bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of the characteristics of the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth by child care providers may influence early adoption of nutrition guidelines in child care centres
Authors: Nikolopoulos Hara , Farmer Anna , Berry Tanya R. , McCargar Linda J. , Mager Diana R. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn 2008, the Alberta government released the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth (ANGCY) as a resource for child care facilities to translate nutrition recommendations into practical food choices. Using a multiple case study method, early adoption of the guidelines was examined in two child care centres in Alberta, Canada. Key constructs from the Diffusion of Innovations framework were used to develop an interview protocol based on the perceived characteristics of the guidelines (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability and observability) by child care providers. Analysis of the ANGCY was conducted by a trained qualitative researcher and validated by an external qualitative researcher. This entailed reviewing guideline content, layout, organisation, presentation, format, comprehensiveness and dissemination to understand whether characteristics of the guidelines affect the adoption process. Data were collected through direct observation, key informant interviews and documentation of field notes. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. Overall, the guidelines were perceived positively by child care providers. Child care providers found the guidelines to have a high relative advantage, be compatible with current practice, have a low level of complexity, easy to try and easy to observe changes. It is valuable to understand how child care providers perceive characteristics of guidelines as this is the first step in identifying the needs of child care providers with respect to early adoption and identifying potential educational strategies important for dissemination.
An improved model for the non-linear velocity power spectrum
Authors: Jennings Elise 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
The velocity divergence power spectrum is a key ingredient in modelling redshift-space distortion effects on quasi-linear and non-linear scales. We present an improved model for the z=0 velocity divergence auto and cross power spectrum which was originally suggested by Jennings et al. Using numerical simulations we measure the velocity fields using a Delaunay tessellation and obtain an accurate prediction of the velocity divergence power spectrum on scales k &lt; 1 h Mpc−1. We use this to update the model which is now accurate to 2 per cent for both Pθθ and Pθδ at z= 0 on scales k &lt; 0.65 h Mpc−1 and k &lt; 0.35 h Mpc−1, respectively. We find that the formula for the redshift dependence of the velocity divergence power spectra proposed by Jennings et al. recovers the measured z &gt; 0 P(k) to markedly greater accuracy with the new model. The non-linear Pθθ and Pθδ at z=1 are recovered accurately to better than 2 per cent on scales k &lt; 0.2 h Mpc−1. Recently, it was shown that the velocity field shows larger differences between modified gravity cosmologies and Λ cold dark matter (ΛCDM) compared to the matter field. An accurate model for the velocity divergence power spectrum, such as the one presented here, is a valuable tool for analysing redshift-space distortion effects in future galaxy surveys and for constraining deviations from general relativity.
Visual motion perception predicts driving hazard perception ability
Authors: Lacherez Philippe , Au Sandra , Wood Joanne M. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract.Purpose:  To examine the basis of previous findings of an association between indices of driving safety and visual motion sensitivity and to examine whether this association could be explained by low‐level changes in visual function.Methods:  A total of 36 visually normal participants (aged 19–80 years) completed a battery of standard vision tests including visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and automated visual fields and two tests of motion perception including sensitivity for movement of a drifting Gabor stimulus and sensitivity for displacement in a random dot kinematogram (Dmin). Participants also completed a hazard perception test (HPT), which measured participants’ response times to hazards embedded in video recordings of real‐world driving, which has been shown to be linked to crash risk.Results:  Dmin for the random dot stimulus ranged from −0.88 to −0.12 log minutes of arc, and the minimum drift rate for the Gabor stimulus ranged from 0.01 to 0.35 cycles per second. Both measures of motion sensitivity significantly predicted response times on the HPT. In addition, while the relationship involving the HPT and motion sensitivity for the random dot kinematogram was partially explained by the other visual function measures, the relationship with sensitivity for detection of the drifting Gabor stimulus remained significant even after controlling for these variables.Conclusion:  These findings suggest that motion perception plays an important role in the visual perception of driving‐relevant hazards independent of other areas of visual function and should be further explored as a predictive test of driving safety. Future research should explore the causes of reduced motion perception to develop better interventions to improve road safety.
