional anisotropy and mean, radial and axial diffusion (FA, MD, RD, AD). Regions of interest included the anterior, middle and posterior substantia nigra (SN), but also other areas. Linear models were used to test for the effect of disease and hemispheric lateralization. The P value was set at 0.05 (Bonferroni corrected).ResultsFractional anisotropy and AD were increased in the three nigral subareas in PD (P < 0.01), but MD and RD were unaltered. The right SN had higher FA than the left in all subareas (P < 0.01). MD and AD were increased in the right anterior part (P < 0.04), whereas MD and RD were decreased in the right middle and posterior parts (P < 0.001). The left middle cerebellar peduncle had increased FA and AD (P < 0.001) and decreased MD and RD (P < 0.01) compared to the right. Diffusion measures did not progress over time and side differences were not related to disease or lateralization of symptoms.ConclusionsIncreased FA in the SN in PD indicates gliosis and inflammation in the nuclei, but possibly also intrusion of surrounding fibres into the shrinking structure. The hemispheric side differences of diffusion might reflect natural lateralization of connectivity, but their relation to PD must be studied further.
Sudden unexplained death in childhood: A comparison of cases with and without a febrile seizure history
Authors: Hesdorffer Dale C. , Crandall Laura A. , Friedman Daniel , Devinsky Orrin 
Published: June 2015

SummaryObjectiveWe considered whether a subset of children with sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC) and a history of febrile seizures (FS) may parallel those in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The prevalence of a history of FS was examined, and factors that may distinguish SUDC cases with and without FS were described.MethodsCharacteristics were assessed in 123 consecutive children with SUDC reported to the SUDC program (4/1/11‐3/31/14) by their parents. Parental interview covered the decedent's medical history, circumstances of death, environmental factors, cause of death, and family medical history. Features of SUDC cases were compared by FS history.ResultsOverall, 31.7% of SUDC cases had a history of FS, among which 74.4% had simple FS. Compared to those without a history of FS, a history of FS was associated with a greater median age at death (p = 0.03) and death during the weekdays (p = 0.02). Terminal fever was similar in those with and without FS. The median time from FS to death was 6.0 months (interquartile range [IQR] 3.0–10.0). In all SUDC cases, prone position at death, death during sleep, and unwitnessed deaths predominated.SignificanceThere are parallels among SUDC, sudden infant deaths, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) with regard to prone position, unwitnessed deaths mostly during sleep, and male predominance. In children with SUDC and a history of FS, terminal fever may increase the risk for an unwitnessed terminal seizure. The greater than expected prevalence of a FS history and the proportion with terminal fever or illness in this cohort suggests that some SUDC deaths may be seizure related and therefore have potential commonalities with SUDEP.
Identification of pests and pathogens recorded in Europe with relation to fruit imports
Authors: Steffen K. , Grousset F. , Schrader G. , Petter F. , Suffert M. 
Published: June 2015

Within the framework of the EU project DROPSA (‘Strategies to develop effective, innovative and practical approaches to protect major European fruit crops from pests and pathogens’), a review on pests (including pathogens) that have fruit species as their host plants was conducted. The focus was on pests that have been introduced into Europe or were found in the fruit trade during the last 10–15 years. Among the 387 recorded pests, the following groups were identified: 1. fruit and vinegar flies, 2. scale insects, 3. fungi, 4. plant viruses, 5. bacteria, 6. pests of unknown risk, 7. tropical fruit pests, 8. pests that had an unexpected change of hosts, 9. fruit pests not likely to be transported on fruit and 10. ‘hitchhikers’ (non‐fruit pests intercepted on fruit/fruit plants, fruit pests intercepted on other commodities than fruit). The large number of pests identified, from different taxonomic groups and origins, shows that fruit are an important pathway for pests, threatening fruit production in Europe.
Effects of transport, fasting and anaesthesia on the faecal microbiota of healthy adult horses
Authors: Schoster A. , Mosing M. , Jalali M. , Staempfli H. R. , Weese J. S. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryReasons for performing studyThe intestinal microbiota is important for health and disease. Factors that disturb the equine intestinal microbiota need further investigation.ObjectivesTo determine the effects of transport, fasting and anaesthesia on the faecal microbiota of healthy adult horses using next‐generation sequencing.Study designExperimental trial.MethodsFaecal samples were taken from 8 horses at baseline, after transport, 12 h of fasting and 24, 48 and 72 h after a 6 h anaesthesia. Next generation sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was used to assess the microbial composition of faeces. Alpha diversity, phylogenetic structures and beta diversity were assessed.ResultsThere were significant changes in the relative abundances of phyla, classes, orders and families after transport, fasting and anaesthesia. Most notably horses had a significantly lower abundance of Clostridiales after transport compared with baseline (P = 0.03) and a decreased abundance of Rickettsiales after fasting (P = 0.024). Alpha diversity was not significantly different between time points (all P>0.21). When parsimony analysis was applied, anaesthesia had a significant effect on community membership and structure (Jaccard index and Yue and Clayton index both P = 0.02).ConclusionsThere was some effect of transport, fasting and anaesthesia on the composition and structure of the microbiota of healthy horses. This indicates these are potentially stress factors for the equine intestinal microbiota. Further investigation is required to look at the potential impact of changes in the microbiota on the development of disease in the post anaesthetic period.
