bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perinatal lead exposure alters postnatal cholinergic and aminergic system in rat brain: reversal effect of calcium co‐administration
Authors: Basha D. Chand , Rani M. Usha , Devi C. Bhuvaneswari , Kumar M. Ram , Reddy G. Rajarami 
Published: February 2012

AbstractOur earlier studies indicated the role of neurotransmitter systems in lead (Pb) induced behavioral perturbations. In this study, we examined the alterations in synaptosomal acetylcholine (ACh), epinephrine, dopamine, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and mitochondrial monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the cerebellum and hippocampus of perinatally Pb‐exposed rats. Rats (Wistar) were exposed to 0.2% Pb (Pb acetate in drinking water of mother) from gestational day 6 and the pups were exposed lactationally (through mother's milk) to Pb till weaning (postnatal day 21). Studies conducted on different postnatal days (PND 21, 28, 35 and 60) showed significant decreases in synaptosomal AChE and mitochondrial MAO activities, and increases in the levels of ACh, dopamine and epinephrine in the cerebellum and hippocampus of Pb‐exposed rats. These alterations were greater at PND 35 and more pronounced in the cholinergic system (ACh and AChE) of hippocampus and the aminergic system (epinephrine, dopamine and MAO) of cerebellum. The total locomotor activity and exploratory behavior were also decreased significantly in Pb‐exposed animals corresponding to the alterations observed in cholinergic and aminergic systems. Calcium administration together with Pb, however significantly reversed the Pb‐induced alterations in transmitters and enzymes, as well as exploratory and motor behavior suggesting protective effect of calcium in Pb‐exposed animals.
Neonatal handling affects learning, reversal learning and antioxidant enzymes activities in a sex‐specific manner in rats
Authors: Noschang Cristie , Krolow Rachel , Arcego Danusa Mar , Toniazzo Ana Paula , Huffell Ana Paula , Dalmaz Carla 
Published: February 2012

AbstractEarly life experiences have profound influences on behavior and neurochemical parameters in adult life. The aim of this study is to verify neonatal handling‐induced sex specific differences on learning and reversal learning as well as oxidative stress parameters in the prefrontal cortex and striatum of adult rats. Litters of rats were non‐handled or handled (10 min/day, days 1–10 after birth). In adulthood, learning and reversal learning were evaluated using a Y maze associated with palatable food in male and female rats. Morris water maze reversal learning was verified in males. Oxidative stress parameters were evaluated in both genders. Male neonatal handled animals had a worse performance in the Y maze reversal learning compared to non‐handled ones and no difference was observed in the water maze reversal learning task. Regarding females, neonatal handled rats had a better performance during the Y maze learning phase compared to non‐handled ones. In addition, neonatal handled female animals showed a decreased SOD/CAT ratio in the PFC compared to non‐handled females. We conclude that neonatal handling effects on learning and memory in adult rats are sex and task specific. The sex specific differences are also observed in the evaluation of antioxidant enzymes activities with neonatal handling affecting only females.
The Reproducibility of Berg Balance Scale and the Single‐Leg Stance in Chronic Stroke and the Relationship Between the Two Tests
Authors: Flansbjer Ulla‐Britt , Blom Johanna , Brogårdh Christina 
Published: February 2012

