bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
microRNAs, RNA binding proteins and cancer
Authors: Agami Reuven 
Published: March 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (4): 370–374AbstractmicroRNAs (miRNAs) are genes involved in normal development and cancer. They inhibit gene expression through interaction with 3′‐untranslated regions of messenger RNAs, and are thought to control the expression of a large proportion of the protein‐coding genome. However, it is becoming apparent that RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) control the biogenesis of miRNAs, their activity and stability. This indicates the existence of interplay between RBPs and miRNAs that affects gene expression and processes ranging from development, maintenance of stem cell phenotype and stress responses. Although miRNAs are prominent factors in cancer, little is known about how RBPs affect their cancerous function.
Difficulties in working memory updating in individuals with intellectual disability
Authors: Carretti B. , Belacchi C. , Cornoldi C. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground  Despite the critical role attributed to working memory (WM) updating for executive functions and fluid intelligence, no research has yet been carried out on its specific role in the vital case of fluid intelligence weakness, represented by individuals with intellectual disability (ID). Furthermore, the relationship between updating and other WM functions has not been considered in depth.Method  The current study examines these areas by proposing a battery of WM tasks (varying in degree of active attentional control requested) and one updating task to groups of ID individuals and typically developing children, matched for fluid intelligence performance.Results  Comparison between the group of ID individuals and a group of children showed that, despite being matched on the Raven test, the updating measure significantly differentiated the groups as well as the WM complex span. Furthermore, updating proved to be the task with the greatest power in discriminating between groups.Conclusions  Our results confirm the importance of the demand for active attentional control in explaining the role of WM in fluid intelligence performance, and in particular show that updating information in WM plays an important role in the distinction between typically developing children and ID individuals.
Improved erectile function and sex hormone profiles in male Chinese recipients of kidney transplantation
Authors: Teng Li Chen , Wang Chang Xi , Chen Lizhong 
Published: March 2010

Teng LC, Wang CX, Chen L. Improved erectile function and sex hormone profiles in male Chinese recipients of kidney transplantation.  Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 265–269. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Background:  Few studies have reported the relationship between duration of dialysis and effect of kidney transplantation on sex hormone levels and erectile dysfunction (ED) in Chinese patients.Methods:  Our study included 24 patients with uremia who underwent kidney transplantation. Erectile function in these patients was assessed using the 5‐item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5), and serum sex hormone levels were measured pre‐ and post‐transplantation. Post‐transplantation changes in IIEF‐5 scores were analyzed according to duration of dialysis.Results:  Twenty‐one (87.5%) and 11 (45.9%) of the 24 patients suffered from varying degrees of ED during the pre‐ and post‐transplantation periods, respectively. The pre‐ vs. post‐transplantation IIEF‐5 scores were significantly different (p < 0.05) among patients who had undergone dialysis for less than six months. Following transplantation, serum levels of prolactin and β‐estradiol decreased significantly (24.35 ± 11.62 vs. 13.93 ± 7.16 ng/mL, p = 0.027; 42.20 ± 15.04 vs. 17.7 ± 7.15 pg/mL, p = 0.000, respectively), whereas levels of testosterone increased (3.07 ± 0.94 vs. 6.54 ± 3.14 ng/mL, p = 0.004).Conclusions:  Successful kidney transplantation can significantly ameliorate ED in Chinese patients, especially in individuals with a shorter time on dialysis. Changes in sex hormone levels may contribute to this improvement in ED.
Genetic parameters for abnormal sucking traits in Austrian Fleckvieh heifers
Authors: Fuerst‐Waltl B. , Rinnhofer B. , Fuerst C. , Winckler C. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryCross‐sucking and intersucking are considered abnormal behaviours in cattle and constitute a common problem in dairy farming. Cross‐sucking in calves is defined as sucking any body parts of another calf whereas intersucking in heifers and cows is defined as sucking the udder or udder area. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic variability for abnormal sucking behaviour by estimating genetic parameters and examining individual differences between sires with large progeny groups. By means of a questionnaire, cattle breeders in the federal state Lower Austria were requested to identify all currently kept animals which are known of either inter‐ or cross‐sucking (both defined as the same binary trait ‘sucking’ with 0 and 1 referring to the absence and presence of this abnormal behaviour) or allowing sucking (also treated as a binary trait, scored as 1 if an animal was known of allowing herd mates to suck and 0 otherwise). Records of 1222 farms and 13 332 dual purpose Simmental females aged between 21 and 700 days were investigated applying a linear animal model with fixed herd × year × season and random genetic animal effect and a threshold sire model with the herd × year × season effect being treated as random. In total, 8.6% and 4.1% of all calves/heifers were observed sucking and allowing sucking, respectively. Heritabilities of 0.040 ± 0.014 and 0.007 ± 0.006 (linear animal model) and 0.116 ± 0.041 and 0.026 ± 0.024 (threshold model) were found for the traits sucking and allowing sucking, respectively. Breeding values were estimated applying the same models for the trait sucking. Taking all 254 sires into account, the Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients between breeding values estimated by linear animal and sire threshold model were 0.86 and 0.80. Thus, little difference was observed between the two methods.
Trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole compared with benzathine penicillin for treatment of impetigo in Aboriginal children: A pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Tong Steven YC , Andrews Ross M , Kearns Therese , Gundjirryirr Rosalyn , McDonald Malcolm I , Currie Bart J , Carapetis Jonathan R 
Published: March 2010

