bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are adults with intellectual disabilities socially excluded? An exploratory study in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Y‐T. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground  The aim of this exploratory study is to examine to what extent adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) in Taiwan are socially excluded and to identify the factors that are potentially associated with such social exclusion.Methods  The research method of this study is secondary data analysis, using descriptive and χ2 statistical analysis. Two data sets, from the 2003 and 2006 surveys entitled ‘Survey of Living Situation for People with Disabilities in Taiwan’, were used (n = 572; n = 618). In addition, ‘independent living/living within the community’ (as opposed to residing in an institution), ‘employment’ and ‘household economic situation/residing in a low‐income household’ were social exclusion indicators in this study.Results  The results revealed that in the 2003 (2006) survey, 81.9% (79.6%) of the subjects fell into at least one category of social exclusion, 11.3% (12.3%) fell into two or more categories and 0.2% (1.1%) fell into all three categories. Moreover, older women with ID, with no spouse or partner, lower educational levels and greater severity of the disability had a significantly greater likelihood of being subjected to more categories of social exclusion.Conclusions  The finding that the proportion of adults with ID and no social exclusion has risen from 18.1% in 2003 to 20.4% in 2006 represents an encouraging trend. However, there has been a marked increase in the proportion of the subjects with more categories of social exclusion, particularly with regard to those who have to endure all three categories, from 0.2% in 2003, to 1.1% in 2006. This implies that, at the time of the last survey, there was still considerable room for improvement in the social inclusion of adults with ID in Taiwan.
The concept of quality of life and its role in enhancing human rights in the field of intellectual disability
Authors: Verdugo M. A. , Navas P. , Gómez L. E. , Schalock R. L. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground The changed societal views of persons with disabilities are reflected in the 2006 United NationsConvention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.However, what is not specified in the Convention is how to operationalise and measure the Articles composing the Convention, and how to use that information to further enhance the human rights of persons with disabilities.Method The authors analyse the relationships between eight core quality of life domains and the 34 Articles contained in the Convention.Results There is a close relationship between the core quality of life domains and the 34 Articles contained in the Convention. Furthermore, the current status of these Articles can be evaluated through the assessment of indicators associated with the eight core quality of life domains.Conclusions Based on the assessment of these quality of life‐related outcomes, three strategies can be used to enhance the human rights of persons with intellectual disability. These three are to employ person‐centred planning, publish provider profiles and implement a system of support.
Promoting social inclusion through Unified Sports for youth with intellectual disabilities: a five‐nation study
Authors: McConkey R. , Dowling S. , Hassan D. , Menke S. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground  Although the promotion of social inclusion through sports has received increased attention with other disadvantaged groups, this is not the case for children and adults with intellectual disability who experience marked social isolation. The study evaluated the outcomes from one sports programme with particular reference to the processes that were perceived to enhance social inclusion.Method  The Youth Unified Sports programme of Special Olympics combines players with intellectual disabilities (called athletes) and those without intellectual disabilities (called partners) of similar skill level in the same sports teams for training and competition. Alongside the development of sporting skills, the programme offers athletes a platform to socialise with peers and to take part in the life of their community. Unified football and basketball teams from five countries – Germany, Hungary, Poland, Serbia and Ukraine – participated. Individual and group interviews were held with athletes, partners, coaches, parents and community leaders: totalling around 40 informants per country.Results  Qualitative data analysis identified four thematic processes that were perceived by informants across all countries and the two sports to facilitate social inclusion of athletes. These were: (1) the personal development of athletes and partners; (2) the creation of inclusive and equal bonds; (3) the promotion of positive perceptions of athletes; and (4) building alliances within local communities.Conclusions  Unified Sports does provide a vehicle for promoting the social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities that is theoretically credible in terms of social capital scholarship and which contains lessons for advancing social inclusion in other contexts. Nonetheless, certain limitations are identified that require further consideration to enhance athletes' social inclusion in the wider community.
