bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kant on the Content of Cognition
Authors: Tolley Clinton 
Published: November 2011

AbstractI present an argument for an interpretation ofKant's views on the nature of the ‘content [Inhalt]’ of ‘cognition [Erkenntnis]’. In contrast to one of the longest standing interpretations ofKant's views on cognitive content, which ascribes toKant a straightforwardly psychologistic understanding of content, and in contrast as well to the more recently influential reading ofKant put forward byMcDowell and others, according to whichKant embraces a version ofRussellianism, I argue thatKant's views on this topic are of a much moreFregean bent than has traditionally been admitted or appreciated. I conclude by providing a sketch of how a better grasp ofKant's views on cognitive content in general can help bring into sharper relief what is, and what is not, at stake in the recent debates over whether Kant accepts a particular kind of cognitive content—namely, non‐conceptual content.
Age‐related variation in immunity in a wild mammal population
Authors: Nussey Daniel H. , Watt Kathryn , Pilkington Jill G. , Zamoyska Rose , McNeilly Tom N. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryAge‐related changes in immunity are well documented in humans and laboratory mammals. Using blood samples collected from wild Soay sheep, we show that pronounced differences in T‐cell subsets and inflammatory markers amongst age classes are also evident under natural conditions. These shifts parallel those observed in mammals experiencing protected environments. We found progressive declines in the proportion of naïve CD4 T cells with age, a precipitous drop in γδ T cells after the second year of life and an increase in acute phase protein levels amongst geriatric sheep. Our findings suggest immune aging patterns observed in laboratory and domestic mammals may generalize to more complex, challenging environments and could have fitness costs under natural conditions.
Fine‐scale distribution and abundance of epiphytic lichens: environmental filtering or local dispersal dynamics?
Authors: Schei Fride Høistad , Blom Hans H. , Gjerde Ivar , Grytnes John‐Arvid , Heegaard Einar , Sætersdal Magne 
Published: November 2011

AbstractQuestionsHow are the fine‐scale spatial distribution and abundance of epiphytic lichens explained by factors related to environmental filtering and local dispersal? Are spatial distribution and abundance explained by the same underlying factors across sites for: (1) each species separately; or (2) groups of species with similar dispersal strategies?LocationTen lowland deciduous forests at the southwest coast of Norway (60ºN, 5ºE).MethodsWe investigated the spatial distribution and abundance, given occurrence, of 15 epiphytic Lobarion lichens in ten forest sites: six 1800‐m2 study sites and four 5000‐m2 study sites. We divided each site into a grid of 1‐m2 sampling units, marked all trees and recorded the abundance of individual lichen species. We assessed the relative impact of factors related to environmental filtering and local dispersal for each lichen species using multiple regressions and variation partitioning. Finally, to compare the results between species and between sites, we applied linear mixed effect models.ResultsWe found that the occurrence of lichen species on a tree is explained primarily by factors related to environmental filtering. The abundance of lichen species that occur on a tree is explained by a combination of environmental filtering and local dispersal, but the relative importance of these factors was found to vary greatly between sites. We found no differences in this respect between species with different dispersal strategies.ConclusionsOur results indicate that both environmental filtering and local dispersal dynamics are important processes explaining the distribution and abundance patterns of Lobarion lichens at fine spatial scales. However, spatial variations in environmental factors within sites interact with propagule distributions to produce a range of inter‐site variation. Accordingly, the relative importance of these two structuring mechanisms varies among sites, particularly in the case of abundance patterns. Since single‐site patterns are not readily generalized, we emphasize the importance of multiple study sites for evaluation of the role of different processes in shaping the spatial distribution patterns of species.
The impact of peer support training on mothers' attitudes towards and knowledge of breastfeeding
Authors: Kempenaar Larissa Elisabeth , Darwent Kirsty Lawrie 
Published: November 2011

