bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and agency among poor families with and without children
Authors: Okech David , Howard Waylon J. , Kim Junghyun 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTFamilies with children and living in poverty are vulnerable to decreased control over their lives and the ability to act in self‐interest. While having children may reduce efficacy among these families, their presence may also, in turn, increase their resilience. Using cross‐sectional data from n= 194 poor families in Southeastern USA, this study compares the constructs of self‐efficacy and agency between families with and without children. Results showed that among families with children, lack of agency was negatively correlated with self‐efficacy Δχ2 (1, n= 194) = 12.65, P < 0.001, r=−0.37. Implications are directed towards practice and policy that may increase the efficacy and agency of poor families with children.
Genotypic variation and selection of traits related to forage yield in tall fescue under irrigated and drought stress environments
Authors: Ebrahimiyan M. , Majidi M. M. , Mirlohi A. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractDevelopment of a standard evaluation protocol has been a pressing problem for the selection of drought‐resistant genotypes of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). This study was conducted to evaluate the association of forage yield with specific phenological and morphological traits to find a proper model for indirect selection under irrigated (normal) and drought‐stress conditions in tall fescue. A random sample of seventy‐five genotypes were clonally propagated and evaluated in normal and drought‐stress environments in the field during 2009 and 2010. Results showed that water stress had a negative effect on forage yield and most of the morphological traits measured and reduced genotypic variation for most of them. Forage yield had the highest genotypic variation, whereas days to pollination had the lowest variation. Low broad‐sense heritability estimates were obtained for dry‐matter yield, but heritability for the traits of number of stems per plant, plant height and crown diameter was moderately high. These traits were identified as the main components of forage yield. The importance of these components and their direct and indirect effects on forage yield was different in normal and drought‐stress conditions. This suggests that indirect selection for developing high‐yielding, drought‐tolerant varieties should be performed under drought‐stress conditions with a specific model.
Protective B‐cell epitopes of Francisella tularensis O‐polysaccharide in a mouse model of respiratory tularaemia
Authors: Lu Zhaohua , Madico Guillermo , Roche Marly I. , Wang Qi , Hui Julia H. , Perkins Hillary M. , Zaia Joseph , Costello Catherine E. , Sharon Jacqueline 
Published: April 2012

SummaryAntibodies to the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Francisella tularensis have been shown to be protective against respiratory tularaemia in mouse models, and we have previously described mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to non‐overlapping terminal and internal epitopes of the F. tularensis LPS O‐polysaccharide (OAg). In the current study, we used F. tularensis LPS oligosaccharides of defined OAg repeat length as molecular rulers in competition ELISA to demonstrate that the epitope targeted by the terminal OAg‐binding mAb FB11 is contained within one tetrasaccharide repeat whereas the epitope targeted by the internal OAg‐binding mAb Ab52 spans two tetrasaccharide repeats. Both mAbs conferred survival to BALB/c mice infected intranasally with the F. tularensis type B live vaccine strain and prolonged survival of BALB/c mice infected intranasally with the highly virulent F. tularensis type A strain SchuS4. The protective effects correlated with reduced bacterial burden in mAb‐treated infected mice. These results indicate that an oligosaccharide with two OAg tetrasaccharide repeats covers both terminal and internal protective OAg epitopes, which may inform the design of vaccines for tularaemia. Furthermore, the FB11 and Ab52 mAbs could serve as reporters to monitor the response of vaccine recipients to protective B‐cell epitopes of F. tularensis OAg.
Effect of supplementation of wheat flour with resistant starch and monoglycerides in pasta dried at high temperatures
Authors: Vernaza Maria G. , Biasutti Eliza , Schmiele Marcio , Jaekel Leandra Z. , Bannwart Andre , Chang Yoon K. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryQuality of pastas made from wheat flour (WF) and durum wheat semolina (DWS) with added resistant starch (RS) and distilled monoglyceride was evaluated through a central composite rotational design. A press extruder was used to produce the pasta. Water absorption index showed statistical difference between the WF and DWS indicating that proteins present in each samples were different. Pasta samples obtained with the WF presented a shorter cooking time and less solid loss than those obtained with DWS. Increase in volume and weight gain was similar for both samples. Instrumental texture responses showed that pasta made from DWS had higher values for firmness and springiness and lower for adhesiveness when compare to WF pastas. Nevertheless, pasta made from both samples showed similar behaviours of final RS contents of 4% after cooking. Therefore, they could be considered as a source of fibres according to the Brazilian Laws (3 g dietary fibre/100 g product).