Deficiency of the parathyroid hormone‐related peptide nuclear localization and carboxyl terminal sequences leads to premature skin ageing partially mediated by the upregulation of p27
Authors: Jiang Minyue , Chen Guangpei , Lu Na , Zhang Yongjie , Jin Shulei , Karaplis Andrew , Goltzman David , Miao Dengshun 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe previously reported that deficiency of the PTHrP nuclear localization sequence (NLS) and C‐terminus in PTHrP knockin (PTHrP KI) mice resulted in premature ageing of skin. P27, a cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor, was upregulated in PTHrP KI mice and acted as a downstream target of the PTHrP NLS to regulate the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. To determine the effects of p27 deficiency on premature skin ageing of PTHrP KI mice, we compared the skin phenotypes of PTHrP KI mice to those of p27 knockout (p27−/−) mice and to those of double homozygous p27‐deficient and PTHrP KI (p27−/−PTHrP KI) mice at 2 weeks age. Compared with wild‐type littermates, PTHrP KI mice displayed thinner skin and decreased subcutaneous fat and collagen fibres, decreased skin cell proliferation and increased apoptosis, higher expression of p27, p19 and p53 and lower expression of cyclin E and CDK2, and increased reactive oxygen species levels and decreased antioxidant capacity. Deficiency of p27 in the PTHrP KI mice at least in part corrected the skin premature ageing phenotype resulting in thicker skin and increased subcutaneous fat and collagen. These alternations were associated with higher expression of CDK2 and cyclin E, lower expression of p19 and p53, and enhanced antioxidant capacity with increased skin cell proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis. Our results indicate that the NLS and C‐terminus of PTHrP play a critical role in preventing skin from premature ageing that is partially mediated by p27.
Global‐scale mapping of changes in ecosystem functioning from earth observation‐based trends in total and recurrent vegetation
Authors: Fensholt Rasmus , Horion Stéphanie , Tagesson Torbern , Ehammer Andrea , Ivits Eva , Rasmussen Kjeld 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimTo evaluate trend analysis of earth observation (EO) dense time series as a new way of describing and mapping changes in ecosystem functioning at regional to global scales. Spatio‐temporal patterns of change covering 1982–2011 are discussed in the context of changes in land use and land cover (LULCC).LocationGlobal.MethodsThis study takes advantage of the different phenological cycles of recurrent vegetation (herbaceous vegetation) and persistent vegetation (woody/shrub cover) in combining trend analyses of global‐scale vegetation based on different annual/seasonal normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) metrics. Spatial patterns of combined vegetation trends derived from the Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies NDVI are analysed using land‐cover information (GLC2000).ResultsThe direction of change in annual and seasonal NDVI metrics is similar for most global terrestrial ecosystems, but areas of diverging trends were also observed for certain regions across the globe. These areas are shown to be dominated by land‐cover classes of deciduous forest in tropical/subtropical areas. Areas of observed change are found in dry deciduous forest in South America and central southern Africa and are in accordance with studies of hotspot LULCC areas conducted at local and regional scales. The results show that dense time series of EO data can be used to map large‐scale changes in ecosystem functional type that are due to forest cover dynamics, including forest degradation, deforestation/reforestation and bush encroachment.Main conclusionsWe show that areas characterized by changes in ecosystem functioning governed by LULCC at regional and global scales can be mapped from dense time series of global EO data. The patterns of diverging NDVI metric trends can be used as a reference in evaluating the impacts of environmental changes related to LULCC and the approach may be used to detect changes in ecosystem functioning over time.
Increased frequency of double and triple heterozygous gene variants in children with intrahepatic cholestasis
Authors: Goldschmidt Monique L. , Mourya Reena , Connor Jessica , Dexheimer Phillip , Karns Rebekah , Miethke Alexander , Sheridan Rachel , Zhang Kejian , Bezerra Jorge A. 