ObjectiveTo assess the reproducibility of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Single‐leg Stance (SLS), and the validity of the SLS as an independent test of upright postural control in patients with chronic stroke.DesignAn intra‐rater test–retest reproducibility study. The BBS and the SLS were assessed twice, 7 days apart.SettingA university hospital.ParticipantsFifty individuals; 6‐46 months after a stroke.Main Outcome MeasurementsThe reproducibility of the BBS and the SLS was evaluated with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1), the mean difference between the 2 test sessions (d̄) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI), the standard error of measurement (standard error of measurement [SEM]%), the smallest real difference (SRD%), and the Bland‐Altman graphs. To assess validity of SLS, the relationship between the SLS and the BBS was analyzed by the Pearson correlation coefficient.ResultsThe ICC2,1 was 0.88 for the BBS, and the ICC2,1 values were 0.88 for the nonparetic limb and 0.92 for the paretic lower limb for the SLS. The smallest change that indicates a real improvement for a group of individuals, SEM%, was 3% for BBS, 15% for the nonparetic limb and 27% for the paretic limb for SLS. The smallest real difference for a single individual was 8% for BBS but was higher for SLS, at 42% for the nonparetic limb, and 74% for the paretic limb. There was a significant relationship between the SLS and the BBS (r = 0.65‐0.79; P < .001).ConclusionsThe BBS and the SLS are reproducible measurements in patients with chronic stroke, but only the BBS is sensitive enough to follow changes over time or after an intervention. The SLS is strongly related to the BBS and can be used as an independent test to measure upright postural control after a stroke.
C-start: optimal start of larval fish
Authors: Gazzola M. , Van Rees W. M. , Koumoutsakos P. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe investigate the C-start escape response of larval fish by combining flow simulations using remeshed vortex methods with an evolutionary optimization. We test the hypothesis of the optimality of C-start of larval fish by simulations of larval-shaped, two- and three-dimensional self-propelled swimmers. We optimize for the distance travelled by the swimmer during its initial bout, bounding the shape deformation based on the larval mid-line curvature values observed experimentally. The best motions identified within these bounds are in good agreement within vivoexperiments and show that C-starts do indeed maximize escape distances. Furthermore we found that motions with curvatures beyond the ones experimentally observed for larval fish may result in even larger escape distances. We analyse the flow field and find that the effectiveness of the C-start escape relies on the ability of pronounced C-bent body configurations to trap and accelerate large volumes of fluid, which in turn correlates with large accelerations of the swimmer.
Quality, and not Just Quantity, of Education Accounts for Differences in Psychometric Performance between African Americans and White Non-Hispanics with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Chin Alexander L. , Negash Selam , Xie Sharon , Arnold Steven E. , Hamilton Roy 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe effect of race on cognitive test performance in the evaluation of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains controversial. One factor that may contribute substantially to differences in cognitive test performance in diverse populations is education. The current study examined the extent to which quality of education, even after controlling for formal years of education, accounts for differences in cognitive performance between African Americans and White Non-Hispanics (WNHs). The retrospective cohort included 244 patients diagnosed with AD who self-identified as African Americans (n= 51) or WNHs (n= 193). The Wechsler Test of Adult Reading (WTAR) was used as an estimate of quality of education. In an analysis that controlled for traditional demographics, including age, sex, and years of formal education, African Americans scored significantly lower than WNHs on the Mini-Mental State Examination, as well as on neuropsychological tests of memory, attention, and language. However, after also adjusting for reading level, all previously observed differences were significantly attenuated. The attenuating effect remained even after controlling for disease severity, indicating that reading scores are not confounded by severity of dementia. These findings suggest that quality, and not just quantity, of education needs to be taken into account when assessing cognitive performance in African Americans with AD. (JINS, 2012,18, 277–285)
The poverty implications of high oil prices in South Africa
Authors: Chitiga Margaret , Fofana Ismael , Mabugu Ramos 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAn energy-focused macro-micro approach is used to assess the poverty implications of government policy response to increases in international oil prices in South Africa. The first scenario assumes that increases in international oil prices are passed on to end users with no changes in government policy instruments. In this scenario, poverty indicators increase. The second scenario assumes that the world price increases are nullified by a price subsidy by the government. This scenario still leads to an increase in poverty as the beneficial price effect is cancelled out by a decline in households’ income induced by the financing method used. While revenue generated from a 50 per cent tax on windfall profit of the petroleum industry helps to minimize the loss in government revenue, it does not contribute to mitigating the increasing poverty trend, since the decline in saving and investment under this scenario restricts the country's growth, employment and income distribution perspectives.
Characterization of Micro- and Nanophase Separation of Dentin Bonding Agents by Stereoscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Toledano Manuel , Yamauti Monica , Osorio Estrella , Monticelli Francesca , Osorio Raquel 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe aim was to study the effect of solvents on the phase separation of four commercial dental adhesives. Four materials were tested: ClearfilTM SE Bond (CSE), Clearfil Protect Bond (CPB), Clearfil S3 Bond (CS3), and One-Up Bond F Plus (OUB). Distilled water or ethanol was used as a solvent (30 vol%) for microphase separation studies, by stereoscopy. For nanophase images, the mixtures were formulated with two different solvent concentrations (2.5 versus 5 vol%) and observed by atomic force microscopy. Images were analyzed by using MacBiophotonics ImageJ to measure the area of bright domains. Macrophase separations, identified as a loss of clarity, were only observed after mixing the adhesives with water. Nanophase separations were detected with all adhesive combinations. The area of bright domains ranged from 132 to 1,145 nm2 for CSE, from 15 to 285 nm2 for CPB, from 149 to 380 nm2 for CS3, and from 26 to 157 nm2 for OUB. In water-resins mixtures, CPB was the most homogeneous and OUB showed the most heterogeneous phase formation. In ethanol-resin mixtures, CSE attained the most homogeneous structure and OUB showed the most heterogeneous phase. Addition of 5 vol% ethanol to resins decreased the nanophase separation when compared with the control materials.
Extracellular nucleotide inhibits cell proliferation and negatively regulates Toll‐like receptor 4 signalling in human progenitor endothelial cells
Authors: Xiao Zhilin , Yang Mei , Fang Li , Lv Qingshan , He Qing , Deng Minjie , Liu Xueting , Chen Xiaobin , Chen Meifang , Xie Xiumei , Hu Jinyue 
Published: February 2012

