bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing parenting in early childhood: a prospective longitudinal study focusing on change
Authors: Waylen A. , Stewart‐Brown S. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground Parenting influences child outcomes but does not occur in a vacuum. It is influenced by socio‐economic resources, parental health, and child characteristics. Our aim was to investigate the relative importance of these influences by exploring the relationship between changing parental health and socio‐economic circumstances and changes in parenting.Methods Data collected from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children were used to develop an eight‐item parenting measure at 8 and 33 months. The measure covered warmth, support, rejection, and control and proved valid and reliable. Regression analysis examined changes in financial circumstance, housing tenure, marital status, social support, maternal health and depression, and their influence on parenting score. The final model controlled for maternal age, education, and baseline depression.Results Most mothers reported warm, supportive parenting at both times. Maternal depression was the only variable for which both positive and negative change was associated with changes in parenting score. Less depression was associated with better parenting scores and more depression with worse parenting scores. Improvements in social support and maternal general health were both associated with improved parenting scores, but for neither of these variables was deterioration associated with deterioration in parenting scores. Worsening financial circumstances predicted deterioration in parenting score, but improvements were not predictive of improvements in parenting.Conclusions Programmes aiming to improve parental health and social support are likely to return greater dividends with regard to improving parenting than programmes that aim to reduce family poverty.
On the accuracy of the ground force estimated in vibroseis acquisition
Authors: Saragiotis Christos , Scholtz Péter , Bagaini Claudio 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTFor a linear elastic Earth the time derivative of the ground force is considered proportional to the far‐field wavelet. Under the assumption that the baseplate is stiff and the bending forces of the baseplate are negligible, the ground force is also approximated by the sum of the accelerations of the baseplate and the reaction mass weighted by the respective masses. Combining these two assumptions, the time derivative of the weighted sum is considered proportional to the far‐field wavelet. This result, often referred to as the far‐field wavelet assumption, although convenient and most often employed is not always valid. We explore its validity using the spectral harmonic ratios of recorded data, which are used extensively in data filtering and analysis of vibratory data. We show that the far‐field wavelet assumption fails particularly for harmonic components of even order. More compact soil after repeated shots further invalidates this assumption. Non‐linear modelling of the ground under the vibrator point may provide a direction towards solving this discrepancy. Finally, we describe a method for the estimation of the harmonic spectral ratios.
Selectivity of lynx proteins on insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Yang B. , Yao X. , Gu S. , Zhang Y. , Liu Z. , Zhang Y. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractNeuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are major excitatory neurotransmitter receptors in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Two lynx proteins (Nl‐lynx1 and Nl‐lynx2) have been identified in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens, which act as modulators on insect nAChRs. In the present study, two lynx proteins were found to act on the triplet receptor Nlα1/Nlα2/β2 expressed in Xenopus oocytes, increasing agonist‐evoked macroscopic currents, but not changing agonist sensitivity and desensitization properties. Nl‐lynx1 and Nl‐lynx2 increased Imax (maximum responses) of acetylcholine to 4.85‐fold and 2.40‐fold of that of Nlα1/Nlα2/β2 alone, and they also increased Imax of imidacloprid to 2.57‐fold and 1.25‐fold. Although, on another triplet nAChRs Nlα3/Nlα8/β2, Nl‐lynx2 increased Imax of acetylcholine and imidacloprid to 3.63‐fold and 2.16‐fold, Nl‐lynx1 had no effects on Imax of either acetylcholine or imidacloprid. The results demonstrate the selectivity of lynx proteins for different insect nAChR subtypes. This selectivity was also identified in native N. Lugens. Co‐immunoprecipitation was found between Nlα1/Nlα2‐containing receptors and both Nl‐lynx1 and Nl‐lynx2, but was only found between Nlα3/Nlα8‐containing receptors and Nl‐lynx2. When the previously identified Nlα1Y151S and Nlα3Y151S mutations were included (Nlα1Y151S/Nlα2/β2 and Nlα3Y151S/Nlα8/β2), the increase in Imax of imidacloprid, but not acetylcholine, caused by co‐expression of Nl‐lynx1 and Nl‐lynx2 was more noticeable than that of their wildtype counterparts. Taken together, these data suggest that two modulators, Nl‐lynx1 and Nl‐lynx2, might serve as an influencing factor in target site insensitivity in N. lugens, such as Y151S mutation.
Seasonal effects of Pacific‐based climate on recruitment in a predator‐limited large herbivore
Authors: Hegel Troy M. , Mysterud Atle , Ergon Torbjørn , Loe Leif Egil , Huettmann Falk , Stenseth Nils Chr. 
