bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Help from spouse and from children among older people with functional limitations: comparison of England and Finland
Authors: BLOMGREN JENNI , BREEZE ELIZABETH , KOSKINEN SEPPO , MARTIKAINEN PEKKA 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTFuture increases in need of old-age care warrant research on receipt of informal care among older people in different policy and cultural contexts. Separating informal care into help provided by spouse and by children may shed more light on dynamics of informal help, important in alleviating the demands on the formal sector. Using nationally representative data from England and Finland, we performed logistic regression analyses to study receipt of help from spouse and children among community-dwelling persons aged 70+ years with functional limitations. In both countries, women and those with more functional limitations had higher odds of receiving spousal and filial help. In England – but not in Finland – those receiving formal public help had lower odds of receiving spousal help than those with no formal help. Those with low education received more filial help in England, but no association was found between formal and filial help. In Finland, the effect of education was not significant but those receiving formal help had higher odds of also receiving filial help. The results suggest that in a liberal market-led state, the role of children may be to help their parents living alone and with low financial resources. In the context of a generous welfare state, children may function more as active agents bridging the gap between their parents and formal services.
Restrictions on addition: children's interpretation of the focus particles auch ‘also’ and nur ‘only’ in German
Authors: BERGER FRAUKE , HÖHLE BARBARA 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTChildren up to school age have been reported to perform poorly when interpreting sentences containing restrictive and additive focus particles by treating sentences with a focus particle in the same way as sentences without it. Careful comparisons between results of previous studies indicate that this phenomenon is less pronounced for restrictive than for additive particles. We argue that this asymmetry is an effect of the presuppositional status of the proposition triggered by the additive particle. We tested this in two experiments with German-learning three- and four-year-olds using a method that made the exploitation of the information provided by the particles highly relevant for completing the task. Three-year-olds already performed remarkably well with sentences both with auch ‘also’ and with nur ‘only’. Thus, children can consider the presuppositional contribution of the additive particle in their sentence interpretation and can exploit the restrictive particle as a marker of exhaustivity.
Seroepidemiological study of livestock brucellosis in a pastoral region
Authors: MEGERSA B. , BIFFA D. , ABUNNA F. , REGASSA A. , GODFROID J. , SKJERVE E. 
Published: July 2011

SUMMARYA seroepidemiological study of Brucella infections in multiple livestock species in the Borana pastoral system of Ethiopia was performed between December 2007 and October 2008. A cross-sectional multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 575 cattle, 1073 camels and 1248 goats from the target populations. Sera were collected from the animals, and serially tested using Rose Bengal test and complement fixation test. Overall prevalence and prevalence with respect to explanatory variables were established, and potential risk factors for seropositivity were analysed using a multivariable logistic regression. The results showed that 8·0% (95% CI 6·0–10·6), 1·8% (95% CI 1·1–2·8) and 1·6% (95% CI 1·0–2·5) of the tested cattle, camels and goats, respectively, had antibodies to Brucella antigen. Positive reactors were found in 93·8% of the villages with more frequent detection of positive cattle (93·3%) than camels (56·3%) and goats (37·5%). Risk factors identified for cattle were: keeping more livestock species at household level (OR 4·1, 95% CI 1·9–8·9), increasing age of the animal (OR 2·8, 95% CI 1·3–6·0) and wet season (OR 3·3, 95% CI 1·6–6·9). Increase in household-level species composition (OR 4·1, 95% CI 1·2–14·2) and wet season (OR 3·7, 95% CI 1·5–9·1) were found to be risk factors for seropositivity in camels and goats, respectively. Existence of more than one seroreactor animal species in most villages and association of increased livestock species composition with seropositivity may add more credence to the possibility of cross-species transmission of Brucella infections. Although no attempt to isolate Brucella spp. was made, our results suggest that cattle are more likely maintenance hosts of Brucella abortus which has spread to goats and camels. This should be substantiated by further isolation and identification of Brucella organisms to trace the source of infection and transmission dynamics in various hosts kept under mixed conditions. In conclusion, the present study suggests the need for investigating a feasible control intervention and raising public awareness on prevention methods of human exposure to brucellosis.