Pushing the resolution limits in cryo electron tomography of biological structures
Authors: DIEBOLDER CHRISTOPH. A. , KOSTER ABRAHAM J. , KONING ROMAN I. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryCryo electron tomography is a three‐dimensional imaging technique that is suitable for imaging snapshots of the structural arrangements of biomolecular complexes and macromolecules, both in vitro and in the context of the cell. In terms of attainable resolution, cryo electron tomographic reconstructions now show resolvable details in the 5–10 nm range, connecting optical microscopy with molecular imaging techniques. In view of the current developments in super‐resolution light microscopy and correlative light and electron microscopy, cryo electron tomography will be increasingly important in structural biology as a tool to bridge light microscopy with molecular imaging techniques like NMR, X‐ray diffraction and single particle electron microscopy. In cell biology, one goal, often referred to as visual proteomics, is the molecular mapping of whole cells. To achieve this goal and link cryo electron tomography to these high‐resolution techniques, increasing the attainable resolution to 2–5 nm is vital. Here, we provide an overview of technical factors that limit the resolution in cryo electron tomography and discuss how during data acquisition and image processing these can be optimized to attain the highest possible resolution. Also, existing resolution measurement approaches and current technological developments that potentially increase the resolution in cryo electron tomography are discussed.
Potential effects of tooth‐brushing on human dentin wear following exposure to acidic soft drinks
Authors: CHOI S , PARK K.‐H. , CHEONG Y , MOON S.W. , PARK Y.‐G. , PARK H.‐K. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryThis study used scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy to examine the short‐term potential effects of brushing time and the start‐time of tooth‐brushing after demineralization on primary dentin wear in vitro. Thirty‐six noncarious primary central incisors were assigned to 12 experimental groups. Exposure to cola drinks was used to initiate the demineralization process. Three brushing times (5, 15 and 30 s) and four start‐times of brushing (0, 30, 60 and 120 min) after an erosive attack were used for the abrasion process. Tooth‐brushing the softened dentin surface led to increases in the open tubular fraction and microstructural changes on the dentin surface. Brushing immediately after exposure to cola resulted in the greatest irreversible dentin loss, whereas brushing 60 or 120 min after pretreatment resulted in the least irreversible dentin loss. However, brushing time had no effect on the irreversible loss of dentin wear. Based on these experimental results, tooth‐brushing should be performed at least 60 min after consuming a cola drink to achieve the desired tooth cleaning and avoid the introduction of surface lesions on dentin.
Common mental disorders in pregnancy in the context of interpartner violence
Authors: ALMEIDA C. P. , CUNHA F. F. , PIRES E. P. , SÁ E. 
Published: June 2012

Accessible summary
The presence of mental disorders during pregnancy in the context of interpartner violence was studied.
A cross‐sectional study with pregnant women of Hospital Pedro Hispano.
AbstractPregnancy is generally described as a period with a high incidence of common mental disorders (CMD) in the life cycle of many women who incur the risk of developing mental problems including depression, post‐traumatic stress and drug abuse. Our objective with this study was to gauge how the presence of violence in Portuguese pregnant women affected their psychopathology. One hundred and eighty‐four pregnant outpatients of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of the Hospital Pedro Hispano in Matosinhos, Oporto, Portugal with an average age of 29 and in their last 3 months of pregnancy were the subjects of this study. These participants were divided into two groups: one of abused women (n= 107) and another of non‐abused women (n= 77). In order to be able to compare them, both groups were assessed with the Conflict Tactic Scale 2, the Brief Symptom Inventory and the Inventory of the Clinical Evaluation of Depression. It was observed that pregnant women who had suffered violence during pregnancy exhibited some form of CMD during pregnancy. Another important finding was the evidence of the negative impacts that domestic violence had on the mental health of women.
Widespread yet heterogeneous genomic divergence
Authors: NOSIL PATRIK , FEDER JEFF L. 