Published: December 2009

Summary 1. Climate is an important factor influencing the population dynamics of large herbivores operating directly on individuals or through its effect on forage characteristics. However, the seasonal effect of climate may differ between forage‐ and predator‐limited populations because of a climatic influence on predation rates. The influence of climate on predator‐limited large herbivores is less well known than on forage‐limited populations. Further, the effect of Pacific‐based climate on large herbivore populations has been rarely assessed. 2. We investigated the effect of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), across different seasons, on recruitment in 10 populations (herds) of mountain‐dwelling caribou Rangifer tarandus caribou L. in the Yukon Territory, Canada. These low‐density populations occur in highly seasonal environments and are considered predator‐limited with high neonatal calf mortality. Hence, in most years females do not spend resources through lactational support during the summer and resource intake is devoted to self‐maintenance. We predicted that climate affecting environmental conditions at calving would have a strong effect on recruitment via its influence on predation rates. We also predicted that climatic conditions prior to conception could have an effect on recruitment through its influence on female fecundity. We modelled recruitment (n = 165) by seasonal PDO values using generalized linear mixed‐effects models with herd‐varying coefficients. 3. We found that recruitment variability was best explained by variation in winter climate (β = 0·110, SE = 0·007) prior to birth (in utero) and May climate (β = 0·013, SE = 0·006) at calving. There was little support for a pre‐conception climate effect influencing female body condition and hence fecundity. These results confirm that recruitment in these populations is limited by predation and that forage‐limitation is not a significant factor in their population dynamics. There was considerable variability in herd‐specific relationships between the PDO and recruitment. Incorporating herd‐specific characteristics, such as variable predator densities or terrain characteristics within a herd range, may shed greater light on the complex relationship between climate and ungulate population dynamics.
Native and exotic invasive plants have fundamentally similar carbon capture strategies
Authors: Leishman Michelle R. , Thomson Vivien P. , Cooke Julia 
Published: December 2009

Summary 1. Leaf trait relationships of native and exotic invasive species from a range of habitats were compared to assess consistency across habitats and the role of disturbance. 2. One hundred and twenty‐two native and exotic species were sampled in five habitats in eastern Australia. Specific leaf area, foliar nitrogen (Nmass), assimilation rate (Amass) and dark respiration (Rmass) were measured for each species. Plants were classified into four types: native undisturbed, native disturbed, exotic invasive undisturbed and exotic invasive disturbed. 3. All traits were positively correlated and slopes were homogeneous within habitats. Significant differences between plant types in slope elevation were found in only two of 18 cases. There were significant shifts in group means along a common slope between plant types within habitats. These shifts were associated with disturbed vs. undisturbed areas, with plant types from disturbed areas having higher trait values. 4. Synthesis. Exotic invasive and native species do not have fundamentally different carbon capture strategies. The carbon capture strategy of a species is strongly associated with disturbance, with species from disturbed sites having traits that confer capacity for fast growth. Thus, differences between exotic invasives and natives may reflect differences in the environmental conditions of the sites where they occur rather than differences between exotic invasives and natives per se.
Endothelial L‐selectin ligand expression in nasal polyps
Authors: Ebbens F. A. , Toppila‐Salmi S. K. , Renkonen J. A. , Renkonen R. L. O. , Mullol J. , Van Drunen C. M. , Fokkens W. J. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground:  L‐selectins on leukocytes and their counter‐receptors on endothelial cells have been shown to be involved in leukocyte recruitment in chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (NP).Objectives:  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression level of functionally active endothelial L‐selectin ligands in NP obtained from patients with NP of different etiology [simple NP, antro‐choanal polyps (ACP) and cystic fibrosis (CF) NP] and inferior turbinate specimens of healthy controls and to compare these levels to the presence of various leukocyte subsets.Methods:  Nasal polyp specimens and healthy nasal mucosa specimens were obtained from patients undergoing surgery and were immunohistochemically stained with monoclonal antibodies detecting CD34, sialyl Lewis x (sLex) of sulfated extended core 1 lactosamines and various leukocyte subsets.Results:  All NP are characterized by a decrease in the number of CD34+ vessels. The number of eosinophils and the percentage of vessels expressing endothelial sulfated sLex epitopes is upregulated in all groups of simple NP. Tissue eosinophilia is increased in those patients with increased disease severity (acetyl salicylic acid intolerance), but the percentage of endothelial sulfated sLex epitopes is not. Results on CF NP are similar to those observed for simple NP. Antro‐choanal polyps, on the contrary, are characterized by low numbers of tissue eosinophils and relatively few vessels expressing endothelial sulfated sLex epitopes.Conclusions:  Our results suggest that functionally active L‐selectin ligands might play a role in guiding leukocyte traffic into NP in patients with simple NP and CF NP but not ACP.