AbstractExtracellular nucleotides mediate a wide range of physiological effects by interacting with plasma membrane P2 purinergic receptors. P2 receptors are expressed in certain kinds of stem cells, and function to induce cytokine expression and to modulate cell proliferation. We have analysed the expression and the function of P2 receptors in human umbilical cord blood‐derived EPCs (endothelial progenitor cells). EPCs expressed P2X4,6,7 and P2Y2,4,11,13,14 receptors and extracellular ATP inhibited EPCs proliferation. As in a previous study, EPCs expressed functional TLR4 (Toll‐like receptor 4) and activation of TLR4 by LPS (lipopolysaccharide) evoked a pro‐inflammatory immune response. When human EPCs were stimulated with LPS and nucleotides, ATP or UTP inhibited the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines including MCP‐1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1), IFNα (interferon α), TNFα (tumour necrosis factor α) and adhesion molecule VCAM‐1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1) induced by LPS. ATP and UTP also down‐regulated the gene expression of TLR4, CD14 and MyD88 (myeloid differentiation factor 88), a TLR adaptor molecule, and protein expression of CD14 and MyD88. Moreover, the phosphorylation of NF‐κB (nuclear factor κB) p65 induced by TLR4 activation was inhibited partly by ATP or UTP at concentrations of 1–5 μM. These results suggest that extracellular nucleotides negatively regulate EPCs proliferation and TLR4 signalling.
Development of the Communication Complexity Scale
Authors: Brady Nancy C. , Fleming Kandace , Thiemann-Bourque Kathy , Olswang Lesley , Dowden Patricia , Saunders Muriel D. , Marquis Janet 
Published: February 2012

Purpose
Accurate description of an individual’s communication status is critical in both research and practice. Describing the communication status of individuals with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities is difficult because these individuals often communicate with presymbolic means that may not be readily recognized. Our goal was to design a communication scale and summary score for interpretation that could be applied across populations of children and adults with limited (often presymbolic) communication forms.

Method
The Communication Complexity Scale (CCS) was developed by a team of researchers and tested with 178 participants with varying levels of presymbolic and early symbolic communication skills. Correlations between standardized and informant measures were completed, and expert opinions were obtained regarding the CCS.