Evidence for complex selection on four‐fold degenerate sites in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Clemente F. , Vogl C. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWe considered genome‐wide four‐fold degenerate sites from an African Drosophila melanogaster population and compared them to short introns. To include divergence and to polarize the data, we used its close relatives Drosophila simulans, Drosophila sechellia, Drosophila erecta and Drosophila yakuba as outgroups. In D. melanogaster, the GC content at four‐fold degenerate sites is higher than in short introns; compared to its relatives, more AT than GC is fixed. The former has been explained by codon usage bias (CUB) favouring GC; the latter by decreased intensity of directional selection or by increased mutation bias towards AT. With a biallelic equilibrium model, evidence for directional selection comes mostly from the GC‐rich ancestral base composition. Together with a slight mutation bias, it leads to an asymmetry of the unpolarized allele frequency spectrum, from which directional selection is inferred. Using a quasi‐equilibrium model and polarized spectra, however, only purifying and no directional selection is detected. Furthermore, polarized spectra are proportional to those of the presumably unselected short introns. As we have no evidence for a decrease in effective population size, relaxed CUB must be due to a reduction in the selection coefficient. Going beyond the biallelic model and considering all four bases, signs of directional selection are stronger. In contrast to short introns, complementary bases show strand specificity and allele frequency spectra depend on mutation directions. Hence, the traditional biallelic model to describe the evolution of four‐fold degenerate sites should be replaced by more complex models assuming only quasi‐equilibrium and accounting for all four bases.
Isolation and Identification of a Novel Antifungal Protein from a Rhizobacterium Bacillus subtilis Strain F3
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyan , Zhao Xiaomeng , Wei Yanmin , Shang Qiaoxia , Liu Zhenping 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBacillus subtilis strain F3, isolated from peach rhizosphere soil, is an antifungal bacterium against many plant pathogens. In this study, the antifungal protein was isolated and purified by ammonium sulphate and chromatography, then identified by mass spectrum analysis. By sequential chromatography of Sephadex G‐50, DEAE‐Sephadex A‐25 anion exchange and Sephadex G‐100, a fraction designated as F3A was isolated to show a single protein band in SDS‐PAGE and be antagonistic towards Monilinia fructicola. The peptide mass fingerprinting of the protein band of F3A had high similarity with the amino acid sequences of several flagellin protein of B. subtilis. There were seven amino acid fragments matched with the protein having the highest score, and sequence coverage was 33%. F3A showed a strongly inhibitory effect to the growth and sporulation of M. fructicola. There were little aerial hyphae and conidia at the antifungal zone, and the hyphae were abnormal with some cell wall collapse and several vacuoles in cells.
Transient induction of melatonin biosynthesis in rice (Oryza sativa L.) during the reproductive stage
Authors: Park Sangkyu , Le Tieu‐Ngoc Nguyen , Byeon Yeong , Kim Young Soon , Back Kyoungwhan 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe regulation of reproduction‐stage inducible melatonin biosynthesis in rice (Oryza sativa cv. Dongjin) was investigated. The flag leaf and panicle (flower) were collected from field‐grown rice at three different reproductive stages: the preflowering stage, flowering stage, and postflowering stage. Melatonin synthesis was induced in the panicle, whereas no induction was observed in the flag leaf during the reproductive stages. The panicle displayed a peak melatonin level of 0.4 ng/g fresh weight (fw), which was six times that found in the flag leaf. The induction of melatonin biosynthesis was paralleled by the induction of corresponding genes and proteins such as tryptophan decarboxylase, tryptamine 5‐hydroxylase, and N‐acetylserotonin methyltransferase. In addition, melatonin induction was preceded by the accumulation of its precursor, tryptophan, in the panicle. These results suggest that the induction of melatonin during flower development is regulated by the transcriptional control of its biosynthesis genes and that melatonin may participate in flower development.
Food transit time, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention in farmed and feral American mink (Neovison vison) – a comparative analysis
Authors: Gugołek A. , Zalewski D. , Strychalski J. , Konstantynowicz M. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryThe aim of this study was to determine whether farming leads to changes in gastrointestinal function and nitrogen metabolism in farmed mink (FA), as compared with their wild‐living counterparts. Three digestibility and balance trials were carried out. Experiment I was performed in May, and experiments II and III were conducted in September 2011. Farmed mink with the standard coat colour were purchased from a production farm in south‐eastern Poland. Feral mink were harvested using cages in the hunting grounds of the Polish Hunting Association, Branch in Olsztyn. The experimental materials comprised of the following: trial I – adult males (eight animals per group), trial II – young females (six animals per group), trial III–young animals (five males and five females per group). Food transit time was measured during digestibility trials, on 10 consecutive days. The coefficients of nutrient and energy digestibility and daily nitrogen balance values were compared between groups in each experiment. It was found that farming contributed to changes in gastrointestinal function and nitrogen metabolism in mink. Farmed animals were characterized by a longer bowel transit time, a tendency towards higher nutrient digestibility and higher nitrogen retention, which resulted from selection for higher productivity.
