bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radial symmetry and decay rates of positive solutions of a Wolff type integral system
Authors: Lei Yutian , Ma Chao 
Published: September 2011

In this paper, we study the properties of the positive solutions of a nonlinear integral system involving Wolff potentials:\[{u1amp;=Wβ,γ(f1(u))⋮umamp;=Wβ,γ(fm(u)),\left \{ \begin {aligned} u_1 &= W_{\beta ,\gamma }(f_1(u)) \\ \vdots \\ u_m &= W_{\beta ,\gamma }(f_m(u)), \end {aligned} \right .\]whereu=(u1,…,um)u=(u_1,\ldots ,u_m)and\[Wβ,γ(f)(x)=∫0∞[∫Bt(x)f(y)dytn−βγ]1γ−1dttW_{\beta ,\gamma }(f)(x)=\int _0^{\infty } [\frac {\int _{B_t(x)}f(y)dy}{t^{n-\beta \gamma }}]^{\frac {1}{\gamma -1}} \frac {dt}{t}\]with1>γ>21>\gamma >2andn>βγn>\beta \gamma. First, we estimate the decay rate of the positive solutions at infinity. Based on this, we prove radial symmetry and monotonicity for those solutions by the refined method of moving planes in integral forms, which was established by Chen, Li and Ou. Since the Kelvin transform cannot be used in such a Wolff type system, we have to find a new technique to study the asymptotic estimate, which is essential when we move the planes.
The association between exposure to point‐of‐sale anti‐smoking warnings and smokers' interest in quitting and quit attempts: findings from the International Tobacco Control Four Country Survey
Authors: Li Lin , Borland Ron , Yong Hua‐Hie , Hitchman Sara C. , Wakefield Melanie A. , Kasza Karin A. , Fong Geoffrey T. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTAims  This study aimed to examine the associations between reported exposure to anti‐smoking warnings at the point‐of‐sale (POS) and smokers' interest in quitting and their subsequent quit attempts by comparing reactions in Australia where warnings are prominent to smokers in other countries.Design  A prospective multi‐country cohort design was employed.Setting  Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.Participants  A total of 21 613 adult smokers who completed at least one of the seven waves (2002–08) of the International Tobacco Control Four Country Survey were included in the analysis.Measurements  Reported exposure to POS anti‐smoking warnings and smokers' interest in quitting at the same wave and quit attempts over the following year.Findings  Compared to smokers in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, Australian smokers reported higher levels of awareness of POS anti‐smoking warnings, and this difference was consistent over the study period. Over waves in Australia (but not in the other three countries) there was a significantly positive association between reported exposure to POS anti‐smoking warnings and interest in quitting [adjusted odds ratio = 1.139, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.039–1.249, P < 0.01] and prospective quit attempts (adjusted odds ratio = 1.216, 95% CI 1.114–1.327, P < 0.001) when controlling for demographics, smoking characteristics, overall salience of anti‐smoking information and awareness of anti‐smoking material from channels other than POS.Conclusions  Point‐of‐sale health warnings about tobacco are more prominent in Australia than the United Kingdom, the United States or Canada and appear to act as a prompt to quitting.
Evidence of increasing age of onset of cannabis use among younger Australians
Authors: Lenton Simon , Liang Wenbin , Chikritzhs Tanya 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTAim  To determine whether declines in the prevalence of cannabis use in Australia have been accompanied by changes in age of onset of cannabis use.Design  A retrospective cohort study. To account for right censoring error we contrasted the mean age of onset for comparable age groups across the four surveys conducted from 1998 to 2007. Kaplan–Meier failure graphs were used to describe how the cumulative risk of first use of cannabis varied across birth cohorts born from 1947 to 1993.Setting  Australian data collected in the nationally representative, triennial, National Drug Strategy Household Surveys (NDSHS)Participants  A total of 88 268 Australian household residents aged 14 years and older.Measurements  Life‐time use of cannabis and age of first use.Findings  For respondents under the age of 20 years, mean age of first use of cannabis has increased from 14.6 years in 1998 to 15.2 years in 2007.Conclusions  The decline in cannabis use prevalence that has occurred since 1998 in Australia has been accompanied by an increase in age of first use among those aged under 20 years.
