bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current Status of Fig Mosaic Disease in Iran
Authors: Shahmirzaie Morteza , Rakhshandehroo Farshad , Zamanizadeh Hamid Reza , Elbeaino Toufic 
Published: April 2012

AbstractDuring 2009–2010, a survey was conducted in gardens and commercial fig orchards throughout Iran to determine the prevalence of Fig leaf mottle‐associated virus 1 (FLMaV‐1), Fig leaf mottle‐associated virus 2 (FLMaV‐2), Fig mild mottle‐associated virus (FMMaV), Fig latent virus 1 (FLV‐1) andFig mosaic virus(FMV). Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and dot immunobinding assay (DIBA) were conducted on 104 fig samples collected from seven provinces. FLV‐1, FLMaV‐1 and FMV were found in 14.5, 11.5 and 8.6% of the samples, respectively, but FLMaV‐2 and FMMaV were absent. The overall average of infection reached 18.3%, with a peak of 42.9% in Semnan Province, followed by Golestan (40%), Tehran (32.3%), Lorestan (28.6%) and Mazandaran (25%) provinces. No infection was found in Fars and Gilan provinces. Fig samples from Varamin and Khorramabad districts showed high levels of mixed infections, 35.7 and 28.6%, respectively. The presence of FMV and FLV‐1 in the sap of symptomatic fig leaves was also ascertained by DIBA. Sequence analysis of amplified DNA from the partial RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase gene of two FMV isolates from Iran showed a low level of nucleotide variability (5%). The Iranian isolates shared a common phylogeny with other Mediterranean FMV isolates and in particular with those originating from Turkey already reported in GenBank. This is the first report on the presence of FLMaV‐1 and FLV‐1 in Iran and offers a preliminary insight into the unsatisfactory health status of fig in this country.
Maternal and infant characteristics by mode of vitamin K prophylaxis administration
Authors: Khambalia Amina Z , Roberts Christine L , Bowen Jennifer R , Nassar Natasha 
Published: April 2012

Aim:  The aim of this study was to compare maternal and infant characteristics by mode of VK administration.Methods:  De‐identified computerised birth files of all babies born in New South Wales (NSW), Australia between January 2007 and December 2009 (when VK prophylaxis was measured) were included in the present study. The outcome variable, mode of VK prophylaxis, was recorded by checkbox as oral, IM injection, none or not stated.Results:  We analysed population‐based birth data from 2007 to 2009 in NSW, Australia and found that IM injection was the most prevalent mode of administration (96.3%, n = 263, 555), followed by oral (2.6%, n = 7023) and none (1.2%, n = 3136). Compared to neonates receiving IM VK, those with oral or none were more likely to have vaginal births without medical interventions at birth centres or planned home births and were less likely to receive hepatitis B vaccination. Among neonates administered oral VK, a larger proportion were preterm births and breastfed at discharge compared to neonates administered VK as an IM injection. Neonates with no VK recorded were more likely to be admitted to neonatal intensive care, but may have received VK later in the birth admission.Conclusions:  A small proportion of the Australian neonates may be at risk of inadequate protection from VKBD due to parental concerns about the safety of IM injection of VK to neonates.
Clinicopathological features of fatal cardiomyopathy in childhood: An autopsy series
Authors: Roberts Sebastian EA , Pryce Jeremy W , Weber Martin A , Malone Marian , Ashworth Michael T , Sebire Neil J 
Published: April 2012

