bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Which Words are Hard for Autistic Children to Learn?
Authors: SCHAFER GRAHAM , WILLIAMS TIM I. , SMITH PHILIP T. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractMotivated by accounts of concept use in autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and a computational model of weak central coherence (O'Loughlin and Thagard, 2000) we examined comprehension and production vocabulary in typically‐developing children and those with ASD and Down syndrome (DS). Controlling for frequency, familiarity, length and imageability, Colorado Meaningfulness played a hitherto unremarked role in the vocabularies of children with ASD. High Colorado Meaningful words were underrepresented in the comprehension vocabularies of 2‐ to 12‐year‐olds with ASD. The Colorado Meaningfulness of a word is a measure of how many words can be associated with it. Situations in which high Colorado Meaningfulness words are encountered are typically highly variable, and words with High Colorado Meaningfulness often involve extensive use of context. Our data suggest that the number of contexts in which a particular word can appear has a role in determining vocabulary in ASD. This suggestion is consistent with the weak central coherence theory of autism.
Structural basis for arabinoxylo‐oligosaccharide capture by the probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bl‐04
Authors: Ejby Morten , Fredslund Folmer , Vujicic‐Zagar Andreja , Svensson Birte , Slotboom Dirk Jan , Abou Hachem Maher 
Published: October 2013

SummaryGlycan utilization plays a key role in modulating the composition of the gut microbiota, but molecular insight into oligosaccharide uptake by this microbial community is lacking. Arabinoxylo‐oligosaccharides (AXOS) are abundant in the diet, and are selectively fermented by probiotic bifidobacteria in the colon. Here we show how selectivity for AXOS uptake is established by the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bl‐04. The binding protein BlAXBP, which is associated with an ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter that mediates the uptake of AXOS, displays an exceptionally broad specificity for arabinosyl‐decorated and undecorated xylo‐oligosaccharides, with preference for tri‐ and tetra‐saccharides. Crystal structures of BlAXBP in complex with four different ligands revealed the basis for this versatility. Uniquely, the protein was able to recognize oligosaccharides in two opposite orientations, which facilitates the optimization of interactions with the various ligands. Broad substrate specificity was further enhanced by a spacious binding pocket accommodating decorations at different mainchain positions and conformational flexibility of a lid‐like loop. Phylogenetic and genetic analyses show that BlAXBP is highly conserved within Bifidobacterium, but is lacking in other gut microbiota members. These data indicate niche adaptation within Bifidobacterium and highlight the metabolic syntrophy (cross‐feeding) among the gut microbiota.
Lonergan's philosophy as grounding for cross‐disciplinary research
Authors: Kane Anne 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIncreasingly, nurses conduct scientific inquiry into complex health‐care problems by collaborating on teams with researchers from other highly specialized fields. As cross‐disciplinary research proliferates and becomes institutionalized globally, researchers will increasingly encounter the need to integrate their particular research perspectives within inquiries without sacrificing the potential contributions of their discipline‐specific expertise. The work of the philosopher Bernard Lonergan (1904–1984) offers the necessary philosophical grounding. Here, I defend a role for philosophy in cross‐disciplinary research and present selected ideas in Lonergan's work. These include: (1) a dynamic, normative pattern that each inquirer operates uniquely also forms the common core, or unity, in knowing; (2) the possibility of cross‐disciplinary knowledge development is dependent on each researcher's consciousness of her or his attentiveness, intelligence, reasonableness, and responsibleness; and (3) shifts in researchers' viewpoints, or horizons, facilitate their collaborative inquiry and their grasp of the unity in knowing. The desire to know, shared by team members, drives their inquiry. Lonergan's stance is consistent with nursing values because it respects, but does not unconditionally privilege, any researcher or discipline. Arguments support a claim that Lonergan's perspective is well suited to guide nurse researchers participating on cross‐disciplinary health research teams.
What is nursing in the 21st century and what does the 21st century health system require of nursing?
