bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of driving ability with neuropsychological tests: Demographic adjustments diminish accuracy
Authors: BARRASH JOSEPH , STILLMAN ASHLEY , ANDERSON STEVEN W. , UC ERGUN Y. , DAWSON JEFFREY D. , RIZZO MATTHEW 
Published: May 2010

AbstractDemographically adjusted norms generally enhance accuracy of inferences based on neuropsychological assessment. However, we hypothesized that demographic corrections diminish predictive accuracy for real-world activities with absolute cognitive demands. Driving ability was assessed with a 45-minute drive along a standardized on-road route in participants aged 65+ (24 healthy elderly, 26 probable Alzheimer’s disease, 33 Parkinson’s disease). Neuropsychological measures included: Trail-Making A and B, Complex Figure, Benton Visual Retention, and Block Design tests. A multiple regression model with raw neuropsychological scores was significantly predictive of driving errors (R2 = .199, p = .005); a model with demographically adjusted scores was not (R2 = .113, p = .107). Raw scores were more highly correlated with driving errors than were adjusted scores for each neuropsychological measure, and among healthy elderly and Parkinson’s patients. When predicting real-world activities that depend on absolute levels of cognitive abilities regardless of demographic considerations, predictive accuracy is diminished by demographic corrections. (JINS, 2010, 16, 679–686.)
The corpus callosum and empathy in adults with a history of preterm birth
Authors: LAWRENCE E.J. , ALLEN G.M. , WALSHE M. , ALLIN M. , MURRAY R. , RIFKIN L. , MCGUIRE P.K. , NOSARTI C. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractReduced posterior corpus callosum (CC) area has been consistently observed in children and adolescents born very preterm (VPT). CC structural differences are also observed in people diagnosed with empathy disorders. This study examined empathy in relation to CC size in VPT adults and controls. CC area was manually measured for 17 VPT adults and 9 controls. Participants completed the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (Davis, 1980) and the Empathy Quotient (Baron-Cohen & Wheelwright, 2004). VPT adults had reduced posterior CC area in contrast to controls, and a positive linear trend was observed between posterior CC size and gestational age. No between-group empathy differences were observed, although self-reported personal distress in response to social situations was higher in VPT adults, and negatively associated with anterior CC area. We conclude that VPT adults have a smaller posterior CC, which is associated with gestational age, and elevated social distress, which may be mediated by anterior CC size. (JINS, 2010, 16, 716–720.)
Nutritional intervention programme among a Japanese-Brazilian community: procedures and results according to gender
Authors: Damião Renata , Sartorelli Daniela Saes , Hirai Amélia , Massimino Flávia , Poletto Juliana , Bevilacqua Marselle Rodrigues , Chaim Rita , Antonio de Salvo Vera Lúcia Morais , Asakura Leiko , Ferreira Sandra Roberta Gouveia , Andreoni Solange , Gimeno Suely Godoy Agostinho 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the results of a nutritional intervention programme among Japanese-Brazilians according to gender.DesignA non-controlled experimental study.SettingThe research included three points of clinical, nutritional and physical activity evaluation: at baseline (in 2005), after the first year and at the end of the second year (in 2007). The paired Student t test and multiple linear regression analysis were used to evaluate changes in the subjects’ profile (clinical, nutritional and physical activity variables).SubjectsJapanese-Brazilians (n 575) of both genders, aged over 30 years.ResultsWe verified statistically significant reductions in body weight (0·9 kg), waist circumference (2·9 cm), blood pressure, fasting blood glucose (>3 mg/dl) and total cholesterol (>20 mg/dl) and its fractions, in both genders. We also found reductions in intake of energy (among men), protein (among women) and fat (both genders) and increases in intake of total fibre (among women) and carbohydrate (among men).ConclusionsThe intervention programme indicated meaningful benefits for the intervention subjects, with changes in their habits that led to a ‘healthier’ lifestyle positively impacting their nutritional and metabolic profile.
