bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The potential effect of exotic Pacific ratsRattus exulanson vectors of scrub typhus
Authors: Kuo Chi‐Chien , Wang Hsi‐Chieh , Huang Ching‐Lun 
Published: December 2010

Summary1. The role and influence of exotic species in indigenous vector‐borne diseases are important but remain understudied. Ascertaining whether disease vectors prefer exotic vs. native hosts has important implications for human health. Moreover, evaluating whether exotic hosts are intrinsically less susceptible to vectors, or whether vector loads can vary with environment, is instructive for possible disease dynamics in the face of range expansion of exotic species.Rattus exulanshas recently been recorded for the first time in eastern Taiwan, where scrub typhus is prevalent. We assessed the role ofR. exulansas a host for chiggers (larval trombiculid mites), and the degree to which vector loads ofR. exulansexhibited spatial variation.2. We deployed live traps in two villages in Taiwan that differed in human population density and in the incidence of scrub typhus. We recovered and tallied chiggers from small mammals, and identified over one‐fifth of chiggers from each host to species. Chiggers were assayed forOrientia tsutsugamushi(OT) infection with nested‐PCR.3. R. exulanswas the most common small mammal species captured (31·4% total captures), and supported about one‐fifth of total chiggers recovered.Leptotrombidium imphalumdominated the chigger assemblage of most native species (>90%), butGahrliepiaspp. was commonly found inR. exulans(39·1%). We detected OT in the genusLeptotrombidium(39%) but not in theGahrliepia. Prevalence and loads of chiggers inR. exulanswere about 5× and 17× higher, respectively, in the less densely populated village; a similar trend also occurred with nativeR. losea.4. Synthesis and applications. Currently,R. exulansappears to play a relatively minor role in supporting chiggers. However, the fact that both prevalence and loads of chiggers inR. exulansvary greatly with environment, along with the abundance of most exotic species and the ecological flexibility ofR. exulans, implies a potential health risk as this species expands to areas with more chiggers. Our study suggests that a clearer understanding of interactions among native and exotic hosts and native parasite species can facilitate prediction of the impact of exotic hosts on the dynamics of vector‐borne diseases.
Nonspecific patterns of vector, host and avian malaria parasite associations in a central African rainforest
Authors: NJABO K. Y. , CORNEL A. J. , BONNEAUD C. , TOFFELMIER E. , SEHGAL R. N. M. , VALKIŪNAS G. , RUSSELL A. F. , SMITH T. B. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractMalaria parasites use vertebrate hosts for asexual multiplication and Culicidae mosquitoes for sexual and asexual development, yet the literature on avian malaria remains biased towards examining the asexual stages of the life cycle in birds. To fully understand parasite evolution and mechanism of malaria transmission, knowledge of all three components of the vector‐host‐parasite system is essential. Little is known about avian parasite–vector associations in African rainforests where numerous species of birds are infected with avian haemosporidians of the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus. Here we applied high resolution melt qPCR‐based techniques and nested PCR to examine the occurrence and diversity of mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences of haemosporidian parasites in wild‐caught mosquitoes sampled across 12 sites in Cameroon. In all, 3134 mosquitoes representing 27 species were screened. Mosquitoes belonging to four genera (Aedes, Coquillettidia, Culex and Mansonia) were infected with twenty‐two parasite lineages (18 Plasmodium spp. and 4 Haemoproteus spp.). Presence of Plasmodium sporozoites in salivary glands of Coquillettidia aurites further established these mosquitoes as likely vectors. Occurrence of parasite lineages differed significantly among genera, as well as their probability of being infected with malaria across species and sites. Approximately one‐third of these lineages were previously detected in other avian host species from the region, indicating that vertebrate host sharing is a common feature and that avian Plasmodium spp. vector breadth does not always accompany vertebrate–host breadth. This study suggests extensive invertebrate host shifts in mosquito–parasite interactions and that avian Plasmodium species are most likely not tightly coevolved with vector species.
Telomere length measurement can distinguish pathogenic from non‐pathogenic variants in the shelterin component, TIN2
Authors: Vulliamy T , Beswick R , Kirwan MJ , Hossain U , Walne AJ , Dokal I 
Published: December 2010