Published: June 2012

Genetic differentiation during adaptive divergence and speciation is heterogeneous among genomic regions. Some regions can be highly differentiated between populations, for example, because they harbour genes under divergent selection or those causing reproductive isolation and thus are resistant to gene flow. Other regions might be homogenized by gene flow and thus weakly differentiated. Debates persist about the number of differentiated regions expected under divergence with gene flow, and their causes, size, and genomic distribution. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, a study of freshwater stickleback used next‐generation sequencing to shed novel insight into these issues (Roesti et al. 2012). Many genomic regions distributed across the genome were strongly differentiated, indicating divergence with gene flow can involve a greater number of loci than often thought. Nonetheless, differentiation of some regions, such as those near the centre of chromosomes where recombination is reduced, was strongly accentuated over others. Thus, divergence was widespread yet highly heterogeneous across the genome. Moreover, different population pairs varied in patterns of differentiation, illustrating how genomic divergence builds up across stages of the speciation process. The study demonstrates how variation in different evolutionary processes, such as selection and recombination rate, can combine to result in similar genomic patterns. Future work could focus on teasing apart the contributions of different processes for causing differentiation, a task facilitated by experimental manipulations.
Coevolutionary genetic variation in the legume‐rhizobium transcriptome
Authors: HEATH KATY D. , BURKE PATRICIA V. , STINCHCOMBE JOHN R. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractCoevolutionary change requires reciprocal selection between interacting species, where the partner genotypes that are favoured in one species depend on the genetic composition of the interacting species. Coevolutionary genetic variation is manifested as genotype × genotype (G × G) interactions for fitness in interspecific interactions. Although quantitative genetic approaches have revealed abundant evidence for G × G interactions in symbioses, the molecular basis of this variation remains unclear. Here we study the molecular basis of G × G interactions in a model legume‐rhizobium mutualism using gene expression microarrays. We find that, like quantitative traits such as fitness, variation in the symbiotic transcriptome may be partitioned into additive and interactive genetic components. Our results suggest that plant genetic variation had the largest influence on nodule gene expression and that plant genotype and the plant genotype × rhizobium genotype interaction determine global shifts in rhizobium gene expression that in turn feedback to influence plant fitness benefits. Moreover, the transcriptomic variation we uncover implicates regulatory changes in both species as drivers of symbiotic gene expression variation. Our study is the first to partition genetic variation in a symbiotic transcriptome and illuminates potential molecular routes of coevolutionary change.
Phosphoglucomutase is absent in Trypanosoma brucei and redundantly substituted by phosphomannomutase and phospho‐N‐acetylglucosamine mutase
Authors: Bandini Giulia , Mariño Karina , Güther M. Lucia Sampaio , Wernimont Amy K. , Kuettel Sabine , Qiu Wei , Afzal Shamshad , Kelner Anna , Hui Raymond , Ferguson Michael A. J. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryThe enzymes phosphomannomutase (PMM), phospho‐N‐acetylglucosamine mutase (PAGM) and phosphoglucomutase (PGM) reversibly catalyse the transfer of phosphate between the C6 and C1 hydroxyl groups of mannose, N‐acetylglucosamine and glucose respectively. Although genes for a candidate PMM and a PAGM enzymes have been found in the Trypanosoma brucei genome, there is, surprisingly, no candidate gene for PGM. The TbPMM and TbPAGM genes were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli and the TbPMM enzyme was crystallized and its structure solved at 1.85 Å resolution. Antibodies to the recombinant proteins localized endogenous TbPMM to glycosomes in the bloodstream form of the parasite, while TbPAGM localized to both the cytosol and glycosomes. Both recombinant enzymes were able to interconvert glucose‐phosphates, as well as acting on their own definitive substrates. Analysis of sugar nucleotide levels in parasites with TbPMM or TbPAGM knocked down by RNA interference (RNAi) suggests that, in vivo, PGM activity is catalysed by both enzymes. This is the first example in any organism of PGM activity being completely replaced in this way and it explains why, uniquely, T. brucei has been able to lose its PGM gene. The RNAi data for TbPMM also showed that this is an essential gene for parasite growth.