Aim:  Cardiomyopathy, a group of primary myocardial disorders, is an uncommon, but important, cause of death in childhood. This study examines the demographic, clinical and pathological features of fatal cardiomyopathy in childhood with particular reference to its classification and autopsy findings.Method:  The method of this study was a retrospective structured review of all paediatric autopsies performed at a single specialist centre from 1995 to 2009 inclusive, in order to determine the demographic, clinical and pathological features of fatal cardiomyopathy.Results:  From a total of 2229 autopsies performed at the centre during the study period on live‐born infants and children, 34 confirmed cases of cardiomyopathy were identified (1.5%). More than half (59%) of these cases occurred in infants (less than 1 year of age). Heart weight of cardiomyopathy cases was significantly greater than those with normal hearts (P < 0.001), and 77% had heart weights above the 95th percentile of the normal expected range for age, including all of those over 1 year age. Of cardiomyopathy cases, 50% were primary dilated cardiomyopathy and 27% were primary hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Twelve of 34 cases (35%) presented as sudden unexpected death, the diagnosis of cardiomyopathy being only made at autopsy.Conclusion:  Cardiomyopathy is an uncommon cause of death in infancy and childhood. It can present as sudden unexpected death and encompasses a range of aetiologies. Heart weight above the 95th percentile at autopsy is present in most cases but heart weight may be within the normal range in infants.
A clinical audit of antithrombin concentrate use in a tertiary paediatric centre
Authors: Kozul Christina , Newall Fiona , Monagle Paul , Mertyn Eliza , Ignjatovic Vera 
Published: April 2012

Aim:  The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical use of antithrombin concentrate (ATC) in children and specifically to determine the current practice of ATC administration, including dosing and indications for administration.Methods:  A clinical audit was performed of patients treated with ATC during two 12‐month periods: 1 June 1999–1 June 2000 and 1 June 2009–1 June 2010.Results:  Thirty‐seven patients whose age ranged from 1 day to 13.5 years (median 30 days) received a median of two doses (range 1–15) with a median dose of 40 units/kg (range 1–200 units). The majority (90%) of patients were located in the intensive care unit, and the major indication (76%) for use of the ATC was in the setting of unfractionated heparin (UFH) resistance. Post‐ATC administration, 32% of the doses given resulted in antithrombin levels reaching age‐specific normative levels. Of the patients administered ATC with the aim of optimising UFH therapy, 28% of patients had their UFH dose reduced without any measurement of UFH effect.Conclusions:  This data provides the basis for future investigations of the specific biochemical changes accompanying ATC administration and the development of paediatric‐specific evidence‐based guidelines for ATC use.
Survival analysis of pediatric dialysis patients in Taiwan
Authors: LIN HSIN‐HUNG , TSAI CHING‐WEI , LIN PAO‐HSUAN , CHENG KUANG‐FU , WU HONG‐DAR , WANG I‐KWAN , LIN CHING‐YUANG , CHEN WALTER , HUANG CHIU‐CHING 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT:Aim:  The long‐term survival of Taiwanese children with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) has not been reported before. This study aimed to determine the long‐term survival, mortality hazards and causes of death in paediatric patients receiving dialysis.Methods:  Paediatric patients (aged 19 years and younger) with incident ESRD who were reported to the Taiwan Renal Registry from 1995 to 2004 were included. A total of 319 haemodialysis (HD) and 156 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients formed the database. After stratification by dialysis modality, multivariate Cox proportional‐hazards model was constructed with age, sex and co‐morbidity as predictive variables.Results:  The annual paediatric ESRD incidence rate was 8.12 per million of age‐related populations. The overall 1‐, 5‐, and 10‐year survival rates for PD patients were 98.1%, 88.0% and 68.4%, respectively, and were 96.9%, 87.3% and 78.5% for HD patients. The survival analysis showed no significant difference between HD and PD (P = 0.4878). Using ‘15–19 years’ as a reference group, the relative risk (RR) of the youngest group (0–4 years) was 6.60 (95% CI: 2.50–17.38) for HD, and 5.03 (95% CI: 1.23–20.67) for PD. The death rate was 24.66 per 1000 dialysis patient‐years. The three major causes of death were infection (23.4%), cardiovascular disease (13.0%) and cerebrovascular disease (10.4%). Hemorrhagic stroke (87.5%) was the main type of foetal cerebrovascular accident.Conclusion:  We conclude that there was no significant difference of paediatric ESRD patient survival between HD and PD treatment in Taiwan. The older paediatric ESRD patients had better survival than younger patients.
Pre‐ and postnatal exposure to kynurenine causes cognitive deficits in adulthood
Authors: Pocivavsek Ana , Wu Hui‐Qiu , Elmer Greg I. , Bruno John P. , Schwarcz Robert 
Published: April 2012