Vulliamy T, Beswick R, Kirwan MJ, Hossain U, Walne AJ, Dokal I. Telomere length measurement can distinguish pathogenic from non‐pathogenic variants in the shelterin component, TIN2.Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a heterogeneous bone marrow failure syndrome with seven disease‐causing genes identified to date, six of which are linked to telomere maintenance. Mutations in one of these genes (TINF2), which encodes a component of the shelterin complex, are associated with particularly short telomeres. Among the 224 consecutive patients with different forms of bone marrow failure (46 with DC, 122 with aplastic anaemia and 57 with some features of DC), we have identified 16 new families with variants in exon 6 of the TINF2 gene, eight of which are novel. We observe that the phenotype associated with these mutations extends to a severe early presentation, not always classified as DC. In addition, we see that some of the variants identified are not associated with short telomeres and are also found in asymptomatic individuals. In the absence of any direct functional assay, the data indicates that the telomere length measurement can inform us as to which variants in TINF2 are pathogenic and which may be non‐pathogenic.
Tumor size as a prognostic factor in resected small hepatocellular carcinoma: A controversy revisited
Authors: Chen Yao‐Li , Ko Chih‐Jan , Chien Su‐Yu , Chen Li‐Sheng , Chen Mei‐Ling , Chi Chin‐Wen , Lai Hung‐Wen 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The widespread use of screening programs has resulted in an increase in detection of small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Surgical resection generally leads to favorable outcomes in this group of patients; however, the prognostic significance of tumor size and the optimal cutoff point in resected specimens of small HCC have not been well defined. The aim of current study is to evaluate the prognostic significance of tumor size in small resected HCC.Methods:  Patients who underwent surgical resection for small HCC at the Changhua Christian Hospital during January 2001 to June 2007 were enrolled. Small HCC was defined as a single HCC nodule with maximum diameter ≤ 5 cm. Cox regression hazard ratios for cancer‐specific death were calculated to survey the prognostic significance of tumor size. We then determined the optimal cut‐point for tumor size that could be used to stratify patients into 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) groups.Results:  A total of 140 patients who underwent resection of small HCC were enrolled. The mean tumor size was 2.9 cm (range 0.9–5.0) and the mean follow‐up period was 43.4 months. The 5‐year DFS and CSS rates were 46.6% and 81.6%, respectively. Cox regression analysis revealed that tumor size (hazard ratio = 2.973, 95% confidence interval: 1.073–8.239, P = 0.036) was an independent prognostic factor. Our analysis showed that a tumor size of 3 cm was the cut‐point that could dichotomize patients into statistically different 5‐year DFS and CSS risk groups.Conclusions:  Tumor size is an independent prognostic factor in resected small HCC and the prognostic significance of tumor size may vary according to different cut‐off points.
Prophylaxis of hepatic encephalopathy in acute variceal bleed: A randomized controlled trial of lactulose versus no lactulose
Authors: Sharma Praveen , Agrawal Amit , Sharma Barjesh C , Sarin Shiv K 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Acute variceal bleed (AVB) is an important precipitating factor for development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). However, there is paucity of data on the role of lactulose for prevention of HE after AVB. We evaluated the role of lactulose for prophylaxis of HE after AVB.Methods:  Consecutive patients of cirrhosis with AVB enrolled. Patients included if >18 years old and had no HE at the time of presentation. Patients were randomized to receive lactulose (Group‐L) or no lactulose (Group‐P) along with standard treatment of AVB as per Baveno 4 guidelines. Primary endpoint was development of overt HE as per West Haven criteria within 120 h of randomization.Results:  Seventy patients were randomized into group‐L (Gp‐L, n = 35) and group‐P (Gp‐P, n = 35). There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Characteristics of variceal bleed were also similar (Gp‐L vs Gp‐P [mean arterial pressure 81.0 ± 10.5 vs 79.5 ± 9.9 mmHg], Hb [8.4 ± 1.5 vs 9.3 ± 2.3 g/dL], blood transfusion requirement [1.6 ± 1.1 vs 1.3 ± 0.9 units], time to endoscopy [6.3 ± 2.8 vs 7.0 ± 3.1 h], and esophageal source of bleed [92% vs 88%]). Nineteen (27%) patients developed HE; five patients (14%) in Gp‐L and 14 patients (40%) in Gp‐P, P = 0.03. The median grade of HE was 2 (range 2–4) and median time interval of development of HE after randomization was 2 days (range 1–4). Nine patients (13%) died; three (8.5%) patients in Gp‐L and six (17%) patients in Gp‐P, P = 0.23. Patients who developed HE had significantly higher baseline Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh score score (10.2 ± 1.2 vs 9.4 ± 1.4 P = 0.04), model for end stage liver disease score (18.2 ± 3.9 vs 15.4 ± 4.5 P = 0.02), arterial ammonia level (112.2 ± 22.7 vs 94.8 ± 17.6 umol/L, P = 0.001), baseline total leukocyte count (10 505.2 ± 8911.9 vs 5784.3 ± 3387.0 P = 0.002), total bilirubin (3.4 ± 1.3 vs 2.1 ± 1.8 mg%, P = 0.008) as compared to patients who did not develop HE. On multivariate analysis only baseline arterial ammonia, blood requirement during hospital stay and lactulose therapy were predictors of development of HE.Conclusions:  Lactulose is effective in prevention of HE in patients with cirrhosis and acute variceal bleed.
Evidence for a specific cross‐modal association deficit in dyslexia: an electrophysiological study of letter–speech sound processing
Authors: Froyen Dries , Willems Gonny , Blomert Leo 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe phonological deficit theory of dyslexia assumes that degraded speech sound representations might hamper the acquisition of stable letter–speech sound associations necessary for learning to read. However, there is only scarce and mainly indirect evidence for this assumed letter–speech sound association problem. The present study aimed at clarifying the nature and the role of letter–speech sound association problems in dyslexia by analysing event‐related potentials (ERP) of 11‐year‐old dyslexic children to speech sounds in isolation or combined with letters, which were presented either simultaneously with or 200 ms before the speech sounds. Recent studies with normal readers revealed that letters systematically modulated speech sound processing in an early (mismatch negativity or MMN) and late (Late Discriminatory Negativity or LDN) time‐window. The amplitude of the MMN and LDN to speech sounds was enhanced when speech sounds were presented with letters. The dyslexic readers in the present study, however, did not exhibit any early influences of letters on speech sounds even after 4 years of reading instruction, indicating no automatic integration of letters and speech sounds. Interestingly, they revealed a systematic late effect of letters on speech sound processing, probably reflecting the mere association of letters and speech sounds. This pattern is strongly divergent from that observed in age‐matched normal readers, who showed both early and late effects, but reminiscent of that observed in beginner normal readers in a previous study (Froyen, Bonte, van Atteveldt & Blomert, 2009). The finding that the quality of letter–speech sound processing is directly related to reading fluency urges further research into the role of audiovisual integration in the development of reading failure in dyslexia.
Effects of joint attention on long‐term memory in 9‐month‐old infants: an event‐related potentials study
Authors: Kopp Franziska , Lindenberger Ulman 
Published: December 2010

