bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Household Wealth and Neurocognitive Development Disparities among School‐aged Children in Nepal
Authors: Patel Shivani A. , Murray‐Kolb Laura E. , LeClerq Steven C. , Khatry Subarna K. , Tielsch James M. , Katz Joanne , Christian Parul 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundWealth disparities in child developmental outcomes are well documented in developed countries. We sought to (1) describe the extent of wealth‐based neurocognitive development disparities and (2) examine potential mediating factors of disparities among a population‐based cohort of children in rural Nepal.MethodsWe investigated household wealth‐based differences in intellectual, executive and motor function of n = 1692 children aged between 7 and 9 years in Nepal. Using linear mixed models, wealth‐based differences were estimated before and after controlling for child and household demographic characteristics. We further examined wealth‐based differences adjusted for three sets of mediators: child nutritional status, home environment, and schooling pattern.ResultsWe observed a positive gradient in child neurocognitive performance by household wealth. After adjusting for child and household control factors, disparities between children in the highest and lowest wealth quintiles persisted in intellectual and motor function, but not executive function. No statistically significant wealth‐based differentials in outcomes remained after accounting for nutritional status, home environment, and schooling patterns. The largest differences in neurocognitive development were associated with schooling pattern.ConclusionsHousehold wealth patterns child neurocognitive development in rural Nepal, likely through its influence on nutritional status, the home environment, and schooling. In the current context, improving early and regular schooling in this setting is critical to addressing wealth‐based disparities in outcomes.
Predicting Risk of Spontaneous Preterm Delivery in Women with a Singleton Pregnancy
Authors: Morken Nils‐Halvdan , Källen Karin , Jacobsson Bo 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundPrediction of a woman's risk of a spontaneous preterm delivery (PTD) is a core challenge and an unresolved problem in today's obstetric practice. The objective of this study was to develop prediction models for spontaneous PTD (<37 weeks).MethodsA population‐based register study of women born in Sweden with spontaneous onset of delivery was designed using Swedish Medical Birth Register data for 1992–2008. Predictive variables were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis, and outputs were used to calculate adjusted likelihood ratios in primiparous (n = 199 272) and multiparous (n = 249 580) singleton pregnant women. The predictive ability of each model was validated in a separate test sample for primiparous (n = 190 936) and multiparous (n = 239 203) women, respectively.ResultsFor multiparous women, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.74 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73, 0.74] indicated a satisfying performance of the model, while for primiparous women, it was rather poor {AUC: 0.58 [95% CI 0.57, 0.58]}. For both primiparous and multiparous women, the prediction models were quite good for pregnancies with comparatively low risk for spontaneous PTD, whereas more limited to predict pregnancies with ≥30% risk of spontaneous PTD.ConclusionsSpontaneous PTD is difficult to predict in multiparous women and nearly impossible in primiparous, by using this statistical method in a large and unselected sample. However, adding clinical data (like cervical length) may in the future further improve its predictive performance.
Placental Abruption as a Significant Risk Factor for Long‐term Cardiovascular Mortality in a Follow‐up Period of More Than a Decade
Authors: Pariente Gali , Shoham‐Vardi Ilana , Kessous Roy , Sherf Michael , Sheiner Eyal 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate the risk for subsequent cardiovascular events in women having placental abruption during a follow‐up period of more than 10 years.MethodsA population‐based study of the incidence of cardiovascular events in women who had placental abruption with women without placental abruption during 1988–99 and with follow‐up until 2010. Associations between placental abruption and maternal long‐term cardiovascular morbidity and mortality were investigated. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and multivariable Cox regression were used to estimate cumulative incidence of cardiovascular mortality.ResultsDuring the study period, there were 47 585 deliveries meeting the inclusion criteria; of these, 653 occurred in patients with placental abruption. No significant association was noted between placental abruption and subsequent long‐term hospitalisations because of cardiovascular causes. However, placental abruption was associated with long‐term cardiovascular mortality [odds ratio (OR) = 6.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.3, 18.3]. The cardiovascular case fatality rate for the placental abruption group was 13.0% vs. 2.5% in the comparison group (P < 0.001). Patients with a history of placental abruption had a significantly higher risk for cardiovascular mortality during the follow‐up period (Log‐rank test P = 0.017). Using Cox multivariable regression models, placental abruption remained an independent risk factor for long‐term maternal cardiovascular mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 4.3; 95% CI 1.1, 18.6).ConclusionPlacental abruption is a significant risk factor for long‐term cardiovascular mortality in a follow‐up period of more than a decade.