Time trends in the prevalence of peanut allergy: three cohorts of children from the same geographical location in the UK
Authors: Venter C. , Hasan Arshad S. , Grundy J. , Pereira B. , Bernie Clayton C. , Voigt K. , Higgins B. , Dean T. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground:  This article investigated the prevalence of peanut allergy in three cohorts of children born in the same geographical location, Isle of Wight, UK and seeks to determine whether the prevalence of peanut allergy has changed between 1994 and 2004.Methods:  Three cohorts of children (age 3–4 years) born on the Isle of Wight, were assessed for peanut allergy and the outcomes compared: Cohort A: Born in 1989; reviewed at 4 years of age (n = 2181).Cohort B: Born between 1994 and 1996; reviewed between 3 and 4 years of age (n = 1273).Cohort C: Born between 2001 and 2002; reviewed at 3 years of age (n = 891).Results:  Peanut sensitization increased significantly from 1.3% in Cohort A to 3.3% (P = 0.003) in Cohort B before falling back to 2.0% in Cohort C (P = 0.145). Similarly, clinical peanut allergy increased significantly from 0.5% in Cohort A to 1.4% (P = 0.023) in Cohort B, with a subsequent fall to 1.2% in Cohort C (P = 0.850).Conclusions:  Our data from three cohorts of 3‐ to 4‐year‐old children born in the same geographical area shows that peanut allergy prevalence has changed over time. Peanut sensitization and reported allergy in children born in 1994–1996 increased from 1989 but seems to have stabilized or slightly decreased since the late 1990s, although not significant.
A novel nonsense mutation in CUL4B gene in three brothers with X‐linked mental retardation syndrome
Authors: Badura‐Stronka M , Jamsheer A , Materna‐Kiryluk A , Sowińska A , Kiryluk K , Budny B , Latos‐Bieleńska A 
Published: December 2009

Badura‐Stronka M, Jamsheer A, Materna‐Kiryluk A, Sowińska A, Kiryluk K, Budny B, Latos‐Bieleńska A. A novel nonsense mutation in CUL4B gene in three brothers with X‐linked mental retardation syndrome.Cabezas syndrome (MIM 300354) is a recently identified syndromic form of X‐linked mental retardation (XLMR) caused by mutations in the CUL4B gene. In total, nine XLMR families carrying mutations in the CUL4B gene have been described to date. Here, we present a detailed clinical phenotype of three affected brothers of Polish descent. Based on the symptoms, we made a clinical diagnosis of Cabezas syndrome, which was subsequently confirmed by identification of a novel nonsense mutation (c.2107A→T, p.703K→X) in exon 18 of the CUL4B gene. The mutation was inherited from an asymptomatic mother and was present in all three affected brothers. The patients presented with typical features of Cabezas syndrome, such as severe mental retardation, speech impairment, hyperactivity, seizures, intention tremor, inguinal hernia, small feet, and craniofacial dysmorphism. In addition to previously described symptoms, syndactyly of the second and third toes and skin manifestations (hyperhydrosis and keratosis pilaris) were present in our cases. Our report provides further support that Cabezas syndrome is a recognizable syndromic form of XLMR. We conclude that the CUL4B gene should be screened in males with severe speech impairment and primary intention tremor, especially if characteristic facial dysmorphism is also present.
Effect of galls induced byEndocronartium harknessiion stem hydraulic conductivity and growth of lodgepole pine
Authors: Wolken J. M. , Blenis P. V. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryTo test the hypothesis that galls resulting from infection by western gall rust [Endocronartium harknessii(J. P. Moore) Y. Hiratsuka] on lodgepole pine [Pinus contortaDougl. ex Loud.] create hydraulic constrictions that reduce tree growth, the hydraulic conductivity (Kψ; m2s−1Pa−1), leaf area (AL) and sapwood area (AS) were measured on 6‐ to 15‐year‐old trees having galls encircling 0–100% of the stem. Increases in gall encirclement were accompanied by decreases inKψ, foliar nitrogen concentration,ALandAS, although theAL:ASratio remained constant. Dye flow patterns through galled stem sections indicated that water moved primarily through the non‐galled portions of the stem. In a second field study, xylem and phloem wounds were applied to 13‐year‐old galled and non‐galled trees on either the galled or non‐galled side of the tree. Although both galls and xylem wounds reducedKψ, radial and height growth were unaffected. In aggregate the two experiments showed that although trees are quite tolerant to small galls and short term reductions inKψ, the disruption of water movement by larger galls may be sufficient to initiate a chain of events leading to tree death, especially in very dense stands with high levels of intraspecific competition.