AbstractWe conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial comparing trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole to benzathine penicillin for treatment of impetigo in Aboriginal children. Treatment was successful in 7 of 7 children treated with trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole and 5 of 6 treated with benzathine penicillin. Trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole achieved microbiological clearance and healing of sores from which β‐hemolytic streptococci and community‐associated methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus were initially cultured.
Impacts of eggs and tadpoles of the invasive cane toad (Bufo marinus) on aquatic predators in tropical Australia
Authors: GREENLEES MATTHEW J. , SHINE RICHARD 
Published: March 2010

AbstractInvasive species affect native ecosystems in a variety of ways, and the magnitude of impact may depend upon many factors. In an invading species such as the cane toad (Bufo marinus), the multiphasic life history creates a potential for impact to differ between life history stages. Previous research on the impact of cane toads in Australia has focused on fatal poisoning of predators that ingest terrestrial stages of the toad, but aquatic stages (eggs, larvae) are toxic also. We exposed nine native Australian fish species and one native Australian turtle species to the eggs and larvae of toads. Strong species differences were evident, both in palatability (propensity to attack the egg or larva), and in subsequent responses (e.g. taste and reject the item, vs. ingest it). Toad eggs were less likely than toad tadpoles to be attacked, but also less likely to be rejected before ingestion (probably because the non‐toxic jelly coat masks the presence of toxins in the ovum). As a result, predators were far more likely to be killed by ingesting toad eggs than toad tadpoles. Fortuitously, the spatial and temporal availability of toad egg masses restricts encounter rates with predators, so that overall ecological impact may be low despite the high vulnerability of a fish or turtle that encounters such an egg mass. Understanding such ontogenetic shifts in the nature of interactions and magnitude of impact is crucial if we are to understand the overall ecological impact of invasive species.
The portrayal of men and women in television advertisements: An updated review of 30 studies published since 2000
Authors: FURNHAM ADRIAN , PALTZER STEPHANIE 
Published: March 2010

Furnham, A. & Paltzer, S. (2010). The portrayal of men and women in television advertisements: An updated review of 30 studies published since 2000. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 51, 216–236.In 1999, Furnham and Mak published a review of 14 content‐analytic studies of sex roles stereotyping in television commercials. All these studies were based on the McArthur and Resko (1975) content categories. This paper updates that review considering 30 studies in over 20 countries published between 2000 and 2008. Studies were from Australasia, Austria, Bulgaria, Ghana, Hong Kong, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Malaysia, Mauritius, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. They examined over 8,000 advertisements. National and cultural differences in gender stereotypes are also considered in the light of this data. The popularity of, and the problems associated with, the research paradigm are considered.
Hysterectomy trends in Australia – between 2000/01 and 2004/05
Authors: HILL Erin L. , GRAHAM Melissa L. , SHELLEY Julia M. 
Published: March 2010