Authors: Scott P. Anne , Matthews Anne , Kirwan Marcia 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIt is frequently claimed that nursing is vital to the safe, humane provision of health care and health service to our populations. It is also recognized however, that nursing is a costly health care resource that must be used effectively and efficiently. There is a growing recognition, from within the nursing profession, health care policy makers and society, of the need to analyse the contribution of nursing to health care and its costs. This becomes increasingly pertinent and urgent in a situation, such as that existing in Ireland, where the current financial crisis has lead to public sector employment moratoria, staff cuts and staffing deficits, combined with increased patient expectation, escalating health care costs, and a health care system restructuring and reform agenda. Such factors, increasingly common internationally, make the identification and effective use of the nursing contribution to health care an issue of international importance. This paper seeks to explore the nature of nursing and the function of the nurse within a 21st century health care system, with a focus on the Irish context. However, this analysis fits into and is relevant to the international context and discussion regarding the nursing workforce. This paper uses recent empirical studies exploring the domains of activity and focus of nursing, together with nurses perceptions of their role and work environment, in order to connect those findings with core conceptual questions about the nature and function of nursing.
Ruptured thought: rupture as a critical attitude to nursing research
Authors: Beedholm Kirsten , Lomborg Kirsten , Frederiksen Kirsten 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce the notion of ‘rupture’ from the French philosopher Michel Foucault, whose studies of discourse and governmentality have become prominent within nursing research during the last 25 years. We argue that a rupture perspective can be helpful for identifying and maintaining a critical potential within nursing research. The paper begins by introducing rupture as an inheritance from the French epistemological tradition. It then describes how rupture appears in Foucault's works, as both an overall philosophical approach and as an analytic tool in his historical studies. Two examples of analytical applications of rupture are elaborated. In the first example, rupture has inspired us to make an effort to seek alternatives to mainstream conceptions of the phenomenon under study. In the second example, inspired by Foucault's work on discontinuity, we construct a framework for historical epochs in nursing history. The paper concludes by discussing the potential of the notion of rupture as a response to the methodological concerns regarding the use of Foucault‐inspired discourse analysis within nursing research. We agree with the critique of Cheek that the critical potential of discourse analysis is at risk of being undermined by research that tends to convert the approach into a fixed method.
Validation of the Persian version of the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia in patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls
Authors: Mazhari Shahrzad , Parvaresh Nooshin , Eslami Shahrbabaki Mahin , Sadeghi Mohammad M. , Nakhaee Nouzar , Keefe Richard S. E. 
Published: October 2013

AimsThe Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) is designed for assessment of cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia. Versions of the BACS in English and other languages have been shown to be as sensitive to cognitive dysfunction as a standard test battery, with the advantage of brief administration and scoring time. The present study aimed to test the concurrent validity of the Persian version of the BACS (Persian‐BACS).MethodsA group of 50 patients with schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders and a group of 50 healthy controls received the Persian‐BACS in a first session, and in a second session a standard neurocognitive battery.ResultsCronbach's alpha for the Persian‐BACS was 0.74. All the Persian‐BACS subscales weresignificantly correlated with the corresponding standard neurocognitive subscales and the Pearson correlation of the composite scores from the two instruments was 0.71. Moreover, a one‐factor solution was found that accounted for 67.9% of the variance. Finally, the Persian‐BACS demonstrated high ability to discriminate patients with schizophrenia from healthy controls.ConclusionGood psychometric properties of the Persian‐BACS suggest that it is a useful tool for assessing cognition in schizophrenic patients with Persian as their primary language.