Published: June 2015

AimSingle gene mutations cause syndromes of intrahepatic cholestasis, but previous multi‐gene mutation screening in children with idiopathic cholestasis failed to fulfill diagnostic criteria in approximately two‐thirds of children. In adults with fibrosing cholestatic disease, heterozygous ABCB4 mutations were present in 34% of patients. Here, we hypothesized that children with idiopathic cholestasis have a higher frequency of heterozygous non‐synonymous gene sequence variants.MethodsWe analyzed the frequency and types of variants in 717 children in whom high‐throughput sequencing of the genes SERPINA1, JAG1, ATP8B1, ABCB11 and ABCB4 was performed as part of an evaluation for idiopathic intrahepatic cholestasis cholestasis. The frequency of non‐synonymous variants (NSV) was compared with those of 1092 control subjects enrolled in the 1000 Genome Project.ResultsThe frequency of NSV in single genes was similar between disease (25%) and controls (26%, P = 0.518). In contrast, double or triple NSV in two or more genes were more frequent in disease (n = 7%) than controls (n = 4.7%, P = 0.028). Detailed review of clinical and laboratory information in a subgroup of double or triple heterozygous patients revealed variable γ‐glutamyltransferase levels and severity of pruritus, with liver biopsies showing stage 2–3 fibrosis.ConclusionChildren with idiopathic intrahepatic cholestasis have a higher frequency of double or triple NSV in SERPINA1, JAG1, ATPB1, ABCB11 or ABCB4. These findings raise the potential role for gene–gene relationships in determining the phenotype of cholestatic liver disease in children.
Niche availability in space and time: migration in Sylvia warblers
Authors: Laube Irina , Graham Catherine H. , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimThe ecological niche of a species is dynamic at a variety of spatial and temporal scales; embracing this complexity is required for accurate assessment of species' niche requirements and to forecast how species will respond to novel and dynamic climates. In the context of recent advances in species distribution modelling, however, both the environment and the ecological niche of a species have often been treated and quantified as static entities. Here, our aim was to explore how species' realized niches and geographical ranges are dynamically shaped by the decoupled spatio‐temporal availability of different environmental conditions, using the migration of Sylvia warblers as an example.LocationPalaearctic, Afrotropical and Indo‐Malay ecozones.MethodsWe used a species distribution modelling approach to evaluate the niche characteristics of Sylvia warblers under their actual migration strategies as well as null models assuming resident behaviour. We focused on climate and land cover as niche dimensions, taking into account the spatial availability of environmental conditions during the peak breeding and non‐breeding season for each Sylvia species.ResultsMigration did not increase the overlap between breeding and non‐breeding niches compared with breeding and non‐breeding niche overlap in resident null models. Sylvia warblers did not compensate for the costs of a longer migratory journey by tracking their climatic niche or land‐cover niche more closely. Instead, Sylvia warblers migrated further than the closest available area with suitable climate and land cover.Main conclusionsClimatic niche tracking is unlikely to be the main driver of migration in Sylvia warblers. We suggest that taking dynamic environments into account and comparing actual niche characteristics to those resulting from alternative possible range dynamics enhances our understanding of the drivers behind organisms' movements and distributions.
Nicotine administration in the wake‐promoting basal forebrain attenuates sleep‐promoting effects of alcohol
Authors: Sharma Rishi , Lodhi Shafi , Sahota Pradeep , Thakkar Mahesh M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractNicotine and alcohol co‐abuse is highly prevalent, although the underlying causes are unclear. It has been suggested that nicotine enhances pleasurable effects of alcohol while reducing aversive effects. Recently, we reported that nicotine acts via the basal forebrain (BF) to activate nucleus accumbens and increase alcohol consumption. Does nicotine suppress alcohol‐induced aversive effects via the BF? We hypothesized that nicotine may act via the BF to suppress sleep‐promoting effects of alcohol. To test this hypothesis, adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were implanted with sleep‐recording electrodes and bilateral guides targeted toward the BF. Nicotine (75 pmol/500 nL/side) or artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF; 500 nL/side) was microinjected into the BF followed by intragastric alcohol (ACSF + EtOH and NiC + EtOH groups; 3 g/kg) or water (NiC + W and ACSF + W groups; 10 mL/kg) administration. On completion, rats were killed and processed to localize injection sites in the BF. The statistical analysis revealed a significant effect of treatment on sleep‐wakefulness. While rats exposed to alcohol (ACSF + EtOH) displayed strong sleep promotion, nicotine pre‐treatment in the BF (NiC + EtOH) attenuated alcohol‐induced sleep and normalized sleep‐wakefulness. These results suggest that nicotine acts via the BF to suppress the aversive, sleep‐promoting effects of alcohol, further supporting the role of BF in alcohol‐nicotine co‐use.image
Alcohol and nicotine are highly co‐abused. The underlying mechanism is unclear. One reason why people use nicotine, a stimulant, with alcohol is to enhance recreational/pleasurable sensations while suppressing alcohol's aversive effects such as sleepiness. We have previously observed that nicotine acts via wake‐promoting basal forebrain to increase alcohol consumption and activate nucleus accumbens, the pleasure center. Here, we demonstrate that nicotine acts via the basal forebrain to suppress sleep‐promoting effects of alcohol further implicating the basal forebrain as a key substrate in nicotine alcohol co‐use.