Effect of oocyte-secreted factors on porcinein vitromaturation, cumulus expansion and developmental competence of parthenotes
Authors: Gomez Ma. Ninia L. , Kang Jung Taek , Koo Ok Jae , Kim Su Jin , Kwon Dae Kee , Park Sol Ji , Atikuzzaman Mohammad , Hong So Gun , Jang Goo , Lee Byeong Chun 
Published: July 2011

SummaryThe oocyte is known from recent studies in the mouse, cow, sheep and human to be a central regulator of follicular cell function. However, in the pig, little information is known about the regulation of cumulus expansion by oocyte-secreted factors and oocyte quality. We investigated the possible effects of oocyte-secreted factors duringin vitromaturation on cumulus expansion and on porcine oocytes as judged by subsequent embryonic development after parthenogenetic activation. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) from antral follicles of pig ovaries collected from a local abattoir were divided into control and treatment groups and were cultured in tissue culture medium 199 supplemented with follicle-stimulating hormone. Treatment groups consisted of increasing numbers of denuded oocytes (DO) co-cultured with COC (at ratios of COC to DO of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4 and 1:5). After incubation for 44 h, cumulus expansion and maturation rates were assessed and oocytes were activated parthenogenetically. Cumulus expansion in the 1 COC:4 DO and 1 COC:5 DO groups was low and altered because full dispersion of the outer layer did not occur. Cell viability was not affected, as measured by the automated cell counter, but scanning electron microscopy revealed only a scanty extracellular matrix. Blastocyst rate was significantly higher in the 1 COC:4 DO (34.4%) and in the 1 COC:5 DO (34.9%) groups (p< 0.05) when compared with other groups. Maturation rate, cleavage rate and total cell number showed no significant difference between control and treatment groups. Amplification by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed up-regulation of growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) in the cumulus cells in the 1 COC:4 DO group at 44 h. We conclude that denuded porcine oocytes could improve the maturation of COC as evidenced by increased blastocyst development in the 1 COC:4 DO, even though cumulus expansion was poor. This improvement could be a result of the GDF9 up-regulation.
Developmental competence of porcine oocytes after in vitro maturation and in vitro culture under different oxygen concentrations
Authors: Kang Jung-Taek , Atikuzzaman Mohammad , Kwon Dae-Kee , Park Sol-Ji , Kim Su-Jin , Moon Joon-Ho , Koo Ok-Jae , Jang Goo , Lee Byeong-Chun 
Published: July 2011

SummaryIn this study, we investigated the effect of two oxygen concentrations (5 and 20%) during in vitro maturation (IVM) and during in vitro culture (IVC) on porcine embryo development and analysed differences in gene expression between cumulus–oocyte complexes matured under 5 or 20% oxygen and the resulting blastocysts cultured under 5% or 20% oxygen following parthenogenetic activation. There was no significant difference in oocyte maturation rate. However, the numbers of resulting blastocysts were significantly increased in the 5% IVC group compared with the 20% IVC group. Moreover, the M20C5 treatment group (23.01%) supported greater blastocyst development compared with the M5C5 (14.32%), M5C20 (10.30%), and M20C20 (17.88%) groups. However, total cell numbers were not significantly different among groups. According to mRNA abundance data of multiple genes, each treatment altered the expression of genes in different patterns. GLUT1, G6PD and LDHA were up-regulated in cumulus cells that had been matured in low oxygen, suggesting a higher glucose uptake and an increase in anaerobic glycolysis, whereas cyclin B1 (CCNB) and MnSOD (Mn-superoxide dismutase) were upregulated in cumulus cells that had been matured in high oxygen, which suggests a higher activity of mitosis-promoting factor and antioxidant response. In spite of these differential effects on cumulus cells, oocytes could mature normally regardless of different oxygen concentrations. Therefore, it can be concluded that high oxygen concentration during in vitro maturation and low oxygen during in vitro culture may alter the expression of multiple genes related to oocyte competence and significantly improves embryo development (p < 0.05) but not blastocyst quality.