Understanding the influences on self‐confidence among first‐year undergraduate nursing students in Ireland
Authors: Chesser‐Smyth Patricia A. , Long Tony 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAim.  To report a mixed‐methods study of the development of self‐confidence in Irish nursing students undertaking the first year of an undergraduate nursing programme.Background.  Self‐confidence underpins nurses’ competence to carry out care effectively, yet there is little empirical evidence of how this attribute is fostered in pre‐registration preparation. There is an assumption, however, that self‐confidence develops independently and spontaneously.Design.  A sequential, mixed methods three‐phase design was used.Method.  The design involved pretest and posttest measurements of self‐confidence, focus group interviews, a student self‐evaluation questionnaire and analysis of the relevant curriculum content. Data were collected between September 2007–April 2008 and sampling was from three cohorts of students at three different Institutes of Technology in Ireland. Data collection matched the nature of the data, including descriptive, non‐inferential statistics and qualitative content analysis.Results.  There was considerable variation in the amount and nature of theoretical preparation. Factors in clinical practice exerted the most influence. Self‐confidence fluctuated during the first clinical placement and as students’ self‐confidence developed, simultaneously, motivation towards academic achievement increased. Conversely, self‐confidence was quickly eroded by poor preceptor attitudes, lack of communication, and feeling undervalued.Conclusion.  The development of self‐confidence is complex and multi‐factorial. This study offers further understanding of facilitators and barriers that may be relevant elsewhere in promoting student nurses’ developing self‐confidence. The development of self‐confidence must be recognized as a central tenet for the design and delivery of undergraduate programmes.
A proteomics approach reveals divergent molecular responses to salinity in populations of European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus)
Authors: PAPAKOSTAS SPIROS , VASEMÄGI ANTI , VÄHÄ JUHA‐PEKKA , HIMBERG MIKAEL , PEIL LAURI , PRIMMER CRAIG R. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractOsmoregulation is a vital physiological function for fish, as it helps maintain a stable intracellular concentration of ions in environments of variable salinities. We focused on a primarily freshwater species, the European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus), to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying salinity tolerance and examine whether these mechanisms differ between genetically similar populations that spawn in freshwater vs. brackishwater environments. A common garden experiment involving 27 families in two populations and five salinity treatments together with a large‐scale, high‐resolution mass spectrometry experiment that quantified 1500 proteins was conducted to assess phenotypic and proteomic responses during early development, from fertilization until hatching, in the studied populations. The populations displayed drastically different phenotypic and proteomic responses to salinity. Freshwater‐spawning whitefish showed a significantly higher mortality rate in higher salinity treatments. Calcium, an ion involved in osmotic stress sensing, had a central role in the observed proteomic responses. Brackishwater‐spawning fish were capable of viable osmoregulation, which was modulated by cortisol, an important seawater‐adaptation hormone in teleost fish. Several proteins were identified to play key roles in osmoregulation, most importantly a highly conserved cytokine, tumour necrosis factor, whereas calcium receptor activities were associated with salinity adaptation. These results imply that individuals from these populations are most likely adapted to their local environments, even though the baseline level of genetic divergence between them is low (FST = 0.049). They also provide clues for choosing candidate loci for studying the molecular basis of salinity adaptation in other species. Further, our approach provides an example of how proteomic methods can be successfully used to obtain novel insights into the molecular mechanisms behind adaptation in non‐model organism.