Factors associated with mental well‐being of homeless people in Japan
Authors: Ito Kae , Morikawa Suimei , Okamura Tsuyoshi , Shimokado Kentaro , Awata Shuichi 
Published: October 2013

AimThis study aimed to determine the frequency of low mental well‐being and associated factors among homeless people in Japan.MethodsA community‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted. Data were collected through in‐person interviews of 423 homeless persons living in two areas of Tokyo. Mental well‐being was assessed using the Japanese version of the World Health Organization‐Five Well‐being Index.ResultsThe overall sample comprised 392 (92.7%) men and 31 (7.3%) women. Average age was 60.6 ± 11.9 years. The mean score on the World Health Organization‐Five Well‐being Index for the 396 participants with no missing values was 11.81 ± 5.35. Based on a cut‐off criterion of 12/13, the frequency of low mental well‐being among the participants was 57.1%. In multiple logistic regression analyses, thesubjective perception of poor health (odds ratio [OR] = 3.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.32–6.49), lack of perceived emotional social support (OR = 2.77, 95%CI = 1.70–4.49), dwelling without roof (OR = 2.70, 95%CI = 1.47–4.97), and pain (OR = 1.96, 95%CI = 1.12–3.42) were significantly associated with low mental well‐being in this population.ConclusionThe findings suggest that comprehensive intervention programs that provide supportive housing, emotional social support, and health‐care services, may be needed to improve the mental well‐being of homeless people.
Photodynamic and Nail Penetration Enhancing Effects of Novel Multifunctional Photosensitizers Designed for The Treatment of Onychomycosis
Authors: Smijs Threes , Dame Zoë , de Haas Ellen , Aans Jan‐Bonne , Pavel Stan , Sterenborg Henricus 
Published: October 2013

AbstractNovel multifunctional photosensitizers (MFPSs), 5,10,15‐tris(4‐N‐methylpyridinium)‐20‐(4‐phenylthio)‐[21H,23H]‐porphine trichloride (PORTH) and 5,10,15‐tris(4‐N‐methylpyridinium)‐20‐(4‐(butyramido‐methylcysteinyl)‐hydroxyphenyl)‐[21H,23H]‐porphine trichloride (PORTHE), derived from 5,10,15‐Tris(4‐methylpyridinium)‐20‐phenyl‐[21H,23H]‐porphine trichloride (Sylsens B) and designed for treatment of onychomycosis were characterized and their functionality evaluated. MFPSs should function as nail penetration enhancer and as photosensitizer for photodynamic treatment (PDT) of onychomycosis. Spectrophotometry was used to characterize MFPSs with and without 532 nm continuous‐wave 5 mW cm−2 laser light (± argon/mannitol/NaN3). Nail penetration enhancement was screened (pH 5, pH 8) using water uptake in nails and fluorescence microscopy. PDT efficacy was tested (pH 5, ± argon/mannitol/NaN3) in vitro with Trichophyton mentagrophytus microconida (532 nm, 5 mW cm−2). A light‐dependent absorbance decrease and fluorescence increase were found, PORTH being less photostable. Argon and mannitol increased PORTH and PORTHE photostability; NaN3 had no effect. PDT (0.6 J cm−2, 2 μm) showed 4.6 log kill for PORTH, 4.4 for Sylsens B and 3.2 for PORTHE (4.1 for 10 μm). Argon increased PORTHE, but decreased PORTH PDT efficacy; NaN3 increased PDT effect of both MFPSs whereas mannitol increased PDT effect of PORTHE only. Similar penetration enhancement effects were observed for PORTH (pH 5 and 8) and PORTHE (pH 8). PORTHE is more photostable, effective under low oxygen conditions and thus realistic candidate for onychomycosis PDT.
Seed predators exert selection on the subindividual variation of seed size
Authors: Sobral M. , Guitián J. , Guitián P. , Larrinaga A. R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSubindividual variation among repeated organs in plants constitutes an overlooked level of variation in phenotypic selection studies, despite being a major component of phenotypic variation. Animals that interact with plants could be selective agents on subindividual variation. This study examines selective pressures exerted during post‐dispersal seed predation and germination on the subindividual variation of seed size in hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). With a seed offering experiment and a germination test, we estimated phenotypic selection differentials for average and subindividual variation of seed size due to seed predation and germination. Seed size affects germination, growth rate and the probability of an individual seed of escaping predation. Longer seeds showed higher germination rates, but this did not result in significant selection on phenotypes of the maternal trees. On the other hand, seed predators avoided wider seeds, and by doing so exerted phenotypic selection on adult average and subindividual variation of seed size. The detected selection on subindividual variation suggests that the levels of phenotypic variation within individual plants may be, at least partly, the adaptive consequence of animal‐mediated selection.