Projected changes in plant species richness and extent of riparian vegetation belts as a result of climate‐driven hydrological change along the Vindel River in Sweden
Authors: STRÖM LOTTA , JANSSON ROLAND , NILSSON CHRISTER 
Published: September 2011

Summary1. Riparian plant communities are primarily structured by the hydrological regime of the stream. Models of climate change predict increased temperatures and changed patterns of precipitation that will alter the flow of rivers and streams with consequences for riparian communities. In boreal regions of Europe, stream flows will exhibit earlier spring‐flood peaks of lower magnitude, lower summer flows and higher flows in autumn and winter. We quantified the effects of predicted hydrological change on riparian plant species richness, using four different scenarios for the free‐flowing Vindel River in northern Sweden.2. We calculated the hydrological niche of vegetation belts by relating the occurrence of species and vegetation belts to data on flood duration for 10 years preceding the vegetation survey. We then used the flood duration predicted for 2071–2100 to estimate expected changes in the extent of each vegetation belt. Using species accumulation curves, we then predicted changes in plant species richness as a result of changes in extent.3. The two most species‐rich vegetation belts, riparian forest and willow shrub, were predicted to decrease most in elevational extent, up to 39 and 32%, respectively. The graminoid belt below the shrub belt will mainly shift upwards in elevation while the amphibious vegetation belt at the bottom of the riparian zone increases in size.4. In the Vindel River, the riparian forest and willow shrub zone will lose most species, with reductions of 5–12% and 1–13% per site, respectively, depending on the scenario. The predicted loss from the entire riparian zone is lower, 1–9%, since many species occur in more than one vegetation belt. More extensive species losses are expected in the southern boreal zone for which much larger spring‐flood reductions are projected.5. With an expected reduction in area of the most species‐rich belts, it becomes increasingly important to manage and protect riparian zones to alleviate other threats, thus minimising the risk of species losses. Restoring river and stream reaches degraded by other impacts to gain riparian habitat is another option to avoid species losses.
A plant economics spectrum of litter decomposability
Authors: Freschet Grégoire T. , Aerts Rien , Cornelissen Johannes H. C. 
Published: September 2011

Summary1. Recent evidence indicates tight control of plant resource economics over interspecific trait variation amongst species, both within and across organs, referred to as ‘plant economics spectrum’ (PES). Whether and how these coordinated whole‐plant economics strategies can influence the decomposition system and thereby impact on ecosystem carbon and nutrient cycling are yet an open question. More specifically, it is yet unknown whether plant functional traits have consistent afterlife effects across different plant organs.2. To answer those questions, we conducted a common‐garden decomposition experiment bringing together leaves, fine stems, coarse stems, fine roots and reproductive parts from a wide range of subarctic plant types, clades and environments. We measured all plant parts for the same (green and litter) plant economics traits and identified a whole‐plant axis of carbon and nutrient economics.3. We demonstrated that our local ‘PES’ has important afterlife effects on carbon turnover by driving coordinated decomposition rates of different organs across species. All organ decomposabilities were consistently controlled by the same structure‐related traits (lignin, C and dry matter content) whilst nutrient‐related traits (N, P, pH, phenols) had more variable influence, likely due to their contrasting functions across organs. Nevertheless, consistent shifts in elevation of parallel trait–decomposition relationships between organs indicate that other variables, potentially related to organ dimensions, configuration or chemical contents, codetermine litter decomposition rates.4. Whilst the coordinated litter decomposabilities across species organs imply a coordinated impact of plant above‐ground and below‐ground litters on plant–soil feedbacks, the contrasting decomposabilities between plant parts suggest a major role for the relative inputs of organ litter as driver of soil properties and ecosystem biogeochemistry. These relationships, underpinning the afterlife effects of the PES on whole‐plant litter decomposability, will provide comprehensive input of vegetation composition feedback to soil carbon turnover.
Terminal investment in multiple sexual signals: immune‐challenged males produce more attractive pheromones
Authors: Nielsen Mattias Lange , Holman Luke 
Published: September 2011

Summary1. Trade‐offs between current and future resource allocation can select for elevated reproductive effort in individuals facing mortality. Males are predicted to benefit from increasing investment in costly sexually selected signals after experiencing an acute life span reduction, although few examples of such facultative terminal investment are known.2. In the mealworm beetle,Tenebrio molitor, males’ odours become more attractive to females following a life‐threatening immune challenge. However, the pheromones involved are unknown, hindering further insight into the proximate mechanisms and ultimate consequences of terminal investment.3. Using chemical and behavioural analyses, we show that the cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) ofT. molitorare sexually dimorphic and are used by females to locate and select males. Moreover, both male CHCs and glandular pheromones were affected by experimental immune challenge in a fashion that made them more attractive to females.4. The results suggest that males terminally invest in both short‐ and medium‐range pheromones when they perceive reduced future survival. Moreover, the constitutive and inducible aspects of male and female CHC production are consistent with sex‐specific selection on the signalling and defensive functions of CHCs. The implications of terminal investment for ‘dishonest’ signalling and the efficacy of sexual selection are discussed.