AbstractJoint attention develops during the first year of life but little is known about its effects on long‐term memory. We investigated whether joint attention modulates long‐term memory in 9‐month‐old infants. Infants were familiarized with visually presented objects in either of two conditions that differed in the degree of joint attention (high versus low). EEG indicators in response to old and novel objects were probed directly after the familiarization phase (immediate recognition), and following a 1‐week delay (delayed recognition). In immediate recognition, the amplitude of positive slow‐wave activity was modulated by joint attention. In the delayed recognition, the amplitude of the Pb component differentiated between high and low joint attention. In addition, the positive slow‐wave amplitude during immediate and delayed recognition correlated with the frequency of infants’ looks to the experimenter during familiarization. Under both high‐ and low‐joint‐attention conditions, the processing of unfamiliar objects was associated with an enhanced Nc component. Our results show that the degree of joint attention modulates EEG during immediate and delayed recognition. We conclude that joint attention affects long‐term memory processing in 9‐month‐old infants by enhancing the relevance of attended items.
Only self‐generated actions create sensori‐motor systems in the developing brain
Authors: James Karin Harman , Swain Shelley N. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractPrevious research shows that sensory and motor systems interact during perception, but how these connections among systems are created during development is unknown. The current work exposes young children to novel ‘verbs’ and objects through either (a) actively exploring the objects or (b) by seeing an experimenter interact with the objects. Results demonstrate that the motor system is recruited during auditory perception only after learning involved self‐generated interactions with objects. Action observation itself led to above‐baseline activation in one motor region during visual perception, but was still significantly less active than after self‐generated action. Therefore, in the developing brain, associations are built upon real‐world interactions of body and environment, leading to sensori‐motor representations of both objects and words.
The development of a phonological illusion: a cross‐linguistic study with Japanese and French infants
Authors: Mazuka Reiko , Cao Yvonne , Dupoux Emmanuel , Christophe Anne 
Published: December 2010