Background:  Hysterectomy is a major and common surgical procedure that has the potential to provide relief from ongoing gynaecological problems, but is often associated with negative impacts on health and wellbeing. Research indicates that hysterectomy rates and trends vary widely between and within countries; yet little is known about patterns in Australia.Aims:  This research aimed to describe hysterectomy rates and trends in Australia between 2000/01 and 2004/05.Methods:  This repeat cross‐sectional study used routinely collected data from all hospitals in Australia. Data on all women admitted to hospital for a hysterectomy were obtained from the National Hospital Morbidity Database (2000/01–2004/05). Data were analysed by calculating population rates for each type of hysterectomy. Incidence rate ratios were calculated to assess changes over time.Results:  Hysterectomy rates in Australia declined from 34.8 per 10 000 women in 2000/01 to 31.2 per 10 000 women in 2004/05. A decline in the incidence rate for abdominal hysterectomy (from 18.7 to 15.1 per 10 000 women) and the incidence rate for concurrent oophorectomy (from 12.4 to 11.3 per 10 000 women) were also observed during this time period. At each point in time, the highest incidence rates for hysterectomy were for women aged 45–54 years.Conclusions:  Hysterectomy rates in Australia are declining over time and currently appear to be lower than most other countries. More hysterectomies are performed vaginally than in Canada, the USA, the UK and Finland and the rate of concurrent oophorectomy is less than that reported in the USA and the UK.
Testing for high risk human papilloma virus in the initial follow‐up of women treated for high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions
Authors: SMART Olivia Catherine , SYKES Peter , MACNAB Helene , JENNINGS Lance 
Published: March 2010

Background:  The follow‐up schedule of women who have undergone treatment for high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) is a crucial part of the cervical screening programme. The ability to detect residual disease or early recurrence enables the provision of timely secondary intervention.Aims:  The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of High Risk HPV and cytological abnormalities at first follow‐up visit post treatment. The feasibility, safety and cost benefit of omitting routine colposcopy as a first line investigation were evaluated.Methods:  A total of 100 women with histologically confirmed and treated HSIL were recruited prior to first follow‐up visit. Colposcopic assessment, cervical cytology using LBC and HR HPV testing was carried out on all women.Results:  In all, 75% of the study group had both a negative HR HPV test and a normal cervical cytology at first follow‐up visit. Mean time interval to first follow‐up was 9 months. The rate of residual/recurrent high‐grade disease within this cohort was 4% followed up to 18 months post treatment. HR HPV had a sensitivity of 100% to detect persistent HSIL.Conclusion:  High‐risk human papilloma virus testing in combination with cytology at first follow‐up visit in women treated for HSIL has a very high sensitivity and negative predictive value. Colposcopy does not improve specificity in this cohort and could be omitted in patients who have a negative smear and HPV test.
Comprehension of Simple Quantifiers: Empirical Evaluation of a Computational Model
Authors: Szymanik Jakub , Zajenkowski Marcin 
Published: March 2010

AbstractWe examine the verification of simple quantifiers in natural language from a computational model perspective. We refer to previous neuropsychological investigations of the same problem and suggest extending their experimental setting. Moreover, we give some direct empirical evidence linking computational complexity predictions with cognitive reality. In the empirical study we compare time needed for understanding different types of quantifiers. We show that the computational distinction between quantifiers recognized by finite‐automata and push‐down automata is psychologically relevant. Our research improves upon, the hypotheses and explanatory power of recent neuroimaging studies as well as provides evidence for the claim that human linguistic abilities are constrained by computational complexity.
Cross‐National Comparisons of Complex Problem‐Solving Strategies in Two Microworlds
Authors: Güss C. Dominik , Tuason Ma. Teresa , Gerhard Christiane 
Published: March 2010