DETERMINISTIC AND STOCHASTIC MODELS FOR THE SPREAD OF CHOLERA
Authors: GANI J. , SWIFT R. J. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractIn this note, we study deterministic and stochastic models for the spread of cholera. The deterministic model for the total number of cholera cases fits the observed total number of cholera cases in some recent outbreaks. The stochastic model for the total number of cholera cases leads to a binomial type distribution with a mean that agrees with the deterministic model.
CHANGES AND CONTINUITIES IN MATERNITY POLICIES
Authors: Kennedy Patricia , Einasto Heili 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT
This paper examines maternity policy legislation in Ireland and Estonia, focussing on changes and continuities. Throughout the paper we speak about maternity, referring to the physiological aspect of motherhood and the unique capacity of women to bear children. Very often maternity is not covered by a single policy, but it is an amalgam of various policy fields, like health, social security, and labour. These policies are all embedded in the legal framework which therefore presents a means to achieve the desired end in the society by marking the borders between the allowed and the prohibited. Even though these lines are not always followed, and may sometimes stay only on paper, they still have an impact on how the ideal state of things is perceived. They are linked to the principles upon which welfare is organised and in the case of Estonia and Ireland these have been very different. In the former, there has been the communist ideal of woman as worker and mother, and in Ireland can be seen the enduring view of woman as mother first, citizen worker second. In this paper we concentrate on the legislation since the 1920s, that is, since both countries became independent republics. We explore the critical junctures that have shaped the policy paths in both countries.
VOLUNTEERING AFTER RETIREMENT
Authors: Erlinghagen Marcel 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT
In view of the steady growth in life expectancy in recent decades the question is increasingly being raised whether and how older people should be encouraged to be more active, and particularly to engage in unpaid voluntary work. Taking adult life as a whole the conditions for such charitable involvement would appear to be especially favourable after retirement. However, these analyses, which are based on German longitudinal data, show that the effect of entering retirement is often exaggerated. Rather, the individual's previous volunteering experiences are of major importance in his decision to take up and continue voluntary work in later life. At the same time the analyses show how important the major resources of health and education are, particularly for participation in voluntary work during ageing.
EXPLAINING PARTICIPATION IN UNDECLARED WORK
Authors: Williams Colin C. , Round John 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT
This paper evaluates critically competing explanations for participation in undeclared work that either read engagement through a structuralist lens as driven by ‘exclusion’ from state benefits and the circuits of the modern economy or through a neo-liberal and/or post-structuralist lens as driven by the voluntary ‘exit’ of workers out of formal institutions. Reporting a 2005/6 household work practices survey involving 313 face-to-face interviews in contemporary Moscow, the finding is that there is no single unique logic underpinning undeclared work in this post-Soviet city; such work is neither universally driven by exclusion nor exit. Different mixtures of the two prevail across different populations and forms of undeclared work. The outcome is a call for greater appreciation of the multifarious character of undeclared work and a move beyond simplistic explanations and policy responses.
Immigration Reform: What Does It Mean for Agriculture and Rural America?
Authors: Martin Philip , Calvin Linda 
Published: May 2010

AbstractOver half of the hired workers employed on U.S. crop farms have been unauthorized to work since the mid‐1990s, thereby increasing risk for employers if increased immigration law enforcement reduces the availability and raises the cost of farm labor. Immigration reform that legalizes farm workers could speed exits from the farm workforce, thus putting upward pressure on farm wages. Better enforcement of existing immigration laws would reduce the supply of farm workers, also putting upward pressure on wages. Producer response to higher wages depends, in part, on the availability of guest workers and alternatives to hand labor such as labor‐saving machinery.
