bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heredity-Environment Interaction in the Development of Twins
Authors: Fischbein Siv 
Published: March 2013

As an alternative to the commonly used additive model for interpreting twin data, interactional aspects on a longitudinal twin study are presented. While experiencing the same environment MZ twins will tend to react to it similarly, while DZ twins will react differently. Interaction between genetic and environmental factors will therefore increase the difference among DZ, thus lowering the intra-class correlation with increasing age. Such lowering is not expected when interaction is absent or when genetically identical MZ's are observed. Depending on the characteristic studied and the variation allowed, interactional effects can be expected to be more or less pronounced. Examples are taken from the height and weight growth of a number of MZ and DZ twin pairs during puberty. Height seems to be a strongly genetically regulated variable showing no lowering of the intra-class correlations for the two twin categories with increasing age. Weight, on the other hand, shows an interesting sex difference. The correlation for DZ twin girls drops markedly during puberty, while this is much less pronounced for the boys. A plausible explanation for this trend would be that there are stronger interactional effects for girls than for boys as regards weight during puberty. It is difficult to explain why intra-class correlations for height for MZ and DZ twins during puberty would show a different trend than for weight without taking interactional effects into consideration. Likewise, it is hard to find a plausible interpretation of the sex difference found for weight during puberty simply on the basis of an additive model.
Parents' Attitudes and Children's Deprivation: Child-Rearing Attitudes of Parents as a Key to the Advantaged-Disadvantaged Distinction in Pre-School Children
Authors: Sheintuch G. , Lewin G. 
Published: March 2013

Nine groups of kindergarten children in Israel were ranked on the advantaged-disadvantaged scale. The ranking was correlated with their parents' child-rearing attitudes. A strong positive relation was found between rigid parental directiveness and the ranking of a kindergarten group as disadvantaged. The parental attitudes were found to correlate to some degree with certain socio-cultural factors, such as educational level and national origin. It is suggested that the parents' attitudes should serve as an early predictive factor for identifying disadvantaged children for purposes of establishing intervention programs to work with children, parents, and educators.
Exploring a Novel Object by Preschool Children: A Sequential Analysis of Perceptual, Manipulating and Verbal Exploration
Authors: Schneider Klaus , Moch Matthias , Sandfort Rita , Auerswald Monika , Walther-Weckman Karin 
Published: March 2013

Two studies of the exploratory behaviour of preschool children and first grade elementary school children using Hutt's novel object are reported. The novel object was a box with a movable level. Manipulating the lever released sound and light effects from the box. The task was such that manipulatory behaviour dominated other forms of exploration, like perceptual investigation and asking questions. Children were observed in one encounter with the novel object in which the box was offered together with three familiar toys in a familiar surrounding. Observation time was 10 minutes in the first and 15 minutes in the second study. For the observation of the behaviour a checklist was used with 12 categories. The results confirmed the assumption of a typical sequence of exploratory behaviour and play behaviour with the new object, suggested by Hutt, and Nunnally and Lemond. In addition, boys manipulated the object more than girls (study 2) and children generally dealt more with the new object the older they were however, the oldest group of first grade elementary school children in study 2 again showed less interest in the novel object. The younger girls also asked more social-emotional but not information questions than boys of the same age. In contrast to a strong sequential hypothesis, however, subjects shifted back and forth between neighbouring categories of exploratory behaviour and also between exploratory behaviour and playing with the new object. Thus, there is no clear sequential order between exploration and play.
A Cross-Cultural Perspective on Developmental Psychology
Authors: Jahoda Gustav 
Published: March 2013