The Association of Maternal Intrapartum Subfebrile Temperature and Adverse Obstetric and Neonatal Outcomes
Authors: Dior Uri P. , Kogan Liron , Calderon‐Margalit Ronit , Burger Ayala , Amsallem Hagai , Elchalal Uriel , Eventov‐Friedman Smadar , Ergaz Zivanit , Ezra Yossef 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundSubfebrile intrapartum maternal temperature is very common, yet there is sparse evidence regarding its causes or its effects on perinatal outcomes. We examined whether mild temperature elevation during labour is a risk marker for adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes.MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis including 42 601 term, singleton live‐births in two medical centres between 2003 and 2010 was performed. This study compared women who experienced a maximal intrapartum temperature of ≤37°C with women who experienced subfebrile intrapartum temperature (37.1–37.9°C). Adjusted risks for adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes were calculated by using multivariable logistic regression models.ResultsCompared with maternal temperature ≤ 37°C, subfebrile temperature was associated with higher rates of primary caesarean deliveries {adjusted odds ratios [aOR] = 1.36 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25, 1.49])} and assisted vaginal deliveries (aOR = 1.20 [95% CI 1.11, 1.30]), as well as with greater risks of early neonatal sepsis (aOR = 2.66 [95% CI 1.88, 3.77]), neonatal intensive care unit admissions (aOR = 1.40 [95% CI 1.08, 1.83]), and neonatal asphyxia or seizures (aOR = 3.18 [95% CI 1.51, 6.70]). Mildly elevated maternal intrapartum temperature (37.1–37.5°C) was also associated with adverse outcomes.ConclusionsMaternal intrapartum subfebrile temperature may be an indicator of operative delivery and neonatal morbidity. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to reveal underlying mechanisms.
Preconception Biomarkers of Allostatic Load and Racial Disparities in Adverse Birth Outcomes: the Bogalusa Heart Study
Authors: Wallace Maeve , Harville Emily , Theall Katherine , Webber Larry , Chen Wei , Berenson Gerald 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundLarge disparities in adverse birth outcomes persist between African American and white women in the US despite decades of research, policy, and public health intervention. Allostatic load is an index of dysregulation across multiple physiologic systems that results from chronic exposure to stress in the physical and socio‐cultural environment which may lead to earlier health deterioration among racially or socio‐economically disadvantaged groups. The purpose of this investigation was to examine relationships between maternal biomarkers of allostatic load prior to conception and the occurrence of preterm birth and small for gestational age infants among a cohort of white and African American women participants in the Bogalusa Heart Study.MethodsData from women participants were linked to the birth record of their first‐born infant. Principal components analysis was used to construct an index of allostatic load as a summary of the weighted contribution of nine biomarkers representing three physiologic domains: cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune systems. A series of Poisson regression models based on samples ranging from 1467 to 375 women were used to examine race, individual biomarkers of allostatic load, and quartiles of the allostatic load index as predictors of preterm birth (n = 150, 10.2%) and small for gestational age (n = 135, 9.2%).ResultsThere was no evidence of a relationship between maternal preconception allostatic load and either adverse birth outcome in this sample. Further, there was no evidence of effect modification of by race or education.ConclusionsMore work is needed in understanding the biological mechanisms linking social inequities to racial disparities in adverse birth outcomes.