Effect of bovine age on the proliferative activity, global DNA methylation, relative telomere length and telomerase activity of granulosa cells
Authors: Goto Hiroya , Iwata Hisataka , Takeo Shun , Nisinosono Keiko , Murakami Sayoko , Monji Yasunori , Kuwayama Takehito 
Published: July 2011

SummaryGranulosa cells influence the growth and acquisition of the developmental competence of oocytes. We investigated the effects of ageing on the proliferative activity, global genomic DNA methylation, relative telomere length and telomerase activity of bovine granulosa cells. The proliferative activity of cells was examined by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) assay, genomic DNA methylation was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and relative telomere length and telomerase activity were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. We first compared the proliferative activity of the granulosa cells of the medium follicles between in dominant phase ovaries and growth phase ovaries. We observed that the proliferative activity of the granulosa cells of dominant phase ovaries was significantly lower than those of growth phase ovaries. In addition, the proliferative activity of granulosa cells was inversely associated with follicular size. Based on the results, we used granulosa cells harvested from the medium follicles (3–5 mm in diameter) on the surfaces of the dominant phase ovaries collected from cows at a slaughterhouse. The proliferative activity of the granulosa cells harvested from the ovaries of old cows (N = 8; average age 165.1 months) was lower than that of the cells from young cows (N = 8; average age 30.9 months). Global loss of cytosine methylation was detected in the granulosa cells of old cows (N = 12; average age 141.0 months) compared with young cows (N = 15; average age 27.4 months). Although the relative telomere lengths of cumulus cells were similar in the two age groups, the relative telomere lengths and telomerase activity of the granulosa cells from old cows (N = 17 and 9; average age, 164.6 and 151.3 months, respectively) tended to be shorter than those of the cells from young cows (N = 17 and 10; average age 30.6 and 28.1 months, respectively); however, this difference was not significant p = 0.09 and 0.053, respectively). In conclusion, the proliferative activity and genomic global DNA methylation significantly decreased, and the relative telomere lengths and telomerase activity of granulosa cells tended to be shorter with the age of donor cows.
2011 German Escherichia coli O104:H4 outbreak: Alignment-free whole-genome phylogeny by feature frequency profiles
Authors: Cheung Man Kit , Li Lei , Nong Wenyan , Kwan Hoi Shan 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAccuracy of SNP-based whole-genome phylogeny reconstruction relies heavily on quality of sequence alignment which is particularly hindered by poorly assembled genomes. Alignment-free methods might provide additional insights. Here, we constructed a whole-genome phylogeny of 10 isolates from the current German E. coli outbreak against 30 existing E. coli genomes as well as that of a historical EHEC isolate using the alignment-free feature frequency profile method. Our results revealed a high similarity among E. coli isolates from the current outbreak and the historical EHEC being the most closely related isolate sequenced thus far.
Accessing the transport properties of graphene and its multilayers at high carrier density
Authors: Ye Jianting , Craciun Monica F. , Koshino Mikito , Russo Saverio , Inoue Seiji , Yuan Hongtao , Shimotani Hidekazu , Morpurgo Alberto F. , Iwasa Yoshihiro 
Published: July 2011

We present a comparative study of high carrier density transport in mono-, bi-, and trilayer graphene using electric double-layer transistors to continuously tune the carrier density up to values exceeding 10
14
cm
-2
. Whereas in monolayer the conductivity saturates, in bi- and trilayer filling of the higher-energy bands is observed to cause a nonmonotonic behavior of the conductivity and a large increase in the quantum capacitance. These systematic trends not only show how the intrinsic high-density transport properties of graphene can be accessed by field effect, but also demonstrate the robustness of ion-gated graphene, which is crucial for possible future applications.