The burden of the argument put forward in this paper is that in spite of a considerable expansion of cross-cultural development studies over the past two decades, developmental psychology as a whole remains unduly parochial. Since most of its theories originate in the first world, one of the main functions of cross-cultural work is to assess the range of their applicability across the globe. After briefly illustrating this theme in relation to infant behaviour, research and theories dealing with cognitive development in childhood and adolescence are reviewed in more detail. Piagetians focusing on supposedly universal processes appeared at one time sharply opposed to followers of Vygotsky concentrating on specific context-bound learning. Cross-cultural work has resulted in a convergence such that what divides them now is mainly a difference of emphasis, both sides accepting forms of 'local constructivism'. Important contributions from workers outside these major traditions are outlined and a shift away from exclusive concern with learning to understand the physical, and towards the social world is noted. In conclusion, some evidence is mentioned indicating that cultural factors powerfully affect emotional as well as cognitive development and it is suggested that there is a need to devote more effort in that direction.
Comparison of Cochlear Implant Performance after Round Window Electrode Insertion Compared with Traditional Cochleostomy
Authors: Kang Bryan J. , Kim Ana H. 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo compare speech perception after undergoing round window (RW) electrode insertion with those who underwent traditional cochleostomy (C) cochlear implant (CI) surgery.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingAcademic cochlear implant center.SubjectsPatients who met CI criteria with favorable intraoperative RW anatomy who underwent RW CI electrode insertion. Patients who underwent traditional C surgery were matched for age, duration of deafness, and preoperative hearing.MethodsPostoperative speech performance using the consonant‐nucleus‐consonant (CNC) test, Northwestern University Children's Perception of Speech (NUCHIPS), and Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) between 3 and 48 months after CI.ResultsA total of 84 patients underwent RW insertion between 2004 and 2011. Of these, 55 had pre‐ and postoperative speech perception data for analysis. Average age of implantation ranged from 2.4 to 87.3 years (mean ± SD, 42.1 ± 24.2 years) for RW patients. Average age of implantation for matched traditional C patients ranged from 2.3 to 85.6 years (mean ± SD, 43.3 ± 25.0 years). No significant differences in postoperative CI speech perception scores were noted between the RW and C groups at 12 months post‐CI (RW group, 55.28% ± 23.26% vs C group, 53.19% ± 24.14%; P =. 70).ConclusionOur study found that patients with favorable RW anatomy who underwent RW CI electrode insertion demonstrated comparable speech perception compared with the traditional cochleostomy insertion group.
Etiology and Complications of Central Nervous System Infections in Children Treated in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Poland
Authors: Kuchar Ernest , Nitsch-Osuch Aneta , Rorat Marta , Namani Sadia , Pabianek Dorota , Topczewska-Cabanek Agnieszka , Zycinska Katarzyna , Wardyn Kazimierz , Szenborn Leszek 
Published: March 2013

Central nervous system infections are significant causes of mortality and long-term neurologic complications in children. Survivors often require an extended period of rehabilitation. The authors carried out a retrospective analysis of 1158 children (aged 1 month to 16 years; 31 boys) treated in one pediatric intensive care unit in Warsaw between 2002 and 2010. Forty-three of 1158 (3.7%) children presented with neuroinfections. Nearly two-thirds of the children were younger than age 5 years. The majority of cases (62.8%) were vaccine-preventable bacterial infections. The most frequent complications were brain edema (30.2%), brain hemorrhage (27.9%), and secondary nosocomial pneumonia (25.6%). One-fifth of children developed late, long-term neurologic complications. The mortality rate was 20.9%. The study showed that central nervous system infections are significant causes of hospitalization in the pediatric intensive care unit and often result in death or long-term complications. These infections mainly affect children younger than age 5 years. The majority could be prevented with immunizations.
The Contribution made by Visual Anthropology to the Study of Consumption Behavior
Authors: Dion Delphine 
Published: March 2013

This paper describes the main methodologies of visual anthropology and discusses their use in marketing research. After a brief history of the emergence of pictures and videos in anthropology, we present the epistemological and methodological shifts in visual anthropology. Based on this, we identify two ways of using pictures and videos in the field of research: as a recording device and as a research tool. In the first approach, video and still cameras are used to obtain more detailed, precise and lively ethnographic descriptions of consumption behavior. The researcher attempts to draw up an exhaustive list of the objects owned by the consumer (inventory technique) or he uses a camera to record specific actions or objects he wants to focus on (videography). In the second approach, pioneered by Jean Rouch, videos are used in a more reflexive and subjective way. The camera is no longer considered as an objective recording device. It is used in a participative and collaborative way to develop a shared understanding of consumption experiences. By the mediation of the camera, the researcher's aim is to bring the viewer into people's experiences. The camera becomes the participant as well as the collaborator.
Understanding the Perceived Value of Mass Customization: The Distinction between Product Value and Experiential Value of Co-Design
Authors: Merle Aurélie , Chandon Jean-Louis , Roux Elyette 
Published: March 2013

Research on mass customization suggests that this type of offer delivers more value to the customer. However, the failures of mass-customization strategies tend to prove the contrary. This article provides answers to the following research questions: (1) Why and to what extent do consumers value mass customization? (2) How and to what extent do these sources influence total perceived value? Two components of perceived value are differentiated: (1) mass-customized product value, which is reflected in three dimensions: utilitarian, uniqueness and self-expressiveness, and (2) experiential co-design value, which is reflected in two dimensions: hedonic and creative achievement. Furthermore, our results underline the indirect impact of the experiential value of co-design on total perceived value, through mediation of mass-customized product value.
Thymic epithelial tumours: from basic principles to individualised treatment strategies
Authors: Girard Nicolas 
Published: March 2013