Quality of Life in Adults Operated On for Hirschsprung Disease in Childhood
Authors: Gunnarsdóttir Anna , Sandblom Gabriel , Arnbjörnsson Einar , Larsson Lars‐Torsten 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTObjectives:The aim of this study is to explore the long‐term quality of life (QoL) in adults after surgery for Hirschsprung disease in childhood.Patients and Methods:Altogether 51 patients were operated for HD at our center during the period 1969 to 1989. In 2007, the validated instruments for assessing QoL, the SF‐36 health survey and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), were sent to the 47 patients still alive at the time of the study. A retrospective review of the patient records was also done.Results:Forty‐two patients returned both questionnaires (89% response rate) at the median age of 28.5 (range 18–45) years. The median clinical follow‐up time was 5.7 years (range 5 months–23 years). At the last clinical control, 4 (9%) patients had a terminal enterostomy, 12 (29%) had soiling, 5 (12%) had constipation, and 2 (5%) experienced recurrent enterocolitis. In contrast to males, the subscores for females were lower for general health and mental health than for an age‐ and sex‐matched general population (P < 0.05). Patients having aganglionosis to the right colon had lower GIQLI scores than those with aganglionosis to the left colon (P < 0.05). In multivariate linear regression analysis, female sex was the only factor associated with lower GIQLI score (P < 0.05).Conclusions:The long‐term QoL of adults operated for Hirschsprung disease in their youth is satisfactory. Female scores were lower for general and mental health, compared with the matched control group. The study indicates that the longer the aganglionic segment, the greater its impact on QoL in later life.
Lack of Utility of Abdominal X‐rays in the Evaluation of Children With Constipation: Comparison of Different Scoring Methods
Authors: Pensabene Licia , Buonomo Carlo , Fishman Laurie , Chitkara Denesh , Nurko Samuel 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTBackground and Aim:Abdominal x‐rays are used diagnostically in the evaluation of children with constipation. However, their clinical utility has not been established. The aim of the study was to assess the accuracy of different methods in identifying children with functional constipation (FC) or nonretentive fecal incontinence (NRFI).Patients and Methods:Retrospective review of abdominal x‐rays in which colonic transit (CT), Barr, Leech, and fecal loading (FL) scores were blindly measured by blinded pediatric gastroenterologists and a radiologist. Children were classified a priori as FC or NRFI.Results:One hundred sixty patients (125 FC, 35 NRFI) were studied. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) when comparing those with FC and those with NRFI: CT: 51 ± 18 vs 40 ± 21 hours; Barr: 14 ± 5 vs 11 ± 4; Leech: 10 ± 2 vs 8 ± 2; FL: 2 ± 0.5 vs 1.7 ± 0.4. More than 20% of FC had normal Barr and Leech scores, whereas >50% of NRFI had abnormal scores. CT discriminated better between FC and NRFI. There was a significant correlation (P < 0.05) between CT and Barr (0.45), Leech (0.41) and FL scores (0.36), and between Barr and Leech scores (r = 0.94). There was good intraobserver correlation between Barr, Leech, and FL scores but poor interobserver reproducibility.Conclusions:Although significant differences in overall FC and NRFI scores exist, the discriminative value is low for all scores. There is poor interobserver reproducibility of the Barr, Leech, and FL scores. These findings confirm the limited value of the plain abdominal x‐ray in the evaluation of children with constipation.
Binding Properties of the N-Acetylglucosamine and High-Mannose N-Glycan PP2-A1 Phloem Lectin in Arabidopsis
Authors: Beneteau Julie , Renard Denis , Marché Laurent , Douville Elise , Lavenant Laurence , Rahbé Yvan , Dupont Didier , Vilaine Françoise , Dinant Sylvie 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Phloem Protein2 (PP2) is a component of the phloem protein bodies found in sieve elements. We describe here the lectin properties of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) PP2-A1. Using a recombinant protein produced in Escherichia coli, we demonstrated binding to N-acetylglucosamine oligomers. Glycan array screening showed that PP2-A1 also bound to high-mannose N-glycans and 9-acyl-N-acetylneuraminic sialic acid. Fluorescence spectroscopy-based titration experiments revealed that PP2-A1 had two classes of binding site for N,N′,N″-triacetylchitotriose, a low-affinity site and a high-affinity site, promoting the formation of protein dimers. A search for structural similarities revealed that PP2-A1 aligned with the Cbm4 and Cbm22-2 carbohydrate-binding modules, leading to the prediction of a β-strand structure for its conserved domain. We investigated whether PP2-A1 interacted with phloem sap glycoproteins by first characterizing abundant Arabidopsis phloem sap proteins by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Then we demonstrated that PP2-A1 bound to several phloem sap proteins and that this binding was not completely abolished by glycosidase treatment. As many plant lectins have insecticidal activity, we also assessed the effect of PP2-A1 on weight gain and survival in aphids. Unlike other mannose-binding lectins, when added to an artificial diet, recombinant PP2-A1 had no insecticidal properties against Acyrthosiphon pisum and Myzus persicae. However, at mid-range concentrations, the protein affected weight gain in insect nymphs. These results indicate the presence in PP2-A1 of several carbohydrate-binding sites, with potentially different functions in the trafficking of endogenous proteins or in interactions with phloem-feeding insects.
A Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Mediates Negative Signaling by Ammonium on Expression of Nitrate Reductase in Chlamydomonas
Authors: de Montaigu Amaury , Sanz-Luque Emanuel , Galván Aurora , Fernández Emilio 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Nitrate assimilation in plants and related organisms is a highly regulated and conserved pathway in which the enzyme nitrate reductase (NR) occupies a central position. Although some progress has been made in understanding the regulation of the protein, transcriptional regulation of the NR gene (NIA1) is poorly understood. This work describes a mechanism for the ammonium-mediated repression of NIA1. We report the characterization of a mutant defective in the repression of NIA1 and NR in response to ammonium and show that a gene (CYG56) coding for a nitric oxide (NO)-dependent guanylate cyclase (GC) was interrupted in this mutant. NO donors, cGMP analogs, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX), and a calcium ionophore (A23187) repress the expression of NIA1 in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii wild-type cells and also repress the expression of other ammonium-sensitive genes. In addition, the GC inhibitors LY83,583 (6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione) and ODQ (1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one) release cells from ammonium repression. Intracellular NO and cGMP levels were increased in the presence of ammonium in wild-type cells. In the cyg56 mutant, NIA1 transcription was less sensitive to NO donors and A23187, but responded like the wild type to IBMX. Results presented here suggest that CYG56 participates in ammonium-mediated NIA1 repression through a pathway that involves NO, cGMP, and calcium and that similar mechanisms might be occurring in plants.
Alteration of Substrate Specificity: The Variable N-Terminal Domain of Tobacco Ca2+-Dependent Protein Kinase Is Important for Substrate Recognition
Authors: Ito Takeshi , Nakata Masaru , Fukazawa Jutarou , Ishida Sarahmi , Takahashi Yohsuke 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Protein kinases are major signaling molecules that are involved in a variety of cellular processes. However, the molecular mechanisms whereby protein kinases discriminate specific substrates are still largely unknown. Ca2+-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) play central roles in Ca2+ signaling in plants. Previously, we found that a tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) CDPK1 negatively regulated the transcription factor REPRESSION OF SHOOT GROWTH (RSG), which is involved in gibberellin feedback regulation. Here, we found that the variable N-terminal domain of CDPK1 is necessary for the recognition of RSG. A mutation (R10A) in the variable N-terminal domain of CDPK1 reduced both RSG binding and RSG phosphorylation while leaving kinase activity intact. Furthermore, the R10A mutation suppressed the in vivo function of CDPK1. The substitution of the variable N-terminal domain of an Arabidopsis thaliana CDPK, At CPK9, with that of Nt CDPK1 conferred RSG kinase activities. This chimeric CDPK behaved according to the identity of the variable N-terminal domain in transgenic plants. Our results open the possibility of engineering the substrate specificity of CDPK by manipulation of the variable N-terminal domain, enabling a rational rewiring of cellular signaling pathways.