Anatomical alterations of Phaseolus vulgaris L. mature leaves irradiated with X‐rays
Authors: De Micco V. , Arena C. , Aronne G. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe cultivation of higher plants in Space involves not only the development of new agro‐technologies for the design of ecologically closed Space greenhouses, but also understanding of the effects of Space factors on biological systems. Among Space factors, ionising radiation is one of the main constraints to the growth of organisms. In this paper, we analyse the effect of low‐LET radiation on leaf histology and cytology in Phaseolus vulgaris L. plants subjected to increasing doses of X‐rays (0.3, 10, 50, 100 Gy). Leaves irradiated at tissue maturity were compared with not‐irradiated controls. Semi‐thin sections of leaves were analysed through light and epi‐fluorescence microscopy. Digital image analysis was applied to quantify anatomical parameters, with a specific focus on the occurrence of signs of structural damage as well as alterations at subcellular level, such as the accumulation of phenolic compounds and chloroplast size. Results showed that even at high levels of radiation, general anatomical structure was not severely perturbed. Slight changes in mesophyll density and cell enlargement were detected at the highest level of radiation. However, at 100 Gy, higher levels of phenolic compounds accumulated along chloroplast membranes: this accompanied an increase in number of chloroplasts. The reduced content of chlorophylls at high levels of radiation was associated with reduced size of the chloroplasts. All data are discussed in terms of the possible role of cellular modifications in the maintenance of high radioresistance and photosynthetic efficiency.
Seasonal changes in population structure of the tropical deep‐water kelp Laminaria abyssalis
Authors: Marins Bianca V. , Amado‐Filho Gilberto M. , Barbarino Elisabete , Pereira‐Filho Guilherme H. , Longo Leila L. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryTropical kelp populations are rare and anomalous relicts of shallow‐water populations that existed during glacial periods of cooler oceanographic climate. The endemic Brazilian tropical kelp, Laminaria abyssalis Joly and Oliveira Filho, occurred at depths below 40 m. The seasonal variations in biological aspects of L. abyssalis sporophyte populations and local variations in seawater nutrients and temperature were evaluated. A population was sampled four times between the austral spring of 2005 to winter 2006. Seasonal variations in the population structure and in the tissue content of nitrogen (N), carbohydrate and pigments were observed. Higher density (6.3 individuals m−2), biomass (7.3 kg m−2) and blade area (13 221 cm2) were observed in summer, while the highest percentage of tissue total N (1.6%), carbohydrates (32.9%) and photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a = 1.9% and chlorophyll c = 0.4%) were observed in spring. The highest surface area of fertile tissue in L. abyssalis sporophytes (2.36%) was recorded in winter, indicating winter as the season when more investments are made in reproduction. The highest concentrations of total N (6.3 μM) and phosphate (0.6 μM) in seawater were observed in spring and summer, respectively. Seawater temperatures lower than 20°C, which are characteristic of upwelling waters, occurred every month and were most frequent in spring and summer. We show that L. abyssalis invests more in growth in spring and summer and reaches the greatest thallus size and population density in summer. The lower abundance during winter may be related to the lower frequency of temperatures below 20°C and the local seasonal storms that cause turnover of rhodoliths, the main substrate for L. abyssalis.
A Predictive Study of Dirichlet Process Mixture Models for Curve Fitting
Authors: Wade Sara , Walker Stephen G. , Petrone Sonia 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis paper examines the use of Dirichlet process mixtures for curve fitting. An important modelling aspect in this setting is the choice between constant and covariate‐dependent weights. By examining the problem of curve fitting from a predictive perspective, we show the advantages of using covariate‐dependent weights. These advantages are a result of the incorporation of covariate proximity in the latent partition. However, closer examination of the partition yields further complications, which arise from the vast number of total partitions. To overcome this, we propose to modify the probability law of the random partition to strictly enforce the notion of covariate proximity, while still maintaining certain properties of the Dirichlet process. This allows the distribution of the partition to depend on the covariate in a simple manner and greatly reduces the total number of possible partitions, resulting in improved curve fitting and faster computations. Numerical illustrations are presented.