Differential regulation of antibiotic biosynthesis by DraR‐K, a novel two‐component system in Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Yu Zhenyu , Zhu Hong , Dang Fujun , Zhang Weiwen , Qin Zhongjun , Yang Sheng , Tan Huarong , Lu Yinhua , Jiang Weihong 
Published: June 2012

SummaryA novel two‐component system (TCS) designated as DraR‐K (sco3063/sco3062) was identified to be involved in differential regulation of antibiotic biosynthesis in Streptomyces coelicolor. The S. coelicolor mutants with deletion of either or both of draR and draK exhibited significantly reduced actinorhodin (ACT) but increased undecylprodigiosin (RED) production on minimal medium (MM) supplemented separately with high concentration of different nitrogen sources. These mutants also overproduced a yellow‐pigmented type I polyketide (yCPK) on MM with glutamate (Glu). It was confirmed that DraR‐K activates ACT but represses yCPK production directly through the pathway‐specific activator genes actII‐ORF4 and kasO, respectively, while its role on RED biosynthesis was independent of pathway‐specific activator genes redD/redZ. DNase I footprinting assays revealed that the DNA binding sites for DraR were at −124 to −98 nt and −24 to −1 nt relative to the respective transcription start point of actII‐ORF4 and kasO. Comparison of the binding sites allowed the identification of a consensus DraR‐binding sequence, 5′‐AMAAWYMAKCA‐3′ (M: A or C; W: A or T; Y: C or T; K: G or T). By genome screening and gel‐retardation assay, 11 new targets of DraR were further identified in the genome of S. coelicolor. Functional analysis of these tentative targets revealed the involvement of DraR‐K in primary metabolism. DraR‐K homologues are widely spread in different streptomycetes. Interestingly, deletion of draR‐Ksav (sav_3481/sav_3480, homologue of draR‐K) in the industrial model strain S. avermitilis NRRL‐8165 led to similar abnormal antibiotic biosynthesis, showing higher avermectin while slightly decreased oligomycin A production, suggesting that DraR‐K‐mediated regulation system might be conserved in streptomycetes. This study further reveals the complexity of TCS in regulation of antibiotic biosynthesis in Streptomyces.
Myogenic regional responsiveness to cholinergic and vipergic stimulation in human colon
Authors: Maselli M. A. , Trisolini P. , Petitta C. , Lorusso D. , Cicenia A. , Scirocco A. , Pezzolla F. , Severi C. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground  Differences in the actions of enteric neurotransmitters on colonic circular and longitudinal muscle layers have not been clearly determined, nor the possible existence of intrinsic myogenic phenotypes that might contribute to regional differences in human colon motor activity. The aim of this study was to analyze the direct pharmaco‐mechanical coupling of carbachol (CCh) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) on human colonic smooth muscle strips and cells.Methods  Circular and longitudinal muscle strips and cells were obtained from 15 human specimens of ascending and sigmoid colon. Both isometric tension on muscle strips and contraction and relaxation on cells were measured in response to increasing CCh and VIP concentrations.Key Results  Circular muscle strips of ascending colon were more sensitive to the effect of CCh than that of sigmoid colon, EC50 values being, respectively, 4.15 μmol L−1 and 8.47 μmol L−1 (P < 0.05), although there were no differences in maximal responses. No regional differences were observed in longitudinal muscle strips or in smooth muscle cells. Maximal responses to CCh were higher on circular than longitudinal muscle strips and cells throughout the colon. A greater sensitivity to VIP was observed in ascending colon compared with sigmoid colon, both in circular (EC50: 0.041 and 0.15 μmol L−1, respectively, P < 0.01) and longitudinal (EC50: 0.043 and 0.09 μmol L−1, respectively, P < 0.05) strips, and similar differences were observed in longitudinal smooth muscle cells (EC50: 44.85 and 75.24 nmol L−1, respectively, P < 0.05).Conclusions & Inferences  Regional myogenic differences in pharmaco‐mechanical coupling between the enteric neurotransmitters and smooth muscle contribute to the complex regional motor patterns of human colon.