Scale‐up of TB and HIV programme collaborative activities in Zambia – a 10‐year review
Authors: Kapata N. , Chanda‐Kapata P. , Grobusch M. P. , O’Grady J. , Schwank S. , Bates M. , Jansenn S. , Mwinga A. , Cobelens F. , Mwaba P. , Zumla A. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjective  To review the activities, progress, achievements and challenges of the Zambia Ministry of Health tuberculosis (TB)/HIV collaborative activities over the past decade.Methods  Analysis of Zambia Ministry of Health National TB and HIV programme documents and external independent programme review reports pertaining to 2000–2010.Results  The number of people testing for HIV increased from 37 557 persons in 2003 to 1 327 995 persons in 2010 nationally. Those receiving anti‐retroviral therapy (ART) increased from 143 in 2003 to 344 304 in 2010. The national HIV prevalence estimates declined from 14.3% in 2001 to 13.5% in 2009. The proportion of TB patients being tested for HIV increased from 22.6% in 2006 to 84% in 2010 and approximately 70% were HIV positive. The proportion of the HIV‐infected TB patients who: (i) started on ART increased from 38% in 2006 to 50% in 2010; (ii) commenced co‐trimoxazole preventive therapy (CPT) increased from 31% in 2006 to 70% in 2010; and (iii) were successfully treated increased to an average of 80% resulting in decline of deaths from 13% in 2006 to 9% in 2010.Conclusions  The scale‐up of TB/HIV collaborative programme activities in Zambia has steadily increased over the past decade resulting in increased testing for TB and HIV, and anti‐retroviral (ARV) rollout with improved treatment outcomes among TB patients co‐infected with HIV. Getting service delivery points to adhere to WHO guidelines for collaborative TB/HIV activities remains problematic, especially those meant to reduce the burden of TB in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).
Machine learning identifies specific habitats associated with genetic connectivity in Hyla squirella
Authors: HETHER T. D. , HOFFMAN E. A. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryThe goal of this study was to identify and differentiate the influence of multiple habitat types that span a spectrum of suitability for Hyla squirella, a widespread frog species that occurs in a broad range of habitat types. We collected microsatellite data from 675 samples representing 20 localities from the southeastern USA and used machine‐learning methodologies to identify significant habitat features associated with genetic structure. In simulation, we confirm that our machine‐learning algorithm can successfully identify landscape features responsible for generating between‐population genetic differentiation, suggesting that it can be a useful hypothesis‐generating tool for landscape genetics. In our study system, we found that H. squirella were spatially structured and models including specific habitat types (i.e. upland oak forest and urbanization) consistently explained more variation in genetic distance (median pR2 = 47.78) than spatial distance alone (median pR2 = 23.81). Moreover, we estimate the relative importance that spatial distance, upland oak and urbanized habitat have in explaining genetic structure of H. squirella. We discuss how these habitat types may mechanistically facilitate dispersal in H. squirella. This study provides empirical support for the hypothesis that habitat‐use can be an informative correlate of genetic differentiation, even for species that occur in a wide range of habitats.
There is more than one way to skin a G matrix
Authors: ROFF D. A. , PROKKOLA J. M. , KRAMS I. , RANTALA M. J. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBecause of its importance in directing evolutionary trajectories, there has been considerable interest in comparing variation among genetic variance–covariance (G) matrices. Numerous statistical approaches have been suggested but no general analysis of the relationship among these methods has previously been published. In this study, we used data from a half‐sib experiment and simulations to explore the results of applying eight tests (T method, modified Mantel test, Bartlett’s test, Flury hierarchy, jackknife‐manova, jackknife‐eigenvalue test, random skewers, selection skewers). Whereas a randomization approach produced acceptable estimates, those from a bootstrap were typically unacceptable and we recommend randomization as the preferred method. All methods except the jackknife‐eigenvalue test gave similar results although a fine‐scale analysis suggested that the former group can be subdivided into two or possibly three groups, hierarchical tests, skewers and the rest (jackknife‐manova, modified Mantel, T method, probably Bartlett’s). An advantage of the jackknife methods is that they permit tests of association with other factors, such as in this case, temperature and sex. We recommend applying all the tests described in this article, with the exception of the T method, and provide R functions for this purpose.