AbstractIn adults, native language phonology has strong perceptual effects. Previous work has shown that Japanese speakers, unlike French speakers, break up illegal sequences of consonants with illusory vowels: they report hearing abna as abuna. To study the development of phonological grammar, we compared Japanese and French infants in a discrimination task. In Experiment 1, we observed that 14‐month‐old Japanese infants, in contrast to French infants, failed to discriminate phonetically varied sets of abna‐type and abuna‐type stimuli. In Experiment 2, 8‐month‐old French and Japanese did not differ significantly from each other. In Experiment 3, we found that, like adults, Japanese infants can discriminate abna from abuna when phonetic variability is reduced (single item). These results show that the phonologically induced /u/ illusion is already experienced by Japanese infants at the age of 14 months. Hence, before having acquired many words of their language, they have grasped enough of their native phonological grammar to constrain their perception of speech sound sequences.
Developmental differences in prefrontal activation during working memory maintenance and manipulation for different memory loads
Authors: Jolles Dietsje D. , Kleibeuker Sietske W. , Rombouts Serge A.R.B. , Crone Eveline A. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe ability to keep information active in working memory is one of the cornerstones of cognitive development. Prior studies have demonstrated that regions which are important for working memory performance in adults, such as dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC), and superior parietal cortex, become increasingly engaged across school‐aged development. The primary goal of the present functional MRI study was to investigate the involvement of these regions in the development of working memory manipulation relative to maintenance functions under different loads. We measured activation in DLPFC, VLPFC, and superior parietal cortex during the delay period of a verbal working memory task in 11–13‐year‐old children and young adults. We found evidence for age‐related behavioral improvements in working memory and functional changes within DLPFC and VLPFC activation patterns. Although activation profiles of DLPFC and VLPFC were similar, group differences were most pronounced for right DLPFC. Consistent with prior studies, right DLPFC showed an interaction between age and condition (i.e. manipulation versus maintenance), specifically at the lower loads. This interaction was characterized by increased activation for manipulation relative to maintenance trials in adults compared to children. In contrast, we did not observe a significant age‐dependent load sensitivity. These results suggest that age‐related differences in the right DLPFC are specific to working memory manipulation and are not related to task difficulty and/or differences in short‐term memory capacity.
Consenting to Domination? Theorising Power, Agency and Embodiment with Reference to Caste
Authors: Rafanell Irene , Gorringe Hugo 
Published: December 2010