Bacteria isolated from roots and rhizosphere of Vitis vinifera retard water losses, induce abscisic acid accumulation and synthesis of defense‐related terpenes in in vitro cultured grapevine
Authors: Salomon María Victoria , Bottini Rubén , de Souza Filho Gonçalo Apolinário , Cohen Ana Carmen , Moreno Daniela , Gil Mariana , Piccoli Patricia 
Published: October 2013

AbstractEleven bacterial strains were isolated at different soil depths from roots and rhizosphere of grapevines from a commercial vineyard. By 16S rRNA gene sequencing 10 different genera and 8 possible at species level were identified. From them, Bacillus licheniformis Rt4M10 and Pseudomonas fluorescens Rt6M10 were selected according to their characteristics as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Both produced abscisic acid (ABA), indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) and the gibberellins A1 and A3 in chemically‐defined medium. They also colonized roots of in vitro grown Vitis vinifera cv. Malbec plants. As result of bacterization ABA levels in 45 days‐old in vitro plants were increased 76‐fold by B. licheniformis and 40‐fold by P. fluorescens as compared to controls. Both bacteria diminished plant water loss rate in correlation with increments of ABA. Twenty and 30 days post bacterization the plants incremented terpenes. The monoterpenes α‐pinene, terpinolene, 4‐carene, limonene, eucalyptol and lilac aldehyde A, and the sesquiterpenes α‐bergamotene, α‐farnesene, nerolidol and farnesol were assessed by gas chromatography‐electron impact mass spectrometry analysis. α‐Pinene and nerolidol were the most abundant (µg per g of tissue in plants bacterized with P. fluorescens). Only α‐pinene, eucalyptol and farnesol were identified at low concentration in non‐bacterized plants treated with ABA, while no terpenes were detected in controls. The results obtained along with others from literature suggest that B. licheniformis and P. fluorescens act as stress alleviators by inducing ABA synthesis so diminishing water losses. These bacteria also elicit synthesis of compounds of plant defense via an ABA independent mechanism.
Lack of association between apolipoprotein E genotypes and cognitive performance in the non‐demented elderly
Authors: Quintas Juliana Lima , Souza Vinícius Carolino , Henriques Adriane Dallanora , Machado‐Silva Wilcelly , Toledo Juliana Oliveira , Córdova Cláudio , Moraes Clayton Franco , Camargos Einstein Francisco , Nóbrega Otávio Toledo 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimThe ε4 alelle of the apolipoprotein E gene is known to be a key genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and possibly for other neurological disorders. Some evidence in the literature indicates that the ε4 allele interferes with human cognition independently of chronological age and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The present study investigated the correlation of allelic variants of apolipoprotein E with the cognitive performance of elderly individuals without apparent cognitive impairment.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional analysis that included 213 non‐demented elderly individuals (age ≥60 years) from the Brazilian Federal District. The analysis assessed the subjects for cognitive domains including short‐ and long‐term episodic memory, processing speed, and attention and executive functions. Sociodemographic and other clinical characteristics were gathered and analyzed as covariates.ResultsBeing sufficiently powered, the present study did not identify differential performance across apolipoprotein E genotypes. There was no influence of age, gender, marital status, schooling, depressive symptoms or use of central nervous system depressants when the analyses were controlled for such factors.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the ε4 allele does not contribute to detectable cognitive decline within the context of non‐dementia.
Analogical Arguments for Egalitarianism
Authors: Freiman Christopher 
Published: October 2013

AbstractEgalitarians sometimes analogize socioeconomic opportunities to starting gates, playing fields, and the results of a lottery. A fair game is one in which all have an equal opportunity to succeed; egalitarians propose that the same is true of a fair society. A second type of argument for egalitarianism appeals to intuitions about the distribution of found resources. A just division of manna discovered on a strange planet seems to be an equal one. Both types of argument share a crucial feature: they concern the once‐off division of a fixed sum of goods. I argue that the most compelling reasons to depart from an equal division of goods derive from the economic activity involved in producing more of those goods, e.g., Pareto improvements due to efficiency gains that result from incentives that encourage production. We cannot conclude that game analogies and found resources cases arbitrate in favour of equality against non‐egalitarian principles because they exclude precisely those considerations that provide the strongest reasons to reject equality.