Patent foramen ovale, dialysis and microembolization
Authors: GEORGE SUDHAKAR , HOLT STEPHEN , HILDICK‐SMITH DAVID 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT:Background:  Haemodialysis (HD) circuits are known to produce microemboli. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) may be important in HD patients by allowing right to left intracardiac shunting of microemboli (blood clots or microbubbles), which may pass into the cerebral circulation.Methods:  We undertook bubble contrast transthoracic echocardiography to identify PFO in HD patients and in a control population of peritoneal dialysis patients. We interrogated draining arteriovenous fistulae to confirm that microemboli are created during HD. We then undertook transcranial Doppler scanning of the middle cerebral artery before and during dialysis, with and without Valsalva augmentation, to detect cerebral microemboli in HD patients and in the control group.Results:  Eighty patients (age 60.4 ± 15.0 years) were recruited to the study. In 12 of 51 HD patients and five of 29 peritoneal dialysis patients a PFO was found (21.3%). Ultrasound scanning of draining arteriovenous fistulae showed a significant difference in the number of microemboli before (1.63 ± 3.47 hits per 5 min) and during (31.6 ± 28.9 hits per 5 min) HD (P = 0.012). However, there was no evidence of microembolization to the middle cerebral artery before or during HD in the study or control groups.Conclusions:  Although microemboli are detectable in the draining arteriovenous fistulae of patients undergoing HD, there was no evidence of cerebral microembolization in the middle cerebral artery during HD in those with or without a PFO. The results contrast with previous reports demonstrating microemboli in the carotid circulation during HD.
The best time to acquire new skills: age‐related differences in implicit sequence learning across the human lifespan
Authors: Janacsek Karolina , Fiser József , Nemeth Dezso 
Published: April 2012

AbstractImplicit skill learning underlies obtaining not only motor, but also cognitive and social skills through the life of an individual. Yet, the ontogenetic changes in humans’ implicit learning abilities have not yet been characterized, and, thus, their role in acquiring new knowledge efficiently during development is unknown. We investigated such learning across the lifespan, between 4 and 85 years of age with an implicit probabilistic sequence learning task, and we found that the difference in implicitly learning high‐ vs. low‐probability events – measured by raw reaction time (RT) – exhibited a rapid decrement around age of 12. Accuracy andz‐transformed data showed partially different developmental curves, suggesting a re‐evaluation of analysis methods in developmental research. The decrement in raw RT differences supports an extension of the traditional two‐stage lifespan skill acquisition model: in addition to a decline above the age 60 reported in earlier studies, sensitivity to raw probabilities and, therefore, acquiring new skills is significantly more effective until early adolescence than later in life. These results suggest that due to developmental changes in early adolescence, implicit skill learning processes undergo a marked shift in weighting raw probabilities vs. more complex interpretations of events, which, with appropriate timing, prove to be an optimal strategy for human skill learning.
A PROBLEM ABOUT THE MORALITY OF SOME COMMON FORMS OF PRAYER
Authors: Smilansky Saul 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAt a time of acute danger, people commonly petition God for help for themselves or their loved ones; such as praying that an avalanche heading in one's direction be diverted, or that an organ donor be found for one's dying child. Such prayer seems natural and, indeed, for believers, reasonable and acceptable. It seems perverse to condemn such typical prayer, as wrong. But once we closely examine what is actually happening in such situations, we shall see that frequently prayer of this sort is morally problematic. I argue that such prayer ought to be seen as a form of action (rather than, say, mere hope), thereby needing to meet the higher moral standards that apply to actions; and that the assumption of the benevolence of the deity does not suffice to make such prayer legitimate.