Thymic epithelial tumours represent a wide range of anatomical, clinical, histological and molecular malignant entities that may be aggressive and difficult to treat. The histopathological classification distinguishes thymomas from thymic carcinomas. Thymomas may be associated with autoimmune disorders.The management of thymic epithelial tumours is a paradigm of co-operation between clinicians, surgeons and pathologists, from establishing the diagnosis to organising the multimodal therapeutic strategy. Surgery is the mainstay of the curative-intent treatment, as complete resection represents the most significantly favourable prognostic factor on overall survival. In case of invasion of intra-thoracic structures and/or dissemination to the pleura and the pericardium, precluding complete resection to be achieved, primary chemotherapy has been used to reduce the tumour burden, possibly allowing subsequent surgery and/or radiotherapy.Novel strategies are needed, especially for refractory, recurrent tumours and thymic carcinomas, which carry a poor prognosis. Personalised approaches are currently being developed, as potentially “druggable” molecular targets are emerging from recent integrated genomic analyses. Along with the large variety of questions relative to the treatment strategy, thymic epithelial tumours represent a model of therapeutic implementation and achievement in orphan thoracic oncology, showing how the advent of new results induces new questions, as well as diversifies further clinical research directions and international collaborative initiatives.
Viscosity iteration algorithm for a ϱ-strictly pseudononspreading mapping in a Hilbert space
Authors: Deng Bin-Chao , Chen Tong , Li Zhi-Fang 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we discuss the strong convergence of the viscosity approximation method in Hilbert spaces relatively to the computation of fixed points of an operator in ϱ-strictly pseudononspreading. Under suitable conditions, some strong convergence theorems are proved. Our work improves previous results for nonspreading mappings.
Small molecular modulation of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in the hyperoxia-induced mouse model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Sun Huanxing , Choo-Wing Rayman , Fan Juan , Leng Lin , Syed Mansoor A , Hare Alissa A , Jorgensen William L , Bucala Richard , Bhandari Vineet 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
The role and mechanism of action of MIF in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are not known. We hypothesized that increased MIF signaling would ameliorate the pulmonary phenotype of BPD in the mouse lung.

Methods
We studied newborn wild type (WT), MIF knockout (MIFKO), and lung MIF transgenic (MIFTG) mice in room air and a BPD model, and examined the effects of administering a small molecule MIF agonist and antagonist. Lung morphometry was performed and mRNA and protein expression of vascular mediators were analyzed.

Results
The pulmonary phenotype of MIFKO and MIFTG mice lungs in room air (RA) and BPD model were comparable to the WT-BPD mice at postnatal (PN) day 14. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, -R1 and Angiopoietin (Ang)1 mRNA were decreased, and Ang2 increased in the WT-BPD, MIFKO-RA, MIFKO-BPD, MIFTG-RA and MIFTG-BPD mice lungs, compared to appropriate controls. The protein expression of Ang1 in the MIFKO-RA was similar to WT-RA, but decreased in MIFTG-RA, and decreased in all the BPD groups. Ang2 was increased in MIFKO-RA, MIFTG-RA and in all 3 BPD groups. Tie2 was increased in WT-BPD compared to WT-RA, but decreased in MIFKO- and MIFTG- RA and BPD groups. VEGFR1 was uniformly decreased in MIFKO-RA, MIFTG-RA and in all 3 BPD groups. VEGF-A had a similar expression across all RA and BPD groups. There was partial recovery of the pulmonary phenotype in the WT-BPD model treated with the MIF agonist, and in the MIFTG mice treated with the MIF antagonist.

Conclusions
These data point to the careful regulatory balance exerted by MIF in the developing lung and response to hyperoxia and support the potential therapeutic value of small molecule MIF modulation in BPD.
Function prediction from networks of local evolutionary similarity in protein structure
Authors: Erdin Serkan , Venner Eric , Lisewski Andreas Martin , Lichtarge Olivier 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Annotating protein function with both high accuracy and sensitivity remains a major challenge in structural genomics. One proven computational strategy has been to group a few key functional amino acids into templates and search for these templates in other protein structures, so as to transfer function when a match is found. To this end, we previously developed Evolutionary Trace Annotation (ETA) and showed that diffusing known annotations over a network of template matches on a structural genomic scale improved predictions of function. In order to further increase sensitivity, we now let each protein contribute multiple templates rather than just one, and also let the template size vary.

Results
Retrospective benchmarks in 605 Structural Genomics enzymes showed that multiple templates increased sensitivity by up to 14% when combined with single template predictions even as they maintained the accuracy over 91%. Diffusing function globally on networks of single and multiple template matches marginally increased the area under the ROC curve over 0.97, but in a subset of proteins that could not be annotated by ETA, the network approach recovered annotations for the most confident 20-23 of 91 cases with 100% accuracy.