A case–control study to examine the association between breastfeeding during late pregnancy and risk of a small‐for‐gestational‐age birth in Lima, Peru
Authors: Pareja Rossina G. , Marquis Grace S. , Penny Mary E. , Dixon Philip M. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractExcessive demands on maternal nutritional status may be a risk factor for poor birth outcomes. This study examined the association between breastfeeding during late pregnancy (≥28 weeks) and the risk of having a small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) newborn, using a matched case–control design (78 SGA cases: birthweight <10th percentile for gestational age; 150 non‐SGA controls: 50th percentile <birthweight <90th percentile for gestational age). Between March 2006 and April 2007, project midwives visited daily three government hospitals in Lima, Peru and identified cases and matched controls based on hospital, gestational age, and inter‐gestational period. Mothers were interviewed and clinical chart extractions were completed. Factors associated with risk of SGA were assessed by their adjusted odds ratios (aOR) from conditional logistic regression. Exposure to an overlap of breastfeeding during late pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of having a SGA newborn [aOR = 0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.10–3.30]. However, increased risk was associated with having a previous low‐birthweight birth (aOR = 6.53; 95% CI: 1.43–29.70) and a low intake of animal source foods (<25th percentile; aOR = 2.26; 95% CI: 1.01–5.04), and tended to be associated with being short (<150 cm; aOR = 2.05; 95% CI: 0.92–4.54). This study found no evidence to support the hypothesis that breastfeeding during late pregnancy increases the risk for SGA; however, studies with greater statistical power are needed to definitively examine this possible association and clarify whether there are other risks to the new baby, the toddler and the pregnant woman.
Influence of early life factors on body mass index trajectory during childhood: a population‐based longitudinal analysis in theWesternBrazilianAmazon
Authors: Lourenço Barbara H. , Villamor Eduardo , Augusto Rosângela A. , Cardoso Marly A. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractLow‐ to middle‐income countries may experience the occurrence of a dual burden of under and overnutrition. To better understand the overall progression of body mass index (BMI) during childhood, we estimated averageBMI‐for‐agez‐score (BAZ) growth curves in a population‐based longitudinal study of 255 children living in theBrazilianAmazon. Children were aged 0.1–5.5 years at recruitment (2003). We collected data on socio‐economic and maternal characteristics, children's birthweight and infant feeding practices. Child anthropometric measurements were taken in 2003, 2007 and 2009.BAZdifferences among categories of exposure variables were calculated at 6 and 12 months, and 2, 7 and 10 years. At baseline, the mean (standard deviation) age was 2.6 (1.4) years; 12.9% were overweight and 3.9% thin. After adjustment, meanBAZestimates were mostly negative. Boys were close to the median value forBAZuntil 12 months, whereas girls were below the median (P = 0.05). Children from households above the wealth median were 0.36z‐ and 0.49z‐less underweight than poorer children at 7 and 10 years, respectively (P < 0.01). MaternalBMIwas positively associated with children'sBAZsince 12 months old;BAZin children from overweight mothers was higher by 0.69 compared with their counterparts at 10 years (P < 0.01). Birthweight was positively related toBAZup until 2 years (P = 0.01). Socio‐economic background and maternal nutritional status are important predictors ofBAZthroughout childhood. Although excessive weight gain is a public health concern, it is critical to restrict inequities, while promoting healthier growth in developing countries.
A pragmatic randomised controlled trial on routine iron prophylaxis during pregnancy in Maputo, Mozambique (PROFEG): rationale, design, and success
Authors: Nwaru Bright I. , Parkkali Saara , Abacassamo Fatima , Salomé Graca , Chilundo Baltazar , Augusto Orvalho , Cliff Julie , Dgedge Martinho , Regushevskaya Elena , Nikula Minna , Hemminki Elina 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe effects of prophylactic iron during pregnancy on maternal and child health in developing settings with endemic malaria and high prevalence of HIV remain unclear. This paper describes the rationale, implementation and success of a pragmatic randomised controlled trial comparing routine iron supplementation vs. screening and treatment for anaemia during pregnancy. The setting was two health centres in Maputo, Mozambique. Pregnant women (≥12‐week gestation; ≥18 years old; and not with a high‐risk pregnancy, n = 4326) were recruited. The main outcomes are preterm delivery and low birthweight. The women were randomly assigned to one of two iron administration policies: a routine iron group (n = 2184) received 60 mg of ferrous sulphate plus 400 μg of folic acid daily while a selective iron group (n = 2142) had screening and treatment for anaemia and a daily intake of 1 mg of folic acid. The recruitment, follow‐up, and collection of follow‐up data were successful; both groups were similar to each other in all the trial stages. Collection of delivery data was challenging and data on about 40% of births is missing. These are currently being traced through different hospitals and health centres. The compliance of the study personnel and the women with regard to regular measurement of haemoglobin and intake of the iron and folic acid tablets was high and similar in both trial arms. Taking into account the various constraints encountered, the stages of the present trial prior to delivery were carried out well.