Alien aquatic plant species in European countries
Authors: HUSSNER A 
Published: June 2012

HussnerA (2012). Alien aquatic plant species in European countries.Weed Research52, 297–306.SummaryAlien aquatic plant species cause serious ecological and economic impacts to European freshwater ecosystems. This study presents a comprehensive overview of all alien aquatic plants in Europe, their places of origin and their distribution within the 46 European countries. In total, 96 aquatic species from 30 families have been reported as aliens from at least one European country. Most alien aquatic plants are native to Northern America, followed by Asia and Southern America.Elodea canadensisis the most widespread alien aquatic plant in Europe, reported from 41 European countries.Azolla filiculoidesranks second (25), followed byVallisneria spiralis(22) andElodea nuttallii(20). The highest number of alien aquatic plant species has been found in Italy and France (34 species), followed by Germany (27), Belgium and Hungary (both 26) and the Netherlands (24). Even though the number of alien aquatic plants seems relatively small, the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO,http://www.eppo.org) has listed 18 of these species as invasive or potentially invasive within the EPPO region. As ornamental trade has been regarded as the major pathway for the introduction of alien aquatic plants, trading bans seem to be the most effective option to reduce the risk of further unintended entry of alien aquatic plants into Europe.
Allergens in urban schools and homes of children with asthma
Authors: Permaul Perdita , Hoffman Elaine , Fu Chunxia , Sheehan William , Baxi Sachin , Gaffin Jonathan , Lane Jeffrey , Bailey Ann , King Eva , Chapman Martin , Gold Diane , Phipatanakul Wanda 
Published: June 2012

To cite this article: Permaul P, Hoffman E, Fu C, Sheehan W, Baxi S, Gaffin J, Lane J, Bailey A, King E, Chapman M, Gold D, Phipatanakul W. Allergens in urban schools and homes of children with asthma. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: 23: 543–549.AbstractBackground:  Most studies of indoor allergens have focused on the home environment. However, schools may be an important site of allergen exposure for children with asthma. We compared school allergen exposure to home exposure in a cohort of children with asthma. Correlations between settled dust and airborne allergen levels in classrooms were examined.Methods:  Settled dust and airborne samples from 12 inner‐city schools were analyzed for indoor allergens using multiplex array technology (MARIA). School samples were linked to students with asthma enrolled in the School Inner‐City Asthma Study (SICAS). Settled dust samples from students’ bedrooms were analyzed similarly.Results:  From schools, 229 settled dust and 197 airborne samples were obtained. From homes, 118 settled dust samples were obtained. Linear mixed regression models of log‐transformed variables showed significantly higher settled dust levels of mouse, cat and dog allergens in schools than homes (545% higher for Mus m 1, estimated absolute difference 0.55 μg/g, p < 0.0001; 198% higher for Fel d 1, estimated absolute difference 0.13 μg/g, p = 0.0033; and 144% higher for Can f 1, estimated absolute difference 0.05 μg/g, p = 0.0008). Airborne and settled dust Mus m 1 levels in classrooms were moderately correlated (r = 0.48; p < 0.0001). There were undetectable to very low levels of cockroach and dust mite allergens in both homes and schools.Conclusion:  Mouse allergen levels in schools were substantial. In general, cat and dog allergen levels were low, but detectable, and were higher in schools. Aerosolization of mouse allergen in classrooms may be a significant exposure for students. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of indoor allergen exposure in schools on asthma morbidity in students with asthma.