Conventional analyses of domination ultimately conceive of individuals internalizing aspects of their contextual social environments (desires or norms) which determine their future behaviour in a pre-conscious fashion. We suggest that this conception of domination is mistaken and stems from a commitment to theoretical models which view individuals' actions as the result rather than a cause, of durable social structures. We offer a critical analysis of Lukes and Bourdieu as paradigmatic theorists of power who hold such a view, and contrast their work to that of Barnes and Foucault. Drawing on the latter we develop an intrinsic model of power which views interaction as central to social phenomena and understands social processes as arising from the continuous interaction of heterogeneous and calculative but mutually susceptible individuals. This approach re-conceptualises three central dichotomies in studies of power: consensus versus conflict, agency versus compliance and mind versus embodiment. We argue, contrary to extrinsic views of power, that calculative agency is essential to both compliance and consensus and view both domination and resistance as integral to power dynamics. Contrary to theories of false consciousness we understand bodies, rather than minds, as central to the routinization of power dynamics. Whilst the paper primarily develops theoretical debates on power we briefly illustrate our position by reference to empirical data on untouchables in India.
HAZARD PROCESSES AND MARTINGALE HAZARD PROCESSES
Authors: Coculescu Delia , Nikeghbali Ashkan 
Published: December 2010

In this paper, we build a bridge between different reduced‐form approaches to pricing defaultable claims. In particular, we show how the well‐known formulas by Duffie, Schroder, and Skiadas and by Elliott, Jeanblanc, and Yor are related. Moreover, in the spirit of Collin Dufresne, Hugonnier, and Goldstein, we propose a simple pricing formula under an equivalent change of measure.Two processes will play a central role: the hazard process and the martingale hazard process attached to a default time. The crucial step is to understand the difference between them, which has been an open question in the literature so far. We show that pseudo‐stopping times appear as the most general class of random times for which these two processes are equal. We also show that these two processes always differ when τ is an honest time, providing an explicit expression for the difference. Eventually we provide a solution to another open problem: we show that if τ is an arbitrary random (default) time such that its Azéma's supermartingale is continuous, then τ avoids stopping times.
‘My heart is always where he is’. Perspectives of mothers of young people with severe intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour living at home
Authors: Hubert Jane 
Published: December 2010

Accessible summary

The researcher visited twenty families over 2 years. In all of the families, there was a son or daughter (from 15 to 22 years old) who had severe or profound intellectual disabilities. This meant that the mothers had to do most things for them. They bathed and dressed them and helped them to eat. Many spent time in the night with them as well. Most of the young people could not speak at all. Many of them had epilepsy. They were very difficult to look after because they tried to hurt themselves or other people, or break up the furniture.
The researcher wanted to find out how the mothers coped with all they had to do and how they felt about their son or daughter. In spite of all they had to do the mothers felt very close to them and were determined not to let them go into long‐term care away. The mothers thought that if they lived somewhere else they would not be cared for and loved as they were now. They also thought that bad things might happen to them, and because they could not talk no one would know. The mothers felt that people who lived in long‐stay homes were not at all like their children. Many of them hoped that they would live longer than their son or daughter, so that they could stay at home and be looked after by their mothers all their lives.
Most of the families only saw their own sisters and brothers and other relatives now and again. They felt that other people did not really like having anything to do with them. This meant that they needed help and support from the social and health services, but they felt they had been let down by them as well.

SummaryLittle research has focussed on the perspectives of families caring for someone with severe or profound intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour. The main aim of this research was to gain understanding of the experiences and perspectives of families, especially mothers, of young people with these complex needs, including attitudes to long‐term residential care. Ethnographic methods were used, consisting of intensive interviews over 2 years, mainly with mothers, and participant observation. The analysis used grounded theory. The mothers’ main focus was on their son or daughter with intellectual disabilities. Most were socially isolated, even from close kin. Their negative attitudes to institutions and fears for the safety and well‐being of their sons and daughters led to determination not to put them into long‐term care. Mothers struggled to care for the young people at home, in spite of difficulties, family tensions and social isolation. Lack of effective services, especially around transition to adulthood, increased parents’ protectiveness.