Supportive breeding boosts natural population abundance with minimal negative impacts on fitness of a wild population of Chinook salmon
Authors: Hess Maureen A. , Rabe Craig D. , Vogel Jason L. , Stephenson Jeff J. , Nelson Doug D. , Narum Shawn R. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWhile supportive breeding programmes strive to minimize negative genetic impacts to populations, case studies have found evidence for reduced fitness of artificially produced individuals when they reproduce in the wild. Pedigrees of two complete generations were tracked with molecular markers to investigate differences in reproductive success (RS) of wild and hatchery‐reared Chinook salmon spawning in the natural environment to address questions regarding the demographic and genetic impacts of supplementation to a natural population. Results show a demographic boost to the population from supplementation. On average, fish taken into the hatchery produced 4.7 times more adult offspring, and 1.3 times more adult grand‐offspring than naturally reproducing fish. Of the wild and hatchery fish that successfully reproduced, we found no significant differences in RS between any comparisons, but hatchery‐reared males typically had lower RS values than wild males. Mean relative reproductive success (RRS) for hatchery F1 females and males was 1.11 (P = 0.84) and 0.89 (P = 0.56), respectively. RRS of hatchery‐reared fish (H) that mated in the wild with either hatchery or wild‐origin (W) fish was generally equivalent to W × W matings. Mean RRS of H × W and H × H matings was 1.07 (P = 0.92) and 0.94 (P = 0.95), respectively. We conclude that fish chosen for hatchery rearing did not have a detectable negative impact on the fitness of wild fish by mating with them for a single generation. Results suggest that supplementation following similar management practices (e.g. 100% local, wild‐origin brood stock) can successfully boost population size with minimal impacts on the fitness of salmon in the wild.
Sector expansion and elliptical modeling of blue‐gray ovoids for basal cell carcinoma discrimination in dermoscopy images
Authors: Guvenc Pelin , LeAnder Robert W. , Kefel Serkan , Stoecker William V. , Rader Ryan K. , Hinton Kristen A. , Stricklin Sherea M. , Rabinovitz Harold S. , Oliviero Margaret , Moss Randy H. 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundBlue‐gray ovoids (B‐GOs), a critical dermoscopic structure for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), offer an opportunity for automatic detection of BCC. Due to variation in size and color, B‐GOs can be easily mistaken for similar structures in benign lesions. Analysis of these structures could afford accurate characterization and automatic recognition of B‐GOs, furthering the goal of automatic BCC detection. This study utilizes a novel segmentation method to discriminate B‐GOs from their benign mimics.MethodsContact dermoscopy images of 68 confirmed BCCs with B‐GOs were obtained. Another set of 131 contact dermoscopic images of benign lesions possessing B‐GO mimics provided a benign competitive set. A total of 22 B‐GO features were analyzed for all structures: 21 color features and one size feature. Regarding segmentation, this study utilized a novel sector‐based, non‐recursive segmentation method to expand the masks applied to the B‐GOs and mimicking structures.ResultsLogistic regression analysis determined that blue chromaticity was the best feature for discriminating true B‐GOs in BCC from benign, mimicking structures. Discrimination of malignant structures was optimal when the final B‐GO border was approximated by a best‐fit ellipse. Using this optimal configuration, logistic regression analysis discriminated the expanded and fitted malignant structures from similar benign structures with a classification rate as high as 96.5%.ConclusionsExperimental results show that color features allow accurate expansion and localization of structures from seed areas. Modeling these structures as ellipses allows high discrimination of B‐GOs in BCCs from similar structures in benign images.
Modification of plant Rac/Rop GTPase signalling using bacterial toxin transgenes
Authors: Singh Manoj K. , Ren Fugang , Giesemann Torsten , Bosco Cristina Dal , Pasternak Taras P. , Blein Thomas , Ruperti Benedetto , Schmidt Gudula , Aktories Klaus , Molendijk Arthur J. , Palme Klaus 
Published: October 2012

SummaryBacterial protein toxins which modify Rho GTPase are useful for the analysis of Rho signalling in animal cells, but these toxins cannot be taken up by plant cells. We demonstrate in vitro deamidation of Arabidopsis Rop4 by Escherichia coli Cytotoxic Necrotizing Factor 1 (CNF1) and glucosylation by Clostridium difficile toxin B. Expression of the catalytic domain of CNF1 caused modification and activation of co‐expressed Arabidopsis Rop4 GTPase in tobacco leaves, resulting in hypersensitive‐like cell death. By contrast, the catalytic domain of toxin B modified and inactivated co‐expressed constitutively active Rop4, blocking the hypersensitive response caused by over‐expression of active Rops. In transgenic Arabidopsis, both CNF1 and toxin B inhibited Rop‐dependent polar morphogenesis of leaf epidermal cells. Toxin B expression also inhibited Rop‐dependent morphogenesis of root hairs and trichome branching, and resulted in root meristem enlargement and dwarf growth. Our results show that CNF1 and toxin B transgenes are effective tools in Rop GTPase signalling studies.