Epidemiology of Armillaria root disease in Douglas‐fir plantations in the cedar‐hemlock zone of the southern interior of British Columbia
Authors: Morrison D. J. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryResults are presented from several studies on the epidemiology of Armillaria ostoyae in Douglas‐fir plantations in the interior cedar‐hemlock (ICH) biogeoclimatic zone of British Columbia. Two plantations were monitored for mortality by A. ostoyae and other agents for 35 years after establishment. In these and other plantations ranging in age from 7 to 32 years, one or more of the following factors were determined: source of inoculum, mode of spread and characteristics of lesions on roots of excavated trees; symptom expression in relation to tree age and damage to the root system and years from initial infection to death on trees killed by the fungus. Mortality from A. ostoyae began in both plantations about 5 years after planting, reaching 30% in one and 11% in the other after 35 years. The spatial pattern of mortality was similar to that reported from New Zealand, France and South Africa; however, the temporal pattern differed, beginning later and, instead of declining, continuing at a nearly constant rate to the present. To age 10, nearly all infections were initiated by rhizomorphs; as plantations aged, the proportion of infections occurring at root–root contacts increased. In seven plantations, in moist and wet subzones of the ICH, from 23 to 52% of Douglas‐firs had root lesions, with the higher incidences occurring on moist sites. The occurrence of aboveground symptoms, reduced leader growth and basal resinosis, was related to the percentage of root length colonized by A. ostoyae on trees with more than 30% of root length killed. Average time from infection to death increased from 1 to 2 years at age 6 to 22 years at age 33. The outlook for timber yield from Douglas‐fir plantations in the cedar‐hemlock zone is discussed. Management alternatives for reducing damage from A. ostoyae when regenerating sites are reviewed.
Mutation screening and assessment of the effect of genetic variations on expression and RNA editing of serotonin receptor 2C in the human brain
Authors: Bundo Miki , Iwamoto Kazuya , Yamada Kazuo , Yoshikawa Takeo , Kato Tadafumi 
Published: December 2009

Aim:  Serotonin receptor 2C (HTR2C) has been postulated as being involved in the etiology or pathophysiology of mental disorders such as bipolar disorder, major depression and schizophrenia. We previously revealed the altered mRNA expression and RNA editing of HTR2C in the postmortem brains of patients with mental disorders. Here we examined the relationship between genetic variations and expression level or RNA editing level of HTR2C in the human brain.Methods:  We performed mutation screening of the HTR2C gene by sequencing all exons, exon–intron boundaries, and promoter region in the same cohort used for expression and RNA editing studies (n = 58). Using the detected genetic variations, we examined the relationship between genetic variations and expression or RNA editing level.Results and conclusion:  We did not find novel mutations or single nucleotide polymorphisms that were specific to patients. Genotype and haplotype‐based analyses revealed that genetic variations of HTR2C did not account for observed altered expression or RNA editing level of HTR2C in the brain.
Clearance after vasectomy with a single semen sample containing < than 100 000 immotile sperm/mL: analysis of 1073 patients
Authors: Korthorst Ruben A. , Consten Dimitri , Van Roijen J. Herman 
Published: December 2009

Study Type – Diagnostic (non‐consecutive) Level of Evidence 3bOBJECTIVETo evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new semen analysis protocol after vasectomy, where clearance is given to patients who provide a single semen sample with <100 000 immotile sperm/mL at ≥3 months after vasectomy.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween 1 July 2005 and 31 March 2008, 1073 men provided a first semen sample at ≥3 months after vasectomy. Semen was first evaluated on a wet‐slide preparation. Those samples with no (‘azoospermia’) or sporadic immotile spermatozoa could be cleared without further analysis. Samples with motile sperm were immediately labelled as potentially fertile, while those with a significant number of immotile sperm were re‐analysed using a Neubauer haemocytometer. All samples with <100 000 immotile sperm/mL were cleared.RESULTSOf men providing semen at 3 months after vasectomy, 96% could be cleared. No sperm were seen (‘azoospermia’) in 51.3% of samples, and 44.7% of samples contained <100 000 immotile sperm. No paternity has been reported in the cleared group after a follow‐up of at least 1 year.CONCLUSIONSA protocol stipulating that patients can be cleared after a single semen sample containing <100 000 immotile sperm/mL at ≥3 months after vasectomy is safe and dramatically reduces the number of men who cannot be cleared at 3 months after vasectomy.
Female sexual dysfunction in urological patients: findings from a major metropolitan area in the USA
Authors: Elsamra Sammy , Nazmy Michael , Shin David , Fisch Harry , Sawczuk Ihor , Fromer Debra 
Published: December 2009

Study Type – Symptom prevalence (prospective cohort) Level of Evidence 1bOBJECTIVETo determine the prevalence of and risk factors for female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in a practice focused mainly on female urology.PATIENTS AND METHODSA modified version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to assess the prevalence of FSD in 587 patients who completed the questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors.RESULTSThe prevalence of FSD was 63%; age, menopausal status and usage of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were statistically significant risk factors for FSD.CONCLUSIONSFSD is highly prevalent in this population of patients and screening female urological patients for FSD should be considered.