Conclusions
We improve the accuracy and sensitivity of predictions by using multiple templates per protein structure when constructing networks of ETA matches and diffusing annotations.
Amygdalar glutamatergic neuronal systems play a key role on the hibernating state of hamsters
Authors: Alò Raffaella , Avolio Ennio , Carelli Antonio , Facciolo Rosa Maria , Canonaco Marcello 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundExcitatory transmitting mechanisms are proving to play a critical role on neuronal homeostasis conditions of facultative hibernators such as the Syrian golden hamster. Indeed works have shown that the glutamatergic system of the main olfactory brain station (amygdala) is capable of controlling thermoregulatory responses, which are considered vital for the different hibernating states. In the present study the role of amygdalar glutamatergic circuits on non-hibernating (NHIB) and hibernating (HIB) hamsters were assessed on drinking stimuli and subsequently compared to expression variations of some glutamatergic subtype mRNA levels in limbic areas. For this study the two major glutamatergic antagonists and namely that of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR),3-(+)-2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl-propyl-1-phosphonate(CPP) plus that of the acid α-amine-3-hydroxy-5-metil-4-isoxazol-propionic receptor (AMPAR) site,cyano-7-nitro-quinoxaline-2,3-dione(CNQX) were infused into the basolateral amygdala nucleus. Attempts were made to establish the type of effects evoked by amygdalar glutamatergic cross-talking processes during drinking stimuli, a response that may corroborate their major role at least during some stages of this physiological activity in hibernators.ResultsFrom the behavioral results it appears that the two glutamatergic compounds exerted distinct effects. In the first case local infusion of basolateral complexes (BLA) with NMDAR antagonist caused very great (p < 0.001) drinking rhythms while moderately increased feeding (p < 0.05) responses during arousal with respect to moderately increased drinking levels in euthermics. Conversely, treatment with CNQX did not modify drinking rhythms and so animals spent more time executing exploratory behaviors. These same antagonists accounted for altered glutamatergic transcription activities as displayed by greatly reduced GluR1, NR1 and GluR2 levels in hippocampus, ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMN) and amygdala, respectively, plus a great (p < 0.01) up-regulation of GluR2 in VMN of hibernators.ConclusionWe conclude that predominant drinking events evoked by glutamatergic mechanisms, in the presence of prevalently down regulated levels of NR1/2A of some telencephalic and hypothalamic areas appear to constitute an important neuronal switch at least during arousal stage of hibernation. The establishment of the type of glutamatergic subtypes that are linked to successful hibernating states, via drinking stimuli, may have useful bearings toward sleeping disorders.
The impact of Rotavirus mass vaccination on hospitalization rates, nosocomial Rotavirus gastroenteritis and secondary blood stream infections
Authors: Zlamy Manuela , Kofler Sabine , Orth Dorothea , Würzner Reinhard , Heinz-Erian Peter , Streng Andrea , Prelog Martina 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of universal mass vaccination (UMV) against rotavirus (RV) on the hospitalization rates, nosocomial RV infections and RV-gastroenteritis (GE)-associated secondary blood stream infections (BSI).

Methods
The retrospective evaluation (2002–2009) by chart analysis included all clinically diagnosed and microbiologically confirmed RV-GE cases in a large tertiary care hospital in Austria. The pre-vaccination period (2002–2005) was compared with the recommended and early funded (2006–2007) and the funded (2008–2009) vaccination periods. Primary outcomes were RV-GE-associated hospitalizations, secondary outcomes nosocomial RV disease, secondary BSI and direct hospitalization costs for children and their accompanying persons.

Results
In 1,532 children with RV-GE, a significant reduction by 73.9% of hospitalized RV-GE cases per year could be observed between the pre-vaccination and the funded vaccination period, which was most pronounced in the age groups 0–11 months (by 87.8%), 6–10 years (by 84.2%) and 11–18 years (88.9%). In the funded vaccination period, a reduction by 71.9% of nosocomial RV-GE cases per year was found compared to the pre-vaccination period. Fatalities due to nosocomial RV-GE were only observed in the pre-vaccination period (3 cases). Direct costs of hospitalized, community-acquired RV-GE cases per year were reduced by 72.7% in the funded vaccination period. The reduction of direct costs for patients (by 86.9%) and accompanying persons (86.2%) was most pronounced in the age group 0–11 months.

Conclusions
UMV may have contributed to the significant decrease of RV-GE-associated hospitalizations, to a reduction in nosocomial RV infections and RV-associated morbidity due to secondary BSI and reduced direct hospitalization costs. The reduction in nosocomial cases is an important aspect considering severe disease courses in hospitalized patients with co-morbidities and death due to nosocomial RV-GE.