AbstractResearch in the fields of complex problem solving (CPS) and dynamic decision making using microworlds has been mainly conducted in Western industrialized countries. This study analyzes the CPS process by investigating thinking‐aloud protocols in five countries. Participants were 511 students from Brazil, Germany, India, the Philippines, and the United States who worked on two microworlds. On the basis of cultural‐psychological theories, specific cross‐national differences in CPS strategies were hypothesized. Following theories of situatedness of cognition, hypotheses about the specific frequency of problem‐solving strategies in the two microworlds were developed. Results of the verbal protocols showed (a) modification of the theoretical CPS model, (b) task dependence of CPS strategies, and (c) cross‐national differences in CPS strategies. Participants’ CPS processes were particularly influenced by country‐specific problem‐solving strategies.
The Interactive Evolution of Human Communication Systems
Authors: Fay Nicolas , Garrod Simon , Roberts Leo , Swoboda Nik 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThis paper compares two explanations of the process by which human communication systems evolve: iterated learning and social collaboration. It then reports an experiment testing the social collaboration account. Participants engaged in a graphical communication task either as a member of a community, where they interacted with seven different partners drawn from the same pool, or as a member of an isolated pair, where they interacted with the same partner across the same number of games. Participants’ horizontal, pair‐wise interactions led “bottom up” to the creation of an effective and efficient shared sign system in the community condition. Furthermore, the community‐evolved sign systems were as effective and efficient as the local sign systems developed by isolated pairs. Finally, and as predicted by a social collaboration account, and not by an iterated learning account, interaction was critical to the creation of shared sign systems, with different isolated pairs establishing different local sign systems and different communities establishing different global sign systems.
Children’s Production of Unfamiliar Word Sequences Is Predicted by Positional Variability and Latent Classes in a Large Sample of Child‐Directed Speech
Authors: Matthews Danielle , Bannard Colin 
Published: March 2010

AbstractWe explore whether children’s willingness to produce unfamiliar sequences of words reflects their experience with similar lexical patterns. We asked children to repeat unfamiliar sequences that were identical to familiar phrases (e.g.,A piece of toast) but for one word (e.g., a novel instantiation ofA piece ofX, likeA piece of brick). We explore two predictions—motivated by findings in the statistical learning literature—that children are likely to have detected an opportunity to substitute alternative words into the final position of a four‐word sequence if (a) it is difficult to predict the fourth word given the first three words and (b) the words observed in the final position are distributionally similar. Twenty‐eight 2‐year‐olds and thirty‐one 3‐year‐olds were significantly more likely to correctly repeat unfamiliar variants of patterns for which these properties held. The results illustrate how children’s developing language is shaped by linguistic experience.
Subjective intensity of pain during supportive periodontal treatment using a sonic scaler or an Er:YAG laser
Authors: Braun Andreas , Jepsen Søren , Deimling Daniela , Ratka‐Krüger Petra 
Published: March 2010

Braun A, Jepsen S, Deimling D, Ratka‐Krüger P. Subjective intensity of pain during supportive periodontal treatment using a sonic scaler or an Er:YAG laser. J Clin Periodontol 2010; 37: 340–345. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2010.01536.x AbstractObjective: To assess the subjective intensities of pain during supportive periodontal treatment using a sonic scaler or an Er:YAG laser.Material and Methods: Forty patients with two residual periodontal pockets following conventional periodontal therapy were treated using a sonic scaler and an Er:YAG laser in a split‐mouth design. A visual analogue scale was used for pain assessment directly after each treatment procedure. Additionally, pain was recorded during the treatment of 11 patients at intervals of 0.5 s using an inter‐modal intensity comparison.Results: Pain assessment during treatment showed that laser treatment (median pain score: 0.71 U, maximum: 9.94 U, minimum: 0 U) caused less pain than the sonic device (median pain score: 2.17 U, maximum: 11.26 U, minimum: 0 U) (p<0.05) with no difference in the treatment time (p>0.05). These results could be confirmed by the visual analogue scale: pain scores assessed after laser treatment (median: 1 U, maximum: 7 U, minimum: 0 U) were lower than those after sonic instrumentation (median: 3.5 U, maximum: 7.5 U, minimum: 0 U) (p<0.05).Conclusions: Using an Er:YAG laser during supportive periodontal treatment, painful sensations can be reduced compared with sonic scaler instrumentation.
Periodontal wound healing/regeneration following implantation of recombinant human growth/differentiation factor‐5 in a β‐tricalcium phosphate carrier into one‐wall intrabony defects in dogs
Authors: Lee Jung‐Seok , Wikesjö Ulf M. E. , Jung Ui‐Won , Choi Seong‐Ho , Pippig Susanne , Siedler Michael , Kim Chong‐Kwan 
Published: March 2010