Identification of specific sites in the third intracellular loop and carboxyl terminus of the Bombyx mori pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide receptor crucial for ligand‐induced internalization
Authors: Hull J. J. , Lee J. M. , Matsumoto S. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractSex pheromone production in most moths is mediated by the pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide receptor (PBANR). Using fluorescent Bombyx mori PBANR (BmPBANR) chimeras to study PBANR regulation, we previously showed that BmPBANR undergoes rapid ligand‐induced internalization, that the endocytotic motif resides between residues 358–367 of the BmPBANR C terminus, and that the internalization pathway is clathrin‐dependent. Here, we sought to expand our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying BmPBANR function and regulation by transiently expressing a series of fluorescent BmPBANR chimeric constructs in cultured Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells and assaying for internalization of a fluorescently labelled ligand. Pharmacological inhibition of phospholipase C significantly reduced internalization, suggesting that BmPBANR regulation proceeds via a conventional G‐protein‐dependent pathway. This was further supported by impaired internalization following site‐directed mutagenesis of R263 and R264, two basic residues at the transmembrane 6 intracellular junction that are thought to stabilize G‐protein coupling via electrostatic interactions. Ala substitution of S333 and S366, two consensus protein kinase C sites in the C terminus, likewise impaired internalization, as did RNA interference‐mediated knockdown of Sf9 protein kinase C. N‐terminal truncations of BmPBANR indicate that the first 27 residues are not necessary for cell surface trafficking or receptor functionality.
People with mild to moderate intellectual disability talking about their diabetes and how they manage
Authors: Cardol M. , Rijken M. , van Schrojenstein Lantman‐de Valk H. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground  The prevalence of diabetes is relatively high in people with intellectual disability (ID). However, little is known about how people with ID experience having diabetes and how they manage the condition.Method  Seventeen people with mild to moderate ID who have diabetes were interviewed. A framework on illness perceptions having an influence on diabetes self‐management was used as a basis for the interviews and for the qualitative analysis.Results  Diabetes is associated with feelings of loss with regard to food intake and choices, and with being controlled. Most respondents did not feel ill. Information about diabetes for people with ID is lacking, but they do have questions. Family members with diabetes often serve as a role model. Diabetes self‐management is impeded by a lack of information, motivation and support, few opportunities for learning, and by health factors, mood and living accommodation. Communication between health professionals and people with ID about diabetes rarely takes place.Conclusions  Developing diabetes information together with the people concerned is an important step towards engagement in self‐management activities. At the same time, the professional staff in living arrangements should stimulate and support the development of self‐management skills in people with diabetes, by providing opportunities to learn and develop. Therefore, the professional staff also need skills and information to be able to support people with ID in building the skills and confidence they need to lead active and fulfilling lives, despite having diabetes.
Lives of quality in the face of challenge in Israel
Authors: Neikrug S. , Roth D. , Judes J. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPurpose  The purpose of this study is to describe and analyse the quality of life of Israeli families raising a child with a disability while challenged with all the usual demands of family life.Methods  Respondents were main caregivers of 103 children with disability receiving services at Beit Issie Shapiro, a service agency in Israel. The respondents completed the Family Quality of Life Survey‐2006 which operationalises family quality of life (FQOL) as a construct in nine domains of family life.Findings  The findings show an underlying pattern within the domains that define FQOL. In general, the findings indicate that the families are strongly challenged to meet the needs of a special child and raise a family meeting the needs of all its members. The respondents report that, within the limits of available opportunities, they had achieved well and they are satisfied with their attainment. In general, our findings seem to reflect in our respondents a sense of resilience and an ability to manage family challenges to achieve a reasonably high FQOL. Domains described as internal to the family were rated highly in terms of FQOL as compared to domains external to the family.Conclusion  The Family Quality of Life Survey‐2006 was found to be a valuable tool for identifying and evaluating factors that enhance FQOL. Further research is needed to develop application models for integrating this instrument into the agency's service and evaluation repertoire.
Molecular screening of MECP2 gene in a cohort of Lebanese patients suspected with Rett syndrome: report on a mild case with a novel indel mutation
Authors: Corbani S. , Chouery E. , Fayyad J. , Fawaz A. , El Tourjuman O. , Badens C. , Lacoste C. , Delague V. , Megarbane A. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground  Rett syndrome (RTT), an X‐linked, dominant, neurodevelopment disorder represents 10% of female subjects with profound intellectual disability. Mutations in the MECP2 gene are responsible for up to 95% of the classical RTT cases, and nearly 500 different mutations distributed throughout the gene have been reported.Methods  We report here the molecular study of two isoforms, MECP2_e1 and MECP2_e2, in 45 Lebanese girls presenting developmental delay and at least one of the following features: microcephaly, neurodegeneration, abnormal behaviour, stereotypical hand movements, teeth grinding and difficulty in walking. Mutation screening was performed by denaturating high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with direct sequencing.Results  Sixteen variants were noted, of which 14 have been previously reported: five suspected polymorphisms and nine mutations. Two variants were novel mutations in exon 4: c.1093_1095delGAG (p.E365del) and c.1164_1184delACCTCCACCTGAGCCCGAGAGinsCTGAGCCCCAGGACTTGAGCA (p.P388PfsX389). The deletion was found in an 8‐year‐old girl with typical clinical features of RTT. The indel was found in a 6‐year‐old girl with a very mild phenotype.Conclusion  Genotype/phenotype correlation is discussed and the importance of a molecular study of MECP2 gene in patients with very mild features or a regression after the age of 2 is raised.