AbstractLevels of kynurenic acid (KYNA), an endogenous product of tryptophan degradation, are elevated in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid of individuals with schizophrenia (SZ). This increase has been implicated in the cognitive dysfunctions seen in the disease, as KYNA is an antagonist of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor, both of which are critically involved in cognitive processes and in a defining neurodevelopmental period in the pathophysiology of SZ. We tested the hypothesis that early developmental increases in brain KYNA synthesis might cause biochemical and functional impairments in adulthood. To this end, we stimulated KYNA formation by adding the KYNA precursor kynurenine (100 mg/day) to the chow fed to rat dams from gestational day 15 to postnatal day 21 (PD 21). This treatment raised brain KYNA levels in the offspring by 341% on PD 2 and 210% on PD 21. Rats were then fed normal chow until adulthood (PD 56–80). In the adult animals, basal levels of extracellular KYNA, measured in the hippocampus by in vivo microdialysis, were elevated (+12%), whereas extracellular glutamate levels were significantly reduced (−13%). In separate adult animals, early kynurenine treatment was shown to impair performance in two behavioral tasks linked to hippocampal function, the passive avoidance test and the Morris water maze test. Collectively, these studies introduce a novel, naturalistic rat model of SZ, and also suggest that increases in brain KYNA during a vulnerable period in brain development may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of the disease.
γ‐Aminobutyric acid receptor A‐mediated inhibition in the honeybee’s antennal lobe is necessary for the formation of configural olfactory percepts
Authors: Choudhary Amir F. , Laycock Ian , Wright Geraldine A. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractComplex odours often possess perceptual qualities that are distinct from their components. Previous studies in humans, rodents, and insects indicate that the perception of complex odour blends depends on the concentration of the components and the mixture’s complexity. However, we know relatively little about the way that an odour mixture ‘gestalt’ is produced by the olfactory system. Here, using an assay for olfactory conditioning in the honeybee (Apis mellifera), we examine the role of γ‐aminobutyric acid receptor A (GABAA)‐ergic inhibition within the olfactory primary relay, the antennal lobe, in the formation of a unique odour percept for complex odours. We found that honeybees perceive odour mixtures as configural stimuli when the mixtures were of low concentration and when they were composed of more than two odorants. When GABAA receptors were disrupted using the antagonist, picrotoxin, injected directly into the antennal lobe, we observed that bees no longer perceived the mixture as a configural stimulus. Our results imply that synchronization of antennal lobe projection neurons mediated by GABAA receptors is the mechanism responsible for the formation of unique olfactory percepts for complex odours.
Predicting present and future intra‐specific genetic structure through niche hindcasting across 24 millennia
Authors: Espíndola Anahí , Pellissier Loïc , Maiorano Luigi , Hordijk Wim , Guisan Antoine , Alvarez Nadir 
Published: April 2012

Ecology Letters (2012) 15: 649–657AbstractPaleoclimatic reconstructions coupled with species distribution models and identification of extant spatial genetic structure have the potential to provide insights into the demographic events that shape the distribution of intra‐specific genetic variation across time. Using the globeflower Trollius europaeus as a case‐study, we combined (1) Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms, (2) suites of 1000‐years stepwise hindcasted species distributions and (3) a model of diffusion through time over the last 24,000 years, to trace the spatial dynamics that most likely fits the species’ current genetic structure. We show that the globeflower comprises four gene pools in Europe which, from the dry period preceding the Last Glacial Maximum, dispersed while tracking the conditions fitting its climatic niche. Among these four gene pools, two are predicted to experience drastic range retraction in the near future. Our interdisciplinary approach, applicable to virtually any taxon, is an advance in inferring how climate change impacts species’ genetic structures.
Cultivation of a highly enriched ammonia‐oxidizing archaeon of thaumarchaeotal group I.1b from an agricultural soil
Authors: Kim Jong‐Geol , Jung Man‐Young , Park Soo‐Je , Rijpstra W. Irene C. , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S. , Madsen Eugene L. , Min Deullae , Kim Jin‐Seog , Kim Geun‐Joong , Rhee Sung‐Keun 
Published: April 2012