Lee J‐S, Wikesjö UME, Jung U‐W, Choi S‐H, Pippig S, Siedler M, Kim C‐K. Periodontal wound healing/regeneration following implantation of recombinant human growth/differentiation factor‐5 in a β‐tricalcium phosphate carrier into one‐wall intrabony defects in dogs. J Clin Periodontol 2010; 37: 382–389. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2010.01544.xAbstractObjective: Recombinant human growth/differentiation factor‐5 (rhGDF‐5) is being evaluated as a candidate therapy in support of periodontal regeneration. The objective of this study was to evaluate periodontal wound healing/regeneration following the application of rhGDF‐5 on a particulate β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) carrier using an established defect model.Materials and Methods: Bilateral 4 × 5 mm (width × depth), one‐wall, critical‐size, intrabony periodontal defects were surgically created at the mandibular second and fourth pre‐molar teeth in 15 Beagle dogs. Unilateral defects in five animals received rhGDF‐5/β‐TCP (Scil Technology GmbH); five animals received β‐TCP solo; and five animals served as sham‐surgery controls. Contralateral sites received treatments reported elsewhere. The animals were sacrificed following an 8‐week healing interval for histological examination.Results: Clinical healing was generally uneventful. Sites implanted with rhGDF‐5/β‐TCP exhibited greater enhanced cementum and bone formation compared with β‐TCP and sham‐surgery controls; cementum regeneration averaged (± SD) 3.83 ± 0.73 versus 1.65 ± 0.82 and 2.48 ± 1.28 mm for the controls (p<0.05). Corresponding values for bone regeneration height averaged 3.26 ± 0.30 versus 1.70 ± 0.66 and 1.68 ± 0.49 mm (p<0.05), and bone area 10.45 ± 2.26 versus 6.31 ± 2.41 and 3.00 ± 1.97 mm2 (p<0.05). Cementum regeneration included cellular/acellular cementum with or without a functionally oriented periodontal ligament. A non‐specific connective tissue attachment was evident in the sham‐surgery control. Controls exhibited mostly woven bone with primary osteons, whereas rhGDF‐5/β‐TCP sites showed a noticeable extent of lamellar bone. Sites receiving rhGDF‐5/β‐TCP or β‐TCP showed some residual β‐TCP granules apparently undergoing biodegradation without obvious differences between the sites. Sites receiving β‐TCP alone commonly showed residual β‐TCP granules sequestered in the connective tissue or fibrovascular marrow.Conclusion: rhGDF‐5/β‐TCP has a greater potential to support the regeneration of the periodontal attachment. Long‐term studies are necessary to confirm the uneventful maturation of the regenerated tissues.
Perch production in forest lakes: the contribution of abiotic and biotic factors
Authors: Horppila J. , Olin M. , Vinni M. , Estlander S. , Nurminen L. , Rask M. , Ruuhijärvi J. , Lehtonen H. 
Published: March 2010

Horppila J, Olin M, Vinni M, Estlander S, Nurminen L, Rask M, Ruuhijärvi J, Lehtonen H. Perch production in forest lakes: the contribution of abiotic and biotic factors. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 257–266. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/SAbstract –  The biomass, growth and production of perch (Perca fluviatilis (L.)) in five humic forest lakes in southern Finland were estimated and the abiotic and biotic factors contributing to the between‐lake differences were explored. The average perch biomass in the study lakes varied from 13.1 to 45.6 kg·ha−1 and annual production from 6.0 to 16.5 kg·ha−1. The highest biomass and production were found in Lake Majajärvi with highest water colour and nutrient concentration. Variability in fish density rather than in individual growth rate seemed to be the main factor behind the between‐lake differences in perch production. No dependence of perch production on water transparency was found, because transparency had a stronger effect on individual growth than on fish density. The length increment of perch in their second year increased significantly with water transparency but at older ages no such dependence was found. At age of 4 years, the growth rate of perch decreased with perch density, indicating intraspecific competition for benthic food resources. At age of 7 years, the growth rate increased with increasing roach (Rutilus rutilus (L.)) abundance, suggesting that roach served as a resource for piscivorous perch. The effects of predatory top‐down control on perch populations were probably obscured due to the variable size and water quality of the study lakes.