Observing signs of pain in relation to self‐injurious behaviour among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Courtemanche A. , Schroeder S. , Sheldon J. , Sherman J. , Fowler A. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground Self‐injurious behaviour is a chronic condition among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for which there is no known cure. The pain hypothesis suggests that individuals who engage in self‐injury have altered or diminished pain perception. The purpose of the present study was to assess how frequently individuals diagnosed with an intellectual and developmental disability who engage in chronic self‐injury displayed non‐verbal signs of pain in relation to their self‐injury.Methods We videotaped four participants (aged 28–50 years) in their homes during times when they were likely to engage in self‐injury. Using continuous recording measures, we coded videotapes for the frequency and duration of self‐injury and expressions of non‐verbal pain‐related behaviours. Sequential analyses were conducted to identify temporal relations between pain‐related behaviours and self‐injury.Results Our data suggest that the existing measures of pain may be systematically related to instances of self‐injury. The relationships, however, appear to vary depending on the person who engages in self‐injury, the environmental contexts in which the self‐injury occurs, and perhaps, the type of self‐injury in which the person engages.Conclusions These results support some of the findings of Symonset al. and they raise questions about the blunted nociception hypothesis of self‐injury.
Predictors of slow‐wave sleep in a clinic‐based sample
Authors: MOKHLESI BABAK , PANNAIN SILVANA , GHODS FARBOD , KNUTSON KRISTEN L. 
Published: September 2011

SummarySlow‐wave sleep has been associated with several physiological phenomena, including glucose metabolism, sympathetic nervous system activity, hormonal secretion and blood pressure regulation. The aim of these analyses was to determine which sociodemographic and medical factors were associated with slow‐wave sleep duration in a large clinical sample. We conducted cross‐sectional analysis of clinical data from 1019 consecutive adults over a 10‐month period who had their first in‐laboratory polysomnogram for suspicion of obstructive sleep apnea. Patients either underwent in‐laboratory full‐night polysomnogram followed by full‐night continuous positive airway pressure titration or split‐night polysomnogram. Patients also completed questionnaires to assess race, education, marital status and medical co‐morbidities. A multiple linear regression model that predicted the natural log of slow‐wave sleep in minutes indicated that African Americans had approximately 48% less slow‐wave sleep than non‐African Americans. Increasing age and male gender were also associated with less slow‐wave sleep. Overweight and obese individuals had significantly less slow‐wave sleep than those not overweight, even after adjustment for obstructive sleep apnea severity. Finally, those with severe obstructive sleep apnea had significantly less slow‐wave sleep than those with less severe obstructive sleep apnea even after adjustment for obesity. Results remained unchanged when patients who had a split‐night polysomnogram were excluded. We observed less slow‐wave sleep in African Americans, a group at increased risk of diabetes and hypertension compared with Caucasians, and in those who are overweight and obese and those with severe obstructive sleep apnea. Future research needs to explore potential reasons for reduced slow‐wave sleep in these individuals.
The gene expression landscape of thermogenic skunk cabbage suggests critical roles for mitochondrial and vacuolar metabolic pathways in the regulation of thermogenesis
Authors: ITO‐INABA YASUKO , HIDA YAMATO , MATSUMURA HIDEO , MASUKO HIROMI , YAZU FUMIKO , TERAUCHI RYOHEI , WATANABE MASAO , INABA TAKEHITO 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTFloral thermogenesis has been described in several plant species. Because of the lack of comprehensive gene expression profiles in thermogenic plants, the molecular mechanisms by which floral thermogenesis is regulated remain to be established. We examined the gene expression landscape of skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus renifolius) during thermogenic and post‐thermogenic stages and identified expressed sequence tags from different developmental stages of the inflorescences using super serial analysis of gene expression (SuperSAGE). In‐depth analysis suggested that cellular respiration and mitochondrial functions are significantly enhanced during the thermogenic stage. In contrast, genes involved in stress responses and protein degradation were significantly up‐regulated during post‐thermogenic stages. Quantitative comparisons indicated that the expression levels of genes involved in cellular respiration were higher in thermogenic spadices than in Arabidopsis inflorescences. Thermogenesis‐associated genes seemed to be expressed abundantly in the peripheral tissues of the spadix. Our results suggest that cellular respiration and mitochondrial metabolism play key roles in heat production during floral thermogenesis. On the other hand, vacuolar cysteine protease and other degradative enzymes seem to accelerate senescence and terminate thermogenesis in the post‐thermogenic stage.