Ophthalmic diagnostic tests, orbital anatomy, and adnexal histology of the broad‐snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris)
Authors: Oriá Arianne P. , Oliveira Alberto Vinícius D. , Pinna Melissa H. , Martins Filho Emanoel F. , Estrela‐Lima Alessandra , Peixoto Tiago C. , da Silva Renata Maria M. , Santana Fernanda O. , Meneses Íris Daniela S. , Requião Kátia G. , Ofri Ron 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to establish normal ophthalmic parameters for selected diagnostic tests, and to describe the orbital anatomy and adnexal histology of the broad‐snouted caiman.MethodA total of 35Caiman latirostristhat were free of obvious ocular diseases were used to measure the parameters in this investigation. Ages ranged from 5 to 15 years. Ophthalmic diagnostic tests were conducted, including evaluation of tear production with Schirmer Tear test‐1 (STT1), culture of the conjunctival bacterial flora, applanation tonometry, conjunctival cytology, nictiating membrane incursion frequency test (NMIFT), endodontic absorbent paper point tear test (EAPPTT), palpebral fissure length measurement (PFL) and B‐mode ultrasonography. Adnexal histology and skull samples were studied.ResultsMean (±SD)STT1 was 3.4 ± 3.6 mm/min (95% confidence interval of 2.01–4.78 mm/min), intraocular pressure (IOP) was 12.9 ± 6.2 mmHg,NMIFTwas 6.0 ± 3.5,EAPPTTwas 17.1 ± 2.5 mm/min,PFLwas 28.9 ± 3.0 mm, anterior chamber depth was 3.1 ± 0.3 mm, lens axial length was 8.4 ± 0.6 mm, vitreous chamber depth was 7.9 ± 0.7 mm and axial globe length was 19.9 ± 1.3 mm. For all animals evaluated,Bacillussp., Diphteroids andStaphylococcussp. were predominant.
Histopathological features of equine superficial, nonhealing, corneal ulcers
Authors: Hempstead Julie E. , Clode Alison B. , Borst Luke B. , Gilger Brian C. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate corneal changes associated with chronic, nonhealing, superficial, corneal ulcers in horses via common histopathological stains.DesignRetrospective study.AnimalsTwenty‐four horses diagnosed with chronic, nonhealing, superficial, corneal ulceration.MethodsThe medical records of horses evaluated at North Carolina State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital (NCSU‐VTH) from 2005 to 2011, diagnosed with a chronic, nonhealing, superficial, corneal ulcer and treated with superficial keratectomy (SK) were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were superficial corneal ulceration, no cellular infiltration via slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, no microorganisms evident on corneal cytology, and acquisition of samples for aerobic bacterial and common fungal cultures. Corneal tissue samples were evaluated histopathologically for the presence or absence of a nonadherent epithelial ‘lip’, epithelial dysmaturity, intraepithelial inflammatory cells, an acellular hyaline zone in the anterior stroma, and stromal inflammatory cells, fibrosis and vascularization.ResultsIn the majority of analyzed samples, epithelial cells adjacent to the ulcerated site showed nonadherence to the basement membrane and dysmaturity. Intraepithelial inflammatory cell infiltration was uncommon. Histopathological features of an anterior stromal hyaline zone, intrastromal inflammation, fibrosis and vascularization were variably present.ConclusionsThe most consistent histopathological characteristics of equine chronic, nonhealing, superficial, corneal ulcers include epithelial nonadherence, epithelial dysmaturity and mild to moderate stromal inflammation; however, one set of histopathological characteristics does not definitively define this syndrome in horses. Additionally, the anterior stromal acellular hyaline zone commonly cited in canine spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCED) is not a consistent finding in equine corneas.