The evolution of tropical adaptation: comparing taurine and zebu cattle
Authors: Chan E. K. F. , Nagaraj S. H. , Reverter A. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryBeef cattle breeds consist of three major genetic subdivisions. The taurine group is adapted to temperate environments, and the zebu and Sanga groups are both adapted to tropical environments. With the advent of genotyping and sequencing technologies in agriculture, genome‐wide exploration of the genetic basis for the differences in tropical adaptation has only just become possible. In this study, approximately 9000 single nucleotide polymorphism markers were genotyped on 317 animals of a selection of taurine, zebu, and composite breeds to characterize any systematic differences between these groups. We identified 91 intra‐breed‐class markers; 78 were polymorphic only within the zebu animals, while 13 were polymorphic only in the taurine animals. There were no fixed differences (fixed for alternate alleles between the two breed types) between zebu and taurine animals. We found 14 regions with significantly different allele frequencies between zebu and taurine animals indicative of variable selection pressure or genetic drift. We also found 12 independent regions of differential extended haplotype homozygosity (EHH), indicative of recent selection or rapid fixation of the alternate allele within a short period of time in one of the two breed classes. A preliminary functional genomics analysis of these regions pointed towards signatures of tropical attributes including keratins, heat‐shock proteins and heat resistance genes. We anticipate this investigation to be a stepping‐stone for future studies to identify genomic regions specific to the two cattle groups, and to subsequently assist in the discrimination between temperate and tropically adapted cattle.
Genetic association between bovine NOD2 polymorphisms and infection by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Holstein‐Friesian cattle
Authors: Ruiz‐Larrañaga O. , Garrido J. M. , Iriondo M. , Manzano C. , Molina E. , Koets A. P. , Rutten V. P. M. G. , Juste R. A. , Estonba A. 
Published: May 2010

Summary Nucleotide‐Binding Oligomerization Domain 2 (NOD2) has been reported to be a candidate gene for Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) infection in a Bos taurus × Bos indicus mixed breed based on a genetic association with the c.2197T>C single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Nevertheless, this SNP has also been reported to be monomorphic in the B. taurus species. In the present work, 18 SNPs spanning the bovine NOD2 gene have been analysed in a genetic association study of two independent populations of Holstein‐Friesian cattle. We found that the C allele of SNP c.*1908C>T, located in the 3′‐UTR region of the gene, is significantly more frequent in infected animals than in healthy ones, which supports the idea that the bovine NOD2 gene plays a role in susceptibility to MAP infection. However, in silico analyses of the NOD2 nucleotide sequence did not yield definitive data about a possible direct effect of SNP c.*1908C>T on susceptibility to infection and led us to consider its linkage disequilibrium with the causative variant. A more exhaustive genetic association study including all putative, functional SNPs from this gene and subsequent functional analyses needs to be conducted to achieve a more complete understanding of how different variants of NOD2 may affect susceptibility to MAP infection in cattle.
Altered natural killer (NK) cell frequency and phenotype in latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) prior to insulin deficiency
Authors: Åkesson C , Uvebrant K , Oderup C , Lynch K , Harris R A , Lernmark Å , Agardh C-D , Cilio C M 
Published: May 2010

Summary
Approximately 10% of the patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have detectable serum levels of glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 autoantibodies (GADA). These patients usually progress to insulin dependency within a few years, and are classified as being latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). A decrease in the frequency of peripheral blood natural killer (NK) cells has been reported recently in recent-onset T1D and in high-risk individuals prior to the clinical onset. As NK cells in LADA patients have been investigated scarcely, the aim of this study was to use multicolour flow cytometry to define possible deficiencies or abnormalities in the frequency or activation state of NK cells in LADA patients prior to insulin dependency. All patients were GADA-positive and metabolically compensated, but none were insulin-dependent at the time blood samples were taken. LADA patients exhibited a significant decrease in NK cell frequency in peripheral blood compared to healthy individuals (P = 0.0018), as reported previously for recent-onset T1D patients. Interestingly, NKG2D expression was increased significantly (P &lt; 0.0001), whereas killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR)3DL1 expression was decreased (P &lt; 0.0001) within the NK cell population. These observations highlight a defect in both frequency and activation status of NK cells in LADA patients and suggest that this immunological alteration may contribute to the development of autoimmune diabetes by affecting peripheral tolerance. Indeed, recent evidence has demonstrated a regulatory function for NK cells in autoimmunity. Moreover, the decrease in NK cell number concords with observations obtained in recent-onset T1D, implying that similar immunological dysfunctions may contribute to the progression of both LADA and T1D.