SummaryNitrification of excess ammonia in soil causes eutrophication of water resources and emission of atmospheric N2O gas. The first step of nitrification, ammonia oxidation, is mediated by Archaea as well as Bacteria. The physiological reactions mediated by ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) and their contribution to soil nitrification are still unclear. Results of non‐culture‐based studies have shown the thaumarchaeotal group I.1b lineage of AOA to be dominant over both AOA of group I.1a and ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria in various soils. We obtained from an agricultural soil a highly enriched ammonia‐oxidizing culture dominated by a single archaeal population [c. 90% of total cells, as determined microscopically (by fluorescence in situ hybridization) and by quantitative PCR of its 16S rRNA gene]. The archaeon (termed ‘strain JG1’) fell within thaumarchaeotal group I.1b and was related to the moderately thermophilic archaeon, Candidatus Nitrososphaera gargensis, and the mesophilic archaeon, Ca. Nitrososphaera viennensis with 97.0% and 99.1% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity respectively. Strain JG1 was neutrophilic (growth range pH 6.0–8.0) and mesophilic (growth range temperature 25–40°C). The optimum temperature of strain JG1 (35–40°C) is > 10°C higher than that of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB). Membrane analysis showed that strain JG1 contained a glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraether, GDGT‐4, and its regioisomer as major core lipids; this crenarchaeol regioisomer was previously detected in similar abundance in the thermophile, Ca. N. gargensis and has been frequently observed in tropical soils. Substrate uptake assays showed that the affinity of strain JG1 for ammonia and oxygen was much higher than those of AOB. These traits may give a competitive advantage to AOA related to strain JG1 in oligotrophic environments. 13C‐bicarbonate incorporation into archaeal lipids of strain JG1 established its ability to grow autotrophically. Strain JG1 produced a significant amount of N2O gas – implicating AOA as a possible source of N2O emission from soils. Sequences of archaeal amoA and 16S rRNA genes closely related to those of strain JG1 have been retrieved from various terrestrial environments in which lineage of strain JG1 is likely engaged in autotrophic nitrification.
Linking selenium biogeochemistry to the sulfur‐dependent biological detoxification of arsenic
Authors: Couture Raoul‐Marie , Sekowska Agnieszka , Fang Gang , Danchin Antoine 
Published: April 2012

SummaryGeochemistry often reveals unexpected (anti)correlations. Arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) are cases in point. We explore the hypothesis that bacteria living in an As‐replete environment recruited a biological process involving Se and sulfur to fulfil their need for As detoxification. In analogy with the formation of arsenolipids and arsenosugars, which are common non‐toxic As metabolites derived from microbial and plant metabolism, we attempt to explain the prevalence of novel sulfur‐containing As derivatives, in particular monothioarsenate, in the aqueous environment. Thiolated‐As species have been overlooked so far mainly because of the difficulty of their identification. Based on comparative genomics, we propose a scenario where SelD and SelU proteins, commonly used to make selenophosphate and modify transfer RNA, have been recruited to make monothioarsenate, a relatively innocuous arsenical. This hypothesis is discussed in terms of the relative geochemical distribution of Se and As.
Factors influencing initial choice of insulin therapy in a large international non‐interventional study of people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Freemantle N. , Balkau B. , Danchin N. , Wang E. , Marre M. , Vespasiani G. , Kawamori R. , Home P. D. 
Published: April 2012

Aim: To use baseline characteristics of the Cardiovascular Risk Evaluation in people with type 2 Diabetes on Insulin Therapy study population to identify factors that could explain the choice of insulin therapy when beginning insulin.Methods: The source, non‐interventional, longitudinal, long‐term study involves 314 centres in 12 countries in five regions. People were enrolled having started any insulin regimen in the previous 12 months. To identify factors associated with the choice of insulin regimen, multivariable backward logistic regression was performed on eligible physician and participant explanatory variables.Results: Participants (N = 3031) had mean age 62 years, diabetes duration 11 years, body mass index 29.3 kg/m2 and an HbA1c of 9.5%. Participants in Japan had less hypertension, smoked more and used fewer concomitant medications than those of other regions. Only physician location (rural or urban) influenced the choice of insulin in Japan. In the other four‐regions‐combined, physician location, specialty, sex and practice type influenced choice of insulin as did participant location, baseline HbA1c, use of glucose‐lowering therapies and prior insulin secretagogue use.Conclusion: Choice of initial insulin regimen was influenced by several physician and participant characteristics in Canada and Europe, but only by physician location in Japan.
A constructionism framework for designing game‐like learning systems: Its effect on different learners
Authors: Li Zhong‐Zheng , Cheng Yuan‐Bang , Liu Chen‐Chung 
Published: April 2012