Revolutionary Expressivism
Authors: Köhler Sebastian , Ridge Michael 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWhile the meta‐ethical error theory has been of philosophical interest for some time now, only recently a debate has emerged about the question what is to be done if the error theory turns out to be true. This paper argues for a novel answer to this question, namely revolutionary expressivism: if the error theory is true, we should become expressivists. Additionally, the paper explores certain important but largely ignored methodological issues that arise for reforming definitions generally and with a vengeance in the context of a radical error theory about all practical normative judgements, and suggests how these issues can be resolved.
‘Can’ and the Consequence Argument
Authors: Grzankowski Alex 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe consequence argument is a powerful incompatibilist argument for the conclusion that, if determinism is true, what one does is what one must do. A major point of controversy between classical compatibilists and incompatibilists has been over the use of ‘can’ in the consequence argument. Classical compatibilists, holding that abilities to act are dispositions, have argued that ‘can’ should be analyzed as a conditional. But such an analysis of ‘can’ puts compatibilists in a position to grant the premises of the argument while denying the conclusion. Incompatibilists remain unconvinced, and this corner of the debate over free will has reached a dialectical impasse. The present paper has two aims. First, to offer a new dialectical point of entry into this dispute on behalf of incompatibilists. By making use of Angelika Kratzer's influential semantic work on ‘can’ and ‘must’, I argue that incompatibilists are in a position to offer a plausible, positive treatment of ‘can’ that favors their view. Second, even if one does not think incompatibilism is thereby true (for as we shall see there are places to push back), the Kratzer semantics yields a number of important insights concerning the consequence argument that should be of broad interest.
Towards a Multidimensional Metaconception of Species
Authors: Kendig Catherine 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSpecies concepts aim to define the species category. Many of these rely on defining species in terms of natural lineages and groupings. A dominant gene‐centred metaconception has shaped notions of what constitutes both a natural lineage and a natural grouping. I suggest that relying on this metaconception provides an incomplete understanding of what constitute natural lineages and groupings. If we take seriously the role of epigenetic, behavioural, cultural, and ecological inheritance systems, rather than exclusively genetic inheritance, a broader notion of what constitutes a natural grouping or lineage may be required. I conclude by outlining an alternative metaconception that is a de‐centred metaschema for species.
The Effects of Hoechst 33342 Staining and the Male Sample Donor on the Sorting Efficiency of Canine Spermatozoa
Authors: Rodenas C , Lucas X , Tarantini T , Del Olmo D , Roca J , Vazquez JM , Martinez EA , Parrilla I 
Published: October 2013

ContentsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of Hoechst 33342 (H‐42) concentration and of the male donor on the efficiency of sex‐sorting procedure in canine spermatozoa. Semen samples from six dogs (three ejaculates/dog) were diluted to 100 × 106 sperm/ml, split into four aliquots, stained with increasing H‐42 concentrations (5, 7.5, 10 and 12.5 μl, respectively) and sorted by flow cytometry. The rates of non‐viable (FDA+), oriented (OS) and selected spermatozoa (SS), as well as the average sorting rates (SR, sorted spermatozoa/s), were used to determine the sorting efficiency. The effects of the sorting procedure on the quality of sorted spermatozoa were evaluated in terms of total motility (TM), percentage of viable spermatozoa (spermatozoa with membrane and acrosomal integrity) and percentage of spermatozoa with reacted/damaged acrosomes. X‐ and Y‐chromosome‐bearing sperm populations were identified in all of the samples stained with 7.5, 10 and 12.5 μl of H‐42, while these two populations were only identified in 77.5% of samples stained with 5 μl. The values of OS, SS and SR were influenced by the male donor (p < 0.01) but not by the H‐42 concentration used. The quality of sorted sperm samples immediately after sorting was similar to that of fresh samples, while centrifugation resulted in significant reduction (p < 0.05) in TM and in the percentage of viable spermatozoa and a significant increase (p < 0.01) in the percentage of spermatozoa with damage/reacted acrosomes. In conclusion, the sex‐sorting of canine spermatozoa by flow cytometry can be performed successfully using H‐42 concentrations between 7.5 and 12.5 μl. The efficiency of the sorting procedure varies based on the dog from which the sperm sample derives.