A Partnership with Dictatorship: Explaining the Paradigm Shift in European Union Policy towards Belarus*
Authors: BOSSE GISELLE 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe European Union's policies towards autocratic regimes have come under renewed scrutiny following the popular uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in the spring of 2011, and the pressure on the EU to revise its approach towards the region has been growing. Over decades, the EU had pursued a policy of pragmatic engagement with autocratic regimes for stability in the region, to the detriment of democracy promotion. This article examines the EU's policy towards Belarus, often labelled the ‘last dictatorship’ in Europe, and demonstrates that the EU has not just pursued pragmatic politics in the MENA – it has also gradually moved from democracy promotion towards interest‐based functional co‐operation in its relations with the most ‘reluctant democratizer’ in eastern Europe. It is argued here that the case of Belarus and other states with autocratic leanings in eastern Europe are examples of an increasingly institutionalized pragmatic approach of the EU towards autocratic regimes, which is likely to dominate its policies in years to come – notwithstanding the recent events in the MENA.
Soil conservation on road embankments using palm‐mat geotextiles: field studies in Lithuania
Authors: Jankauskas B. , Jankauskiene G. , Fullen M. A. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe application of geotextile mats constructed from the palm leaves of Borassus aethiopum (Borassus) and Mauritia flexuosa (Buriti) was investigated in field experiments. The use of geotextiles caused improved soil moisture storage during dry summer periods on a steep (21–25°) roadside slope in Lithuania. The enhanced soil moisture under the Borassus and Buriti mats encouraged better root development of perennial grasses, increased the number and weight of earthworms and increased the dry biomass of perennial grasses by 50.5 and 18.2%, respectively, compared with a grassland control. The mean rate of water erosion from bare soil during the study period from 17/04/2007 to 11/12/2008 was 33.21 Mg/ha. The cover of palm‐mat geotextiles decreased soil losses from bare fallow soil by 94.8–91.1%. An erosion rate of 0.85 Mg/ha over this 21‐month period was measured on the slope under perennial grasses without geotextile cover. Application of geotextile cover on perennial grasses completely prevented soil erosion by water. Therefore, use of geotextiles has clear soil and water conservation benefits on industrial slopes susceptible to erosion. The use of geotextiles has multiple benefits including soil conservation, the improvement of plant growth conditions and the encouragement of earthworm populations.
Evaluation of transvesical intra‐abdominal pressure measurement in hospitalized dogs
Authors: Fetner Melissa , Prittie Jennifer 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectivesTo (1) evaluate intra‐abdominal pressure (IAP) measurements in dogs with possible risk factors for the development of intra‐abdominal hypertension (IAH); (2) determine intra‐observer variability of IAP measurements; and (3) determine interobserver variability of IAP measurements.DesignProspective, observational, pilot study.SettingVeterinary teaching hospital.AnimalsFourteen client‐owned dogs, requiring urinary catheterization, admitted to the ICU.InterventionsUsing the risk factors for IAH established for human patients as defined by the World Society of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome, dogs were assigned to either an IAH risk or no risk group. A commercially available IAP monitoring system was used to obtain 3 direct, transvesical IAP measurements. The primary investigator obtained the first 2 IAP measurements. A secondary investigator obtained the third IAP measurement.Measurements and Main ResultsDogs in the IAH risk group (n = 9/14) had significantly higher mean IAPs (9.4 ± 3.4 mm Hg) than dogs in the no risk group (n = 5/14; 4.1 ± 0.9 mm Hg) (P < 0.05). Measurements recorded by the primary investigator were compared to determine intra‐observer variability. Pearson's correlation coefficient was 0.98 (P < 0.0001). Bland‐Altman analysis determined a mean difference in IAP measurements of –0.3 mm Hg (95% confidence interval from 0.13 to –0.71 mm Hg) indicating an intra‐observer variability of less than 0.8 mm Hg. Measurements recorded by the primary and secondary investigator were compared to determine interobserver variability. Pearson's correlation coefficient was 0.95 (P < 0.0001). Bland‐Altman analysis determined a mean difference in IAP measurements of 0 mm Hg (95% confidence interval from 1.1 to –1.1 mm Hg) indicating an interobserver variability of less than 2.0 mm Hg.ConclusionsDogs with predefined human risk factors for IAH had higher IAP than dogs without risk factors. IAP monitoring appears to have low variability within and across observers.