Results
CCS scores were within expected ranges for the populations studied, and interrater reliability was high. Comparison across other measures indicated significant correlations with standardized tests of language. Scores on informant report measures tended to place children at higher levels of communication. Expert opinions generally favored the development of the CCS.

Conclusions
The scale appears to be useful for describing a given individual’s level of presymbolic or early symbolic communication. Further research is needed to determine whether it is sensitive to developmental growth in communication.
Facilitating Emergent Literacy: Efficacy of a Model That Partners Speech-Language Pathologists and Educators
Authors: Girolametto Luigi , Weitzman Elaine , Greenberg Janice 
Published: February 2012

PurposeThis study examined the efficacy of a professional development program for early childhood educators that facilitated emergent literacy skills in preschoolers. The program, led by a speech-language pathologist, focused on teaching alphabet knowledge, print concepts, sound awareness, and decontextualized oral language within naturally occurring classroom interactions.MethodTwenty educators were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Educators each recruited 3 to 4 children from their classrooms to participate. The experimental group participated in 18 hr of group training and 3 individual coaching sessions with a speech-language pathologist. The effects of intervention were examined in 30 min of videotaped interaction, including storybook reading and a post-story writing activity.ResultsAt posttest, educators in the experimental group used a higher rate of utterances that included print/sound references and decontextualized language than the control group. Similarly, the children in the experimental group used a significantly higher rate of utterances that included print/sound references and decontextualized language compared to the control group.ConclusionThese findings suggest that professional development provided by a speech-language pathologist can yield short-term changes in the facilitation of emergent literacy skills in early childhood settings. Future research is needed to determine the impact of this program on the children’s long-term development of conventional literacy skills.
Growth regulators.
Authors: Hancock J. , Retamales J. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

This chapter examines plant growth regulators used for blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) in regard to their application and the factors that affect their performance. Current and potential uses of these substances (control vegetative growth, enhancement of leaf development, delay flowering, inhibition of flower bud formation or elimination of flowers in nursery plants, flower and fruit thinning, fruit set improvement, and harvest regulation) are presented.
Pre- and postharvest management of fruit quality.
Authors: Hancock J. , Retamales J. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