Role of Sperm Velocity Variables Associated with Poultry Breed in ‘Last Male Precedence’
Authors: Santiago‐Moreno J , Castaño C , Toledano‐Díaz A , Esteso MC , López‐Sebastián A , Dávila SG , Campo JL 
Published: October 2013

ContentsIt is well known that when a hen mates with multiple roosters, it is the sperm of the last male that usually fertilizes most of the eggs (‘last male precedence’). Sperm quality varies between males within a breed, but also between breeds, and thus, sperm competitiveness after mating may depend on the breeds of the roosters involved. The aim of the present work was to identify differences in sperm competitiveness between breeds, especially with respect to motility. A multibreed mating model was used. Blue Andaluza (BA) and Black Castellana (BC) hens left for 21 days with BA and BC roosters, respectively, were then left with Black‐barred Andaluza (Bb) roosters for another 21 days (experimental groups hBA‐rBC‐rBb and hBC‐rBA‐rBb). Bb roosters (as the second breed replacing the first) fertilized the majority of eggs in both the hBC‐rBA‐rBb and hBA‐rBC‐rBb groups. The percentage of offspring sired by BA roosters (8.0%) was higher (p < 0.05) than the percentage of chicks sired by BC roosters (2.1%). The fertility of the BC hens in the hBC‐rBA‐rBb group was higher (p < 0.01) than that of the BA hens in the hBA‐rBC‐rBb group. No difference in sperm concentration was seen between the breeds. Within the rapid sperm subpopulation (sperm velocity, >50 μm/s), Bb sperm showed a higher straight‐line velocity (VSL) and average path velocity (VAP) (p < 0.05) than BC sperm. The VSL and VAP values for Bb and BA sperm were similar. In conclusion, the present results show that the sperm of the BA breed, traditionally regarded as of moderate fertility, compensates for this drawback via sperm movement characteristics that afford it an advantage in competition scenarios involving males of other breeds. The VSL and VAP of the rapid sperm subpopulation may play the most important role in securing last male precedence.
Effects of Sediment Fertilization and Burial on Cymodocea nodosa Transplants; Implications for Seagrass Restoration Under a Changing Climate
Authors: Balestri Elena , Lardicci Claudio 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSediment fertilization is recommended for improving seagrass restoration efforts, but few studies have evaluated the efficacy of such practice. Increasing storm frequency due to global change could lead to greater sediment mobilization. Understanding how this alteration will interact with fertilization to affect transplants is essential for future restoration planning. We examined the individual and combined effects of nutrients (ambient vs. repeated addition) and burial (control vs. increased frequency and intensity) on the performance and biomass partitioning of transplants of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa at two sites within a north‐western Mediterranean meadow. Fertilization stimulated the production of shoots, total biomass, and branching. Burial increased leaf sheath length in one site while reduced shoot number, leaf number, leaf sheath length, total biomass, net shoot gain, and root‐to‐shoot ratio in the other site. Regardless of the site, fertilization and burial interaction reduced the length of vertical internodes and horizontal rhizomes, and the net shoot gain. Our research demonstrates that sediment fertilization ensures rapid colonization of restoration sites, providing C. nodosa plants up to eight times larger than controls in one growing season. However, it also indicates that interaction of increased burial and nutrients reduced the gain in terms of vegetative expansion and depressed vertical growth, making plants more vulnerable to subsequent disturbances. Therefore, seagrass restoration practitioners should account for changes in sediment elevation at transplanting sites when planning restoration programs and carefully evaluate the opportunity of applying fertilizers in sites subjected to greater sediment accumulation to avoid failure.