AbstractGame‐like learning systems such as simulation games and digital toys are increasingly being applied to foster higher‐level abilities in educational contexts, as they may facilitate an active learning experience. However, the effect of such game‐like learning systems is not guaranteed because students may only be interested in the fantasy interfaces and the elaborate scenarios, rather than in the learning tasks. In this vein, the study presented in this paper addresses this issue from the perspective of constructionism. A design framework based on constructionism, which highlights the principles of construction as the goal, low‐threshold–high‐ceiling and computer simulation is proposed for designing game‐like learning systems. An evaluation was conducted to investigate the influence of the framework on the flow experiences and learning strategies of different students. The results of this study show that computer simulation is an integral component to promote exploratory learning activities. The results of this study also indicate that the framework was particularly helpful for those students with low background knowledge in balancing challenge and skill perceptions. For those students with middle and high level background knowledge, it also promoted the learning experience by either reducing the challenge perception or promoting the skill perception. Such findings suggest that the constructionism framework is a particularly important design guideline to engage students of different levels in active learning activities.Practitioner NotesWhat is already known about this topic
Computer games are increasingly being applied to foster higher‐level abilities in educational contexts.
Learning with a game is sensitive to individual differences.
What this paper adds
A game design framework based on constructionism is proposed to illustrate how low‐threshold–high‐ceiling principle and computer simulations may be used to help students of different levels learn with games.
Implications for practice and/or policy
Computer simulation is an integral component to promote exploratory learning activities.
The constructionism framework was mostly helpful for those students with low background knowledge in balancing challenge and skill perceptions.
The low‐threshold–high‐ceiling principle is a particularly important design guideline to engage students of different levels in active learning activities.
Discriminating factors between completers of and dropouts from online learning courses
Authors: Lee Youngju , Choi Jaeho , Kim Taehyun 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis study examined the differences between persistent and dropout students enrolled in an online course with five factors: support from family and work, academic locus of control, academic self‐efficacy, time and environment management skills, and metacognitive self‐regulation skills. Moreover, this study investigated the most significant factors discriminating students' success in their online course completion. A total of 169 adult students participated in the study. We used online surveys, which consisted of 27 items adopted from the literature, to measure the level of five factors of which students perceive. The analysis showed persistent students had higher levels of academic locus of control and metacognitive self‐regulation skills than dropout students. Our finding suggests that these factors are the most significant factors influencing students' persistence in an online course.Practitioner NotesWhat is already known about this topic
Student dropout rates in online learning are much higher than ones in conventional learning environment.
To explain or predict dropout in online courses, several conceptual models were suggested: Tinto's (1975) Student Integration Model, Bean and Metzner's (1985) Student Attrition Mode and Rovai's (2003) Composite Persistence Model.
Research found several significant predictors of dropout: locus of control, metacognitive strategies, self‐efficacy, resource management skills, and support from family and work.
What this paper adds
This study suggested an integrated approach to assess the effects of multiple predictors simultaneously using multivariate analysis of variance.
Results of this study revealed the relative powers of these factors to predict dropout.
In addition, this study provided empirical results for Rovai's conceptual model, supporting the original design partly.
Implications for practice and/or policy
Students' entry characteristics including academic locus of control and metacognitive strategies need to be assessed in the beginning of a semester to better address students' weakness during the course.
Depending on students' preparedness for online courses, teachers and administrators could provide necessary support, such as technical supports, interactive learning activities and student‐centered web design.
Interactive web design and learning activities could improve self‐regulated learning skills of online students.