This chapter discusses the pre- and postharvest management of blueberry (Vaccinium sp.) fruit quality. The attributes (fruit size, weight loss, aroma, scar, colour, firmness, seediness, soluble solids, titratable acidity, ratio of soluble solids to titratable acids, pH, antioxidant capacity, and fruit decay) and factors (cultivar, climate, nutrition, plant water status, canopy management, and harvesting method) affecting fruit quality are defined, as well as the factors that influence the postharvest life of the fruit and the approaches used (cooling, controlled and modified atmosphere storage, and control of postharvest spoilage by chemical and physical means) to extend fruit quality.
Effects of Stocking Catchable‐Sized Hatchery Rainbow Trout on Wild Rainbow Trout Abundance, Survival, Growth, and Recruitment
Authors: Meyer Kevin A. , High Brett , Elle F. Steven 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe Idaho Department of Fish and Game has proactively dealt with the potential adverse genetic effects of stocking catchable‐sized hatchery trout in waters that support native salmonids by adopting a policy in 2001 whereby only sterile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss are stocked in flowing waters; however, concerns regarding the competitive effects of introducing hatchery trout into streams and rivers supporting wild trout have not been addressed. We stocked fish in the middle 3 years of a 5‐year study to assess whether stocking hatchery rainbow trout of catchable size (hereafter, catchables) reduced the abundance, survival, growth, or recruitment of wild rainbow trout in streams. Catchables averaging 249 mm total length (TL) were stocked from 2006 to 2008 at an annual density of 4.2 fish/100 m2 into 12 treatment reaches of stream that were paired with control reaches at least 3 km apart in the same stream in which no stocking occurred. Wild rainbow trout abundance (including all fish ≥75 mm TL), recruitment, survival, and growth were determined from population estimates and recaptures of fish tagged with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags during mark–recapture electrofishing sampling. The abundance of wild rainbow trout averaged 13.2 fish/100 m2 but varied substantially across sites and years, ranging from a low of 0.5 to a high of 131.3 fish/100 m2; similar variability was observed in recruitment to age 1. Estimates of total annual survival averaged 0.53 based on the population abundance estimates (which allowed for emigration and immigration) and 0.26 based on the PIT‐tag recaptures (which allowed for emigration but not immigration). Our paired study design demonstrated that the abundance, survival, growth, and recruitment to age 1 of wild rainbow trout were all unaffected by stocking catchables. The lack of population‐level effects from stocking catchables was not surprising considering the high short‐term mortality and the socially and physiologically naive behavior typically exhibited by hatchery catchables stocked in lotic systems.
Modeling the Effect of Environmental Parameters on Feeding Ecology of the Shortnose Sturgeon in the Saint John River, New Brunswick
Authors: Usvyatsov Sima , Watmough James , Litvak Matthew K. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe examined the effects of spatial, temporal, and environmental parameters on the feeding habits of the shortnose sturgeon Acipenser brevirostrum. We sampled sturgeon gut contents using colonic flushing, a new, low‐impact technique. We found that heavy feeding continued until at least November, when water temperature reached 8°C. In all seasons, foraging shortnose sturgeon used shallow water (2–8 m); however, in late fall this trend was even stronger, when 50% of the sturgeon were captured in less than 3 m depth. Over 60 families of prey items were identified from 166 colonic samples collected at four points between spring and late fall from seven locations throughout the lower Saint John River, New Brunswick. Samples from freshwater sites contained mainly Gastropoda, Sphaeriidae, Chironomidae, and Gammaridae. Samples from saline and brackish environments contained mostly Gammaridae, Corophiidae, softshell clam Mya arenaria, Cyathura polita, and Chironomidae. We used sensitivity analysis to determine the number of shortnose sturgeon required to obtain a representative sample of the diet. We found that 20–40 gut samples from sturgeons in both brackish and freshwater environments would suffice for a general description of the diet but that complete knowledge of the sturgeon diet and a comparison among several sites would require the sampling of hundreds of fish. The digestibility of prey varied from 77% of the ingested volume in a saline environment to only 6% in freshwater samples. Shortnose sturgeon from freshwater sites had higher ingested volumes and more prey per ingested volume than did those from brackish sites, which indicated further differences in feeding efficiency between the environments. Salinity was a significant parameter in the redundancy analysis of ingested prey items. In freshwater sites the significant factors were season, sturgeon length, ingested volume, number of ingested prey, and number of ingested taxa. In saline sites the significant factors were season, location, ingested volume, and the number of ingested prey. Our findings identified the spatial and temporal gradients in shortnose sturgeon foraging and provided insight into foraging efficiency in this species.
Does Anaerobic Activity Differ Seasonally or between Sexes in Yellow Perch Populations?
Authors: Schoenebeck Casey W. , Brown Michael L. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAnaerobic activities, such as those associated with spawning, foraging for prey, and predator avoidance, may vary seasonally and by sex as energetic demands change. We quantified the glycolytic muscle enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) to determine whether enzyme concentrations differed seasonally or between sexes in yellow perch Perca flavescens populations that exhibited female‐biased sexual size dimorphism (SSD). Patterns in LDH for a yellow perch population with fast‐growing fish and one with slow‐growing fish varied significantly among seasons and between sexes. The LDH concentration was lower during spring than during summer and fall, indicating that activity costs associated with nonspawning burst‐swimming activities (e.g., foraging for prey or predator avoidance) are greater than costs associated with spawning activity. In addition, LDH concentrations were greater in males than in females for both populations. Therefore, we hypothesize that greater cumulative, year‐round anaerobic activity (rather than just spawning activity) by males is responsible for female‐biased SSD in yellow perch.