Catch‐Rate Standardization for Yellow Perch in Lake Erie: A Comparison of the Spatial Generalized Linear Model and the Generalized Additive Model
Authors: Yu Hao , Jiao Yan , Winter Andreas 
Published: July 2011

AbstractVarious statistical models have been used to standardize catch rates of fish populations for stock assessment. The generalized linear model (GLM) is one of the most commonly used approaches. However, response variables in fisheries data are often spatially autocorrelated or show a nonlinear relationship with explanatory variables, thus violating the underlying assumption of the GLM. The GLM with spatial autocorrelation (s‐GLM) and the generalized additive model (GAM) may be better suited to dealing with autocorrelated variables and nonlinear relationships, respectively. In this study, catch rates of yellow perchPerca flavescensfrom a fishery‐independent gill‐net survey in Lake Erie during 1990–2003 were estimated by the s‐GLM and GAM. Set duration, gear depth, temperature at gear depth, dissolved oxygen concentration, water transparency, and latitude were selected as significant explanatory variables for these models. By comparing the goodness of fit, reduction of spatial autocorrelation, and prediction errors from cross validation, we found that the GAM had the best goodness of fit and lowest prediction errors but the s‐GLM resulted in the greatest reduction in spatial autocorrelation for catch‐rate standardization of yellow perch in Lake Erie. The GAM is more suitable for modeling the nonlinear relationships between species characteristics and explanatory variables, and the s‐GLM is preferable for dealing with spatially autocorrelated residuals. Application of the GAM or s‐GLM is determined by the species distribution pattern and available explanatory variables.
Toxicity of the Piscicide Rotenone to Columbia Spotted Frog and Boreal Toad Tadpoles
Authors: Billman Hilary G. , St‐Hilaire Sophie , Kruse Carter G. , Peterson Teri S. , Peterson Charles R. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe piscicide rotenone is commonly used to remove nonnative fishes from natural aquatic systems. While the effects of rotenone on fish are well documented, the effects of this chemical on amphibians are less well known. We determined the toxicity of the rotenone formulation CFT Legumine (5% rotenone) to three ages—Gosner age ranges 21–25, 30–35, and 40–45—of tadpoles of the Columbia spotted frog Rana luteiventris and the boreal toad Anaxyrus boreas under laboratory conditions. Tadpoles of both species were exposed to 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/L CFT Legumine (0.005, 0.025, and 0.050 mg/L rotenone, respectively) in static, 96‐h exposure trials; surviving individuals were placed in rotenone‐free water and raised until metamorphosis. In an additional experiment, Columbia spotted frog tadpoles were exposed to 1.0 mg/L CFT Legumine for 1, 2, 3, or 4 h before being placed in rotenone‐free water for the duration of a 96‐h exposure period. Tadpole mortality increased with increases in CFT Legumine concentration and exposure period. Individuals exposed to 1.0 mg/L of product experienced significantly greater mortality than did control tadpoles (P < 0.001), with 99–100% mortality occurring in the youngest age‐group (Gosner 21–25) in both species. In Columbia spotted frog tadpoles, mortality decreased as age increased, while age did not affect mortality in boreal toad tadpoles. Rotenone produced no biologically significant effects on growth or metamorphosis. Our findings suggest that the use of 1.0 mg/L CFT Legumine to remove nonnative fish may cause significant mortality to larval amphibians if they are exposed for 96 h; exposures to lower dosages (0.5 mg/L of product) or for shorter durations (≤4 h), however, resulted in less mortality. Fisheries managers can use these results to improve amphibian conservation in fish restoration areas and reduce the impacts on larval amphibian populations.
Interspecies Synchrony in Salmonid Densities Associated with Large‐Scale Bioclimatic Conditions in Central Idaho
Authors: Copeland Timothy , Meyer Kevin A. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe abundance of lotic salmonids varies substantially through time, but the extent to which several sympatric species respond coherently to large‐scale bioclimatic conditions has rarely been investigated for freshwater fishes. We compared correlations in salmonid density in central Idaho and examined the relationships between changes in salmonid density and the variation in large‐scale bioclimatic conditions as indexed by stream flow, air temperature, drought, coastal upwelling, and the number of Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha redds (a surrogate for nutrient influx and therefore increased stream productivity). The average densities of six stream‐dwelling salmonid fishes were highly synchronous, with declines from the mid‐1980s to the mid‐1990s followed by a rebound through 2003. All pairwise correlations were positive and 8 of 15 were statistically significant. Stream flow and Chinook salmon redds were correlated with fish densities as a group, but the importance of bioclimatic indices differed by species and varied by the lag times applied. Stream flow 3 and 4 years previous was most important for brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis and bull trout S. confluentus. The presence of Chinook salmon redds from the previous year was most important for Chinook salmon. The coastal upwelling index 4 years previous was most important for mountain whitefish Prosopium williamsoni and steelhead O. mykiss. No variable captured much of the variation in the density of westslope cutthroat trout O. clarkii lewisi. Models based on data from 1985 to 2003 correctly predicted the synchronous declines in fish density observed for all species from 2004 to 2009, suggesting that the bioclimatic indices we chose were useful surrogates for large‐scale factors influencing the temporal changes in salmonid densities in central Idaho. For fishery managers, interspecies synchrony may allow a more powerful multispecies approach to monitoring and reveal the tractability of large systems to management control. However, causal mechanisms are hard to infer and require further research (e.g., the effects of ocean conditions). Our study provides a basis for such work.
Using ‘payment by results’ to fund the treatment of dependent drug users—proceed with care!
Authors: Maynard Alan , Street Andrew , Hunter Rachael 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTThe UK government is changing its system of payment for drug treatment services in order to reward the achievement of better patient outcomes. This is a model that may be taken up internationally. This ‘payment by results’ funding system will reward providers for achieving good outcomes in terms of whether clients are drug free, employed and/or not convicted of a criminal offence. Providers will also receive a payment based on health and wellbeing outcome measurement. The definition and measurement of success in achieving these outcomes is complex and challenging, as is the need to bridge treatment costs during the period in which outcomes are pursued. This experiment requires careful evaluation if the delivery of drug treatment is not to be jeopardized or fragmented.
Membrane compartmentalization in Southeast Asian ovalocytosis red blood cells
Authors: Mirchev Rossen , Lam Alexander , Golan David E. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryRed blood cells (RBCs) from individuals with Southeast Asian ovalocytosis (SAO) contain a mutant band 3 protein that causes the formation of unique linear oligomers in the RBC membrane. We used single‐particle tracking to measure the lateral diffusion of individual glycophorin C (GPC), band 3, and CD58 proteins in membranes of intact SAO RBCs and normal RBCs (nRBCs). GPC, an integral protein that binds with high affinity to the RBC membrane skeleton, showed oscillatory motion within confinement areas that were smaller in SAO RBCs than in nRBCs. The additional confinement in SAO RBCs could be due to membrane stiffening associated with the SAO phenotype. Band 3 in both SAO RBCs and nRBCs also showed confined motion over short times (ms) and distances (nm), and the area of confinement was smaller in SAO RBCs than in nRBCs. These data presumably reflect the constraints imposed by band 3 oligomerization. Similarly, the glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐linked protein CD58 showed loosely confined diffusion in nRBCs and a substantially higher degree of confinement in SAO RBCs. Restricted protein mobility could contribute to the altered adherence of parasite‐infected RBCs to vascular endothelium that is thought to protect individuals with SAO from severe manifestations of malaria.