AbstractWhile the benefits of breastfeeding are well established, few Scottish women exclusively breastfeed, as recommended nationally and internationally. Breastfeeding peer support can help mothers to breastfeed for longer, but the training peer supporters receive is variable and few studies have measured the effectiveness of peer supporter training. This study aimed to compare mothers' attitudes towards and knowledge of breastfeeding before and after undertaking Breastfeeding Network (BfN) peer supporter training. This study used a quasi‐experimental design to investigate levels of breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes in 28 women, immediately before and after the BfN peer supporter (Helper) training programme. Data were collected using the Infant Feeding Questionnaire. Mothers had high baseline scores for attitude (88.8%) and knowledge (76.4%). After training 78% of mothers improved their attitude scores. The mean difference in attitude scores was 4.9%, which was statistically significant (t = 4.44, P < 0.001). Ninety‐six per cent of mothers had increased their knowledge scores. The mean difference in knowledge scores was 10.4%, which was statistically significant (t = 6.25, P < 0.001). This study provides evidence that the BfN's accredited peer support training can improve both breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes of breastfeeding mothers. Peer supporters who have undertaken this training are therefore suitably qualified to provide mothers with the support and information required to make informed choices in breastfeeding and to contribute to effective support and promotion of breastfeeding as suggested in the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guideline on maternal and infant nutrition (PH11) and Scottish Government's Maternal and Infant Nutrition: A Framework for Action (2011).
Prevalence of early and late stages of physiologic PVD in emmetropic elderly population
Authors: Schwab Christoph , Ivastinovic Domagoj , Borkenstein Andreas , Lackner Eva‐Maria , Wedrich Andreas , Velikay‐Parel Michaela 
Published: November 2011

Abstract.Purpose:  To investigate the early and late stages of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) in the foveal area in correlation with age and gender.Methods:  Three hundred and thirty‐five emmetropic eyes of 271 Caucasian patients (216 women/119 men) were examined by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and ultrasound (US). Eyes were classified into groups according to the patients age (up to 69.9; 70–74.9; 75–79.9; over 80 years) and to the clinical findings [Vitreous state: Detached in US; Detached in OCT; Foveal adhesion (FA); Attached vitreous].Results:  The mean age was 76 ± 8 ranging from 44 to 89 years in female and 72 ± 10 ranging from 46 to 87 years in male subjects. The vitreous was attached in 32% of all eyes, 18.5% had FA, 18.5% were detached in OCT and 68% were detached in US. While prevalence of FA decreases with increasing age, OCT‐diagnosed detachments did not change significantly with age. Between the ages of 70 and 75, an increase in PVD rates occurred. The prevalence of PVD was similar in both genders. Women were significantly older than men in the late‐stage PVD in the eyes.Conclusion:  The use of OCT and US enabled us to detect a partial or total PVD in 80% of the eyes. A sudden increase in late‐stage PVD between the ages of 70 and 75 was observed, correlating with the reported age prevalence of various macular diseases. In contrast to myopics, both genders of elderly emmetropics have a similar prevalence of PVD.
Combination of hepatitis B viral antigens and DNA for prediction of relapse after discontinuation of nucleos(t)ide analogs in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Matsumoto Akihiro , Tanaka Eiji , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Kobayashi Mariko , Tanaka Yasuhito , Shinkai Noboru , Hige Shuhei , Yatsuhashi Hiroshi , Nagaoka Shinya , Chayama Kazuaki , Tsuge Masataka , Yokosuka Osamu , Imazeki Fumio , Nishiguchi Shuhei , Saito Masaki , Fujiwara Kei , Torii Nobuyuki , Hiramatsu Naoki , Karino Yoshiyasu , Kumada Hiromitsu 
Published: November 2011

Aim:  The factors associated with hepatitis recurrence after discontinuation of nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) in patients with chronic hepatitis B were analyzed to predict the risk of relapse more accurately.Methods:  A total of 126 patients who discontinued NA therapy were recruited retrospectively. The clinical conditions of a successful discontinuation were set as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) below 30 IU/L and serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA below 4.0 log copies/mL.Results:  Relapse of hepatitis B were judged to occur when maximal serum ALT became higher than 79 IU/L or when maximal serum HBV DNA surpassed 5.7 log copies/mL following NA discontinuation since these values corresponded with mean values of ALT (30 IU/L) and HBV DNA (4.0 log copies/mL), respectively. At least 90% of patients with either detectable hepatitis B e antigen or serum HBV DNA higher than 3.0 log copies/mL at the time of NA discontinuation relapsed within one year. In the remaining patients, higher levels of both hepatitis B surface and core‐related antigens at the time of discontinuation, as well as a shorter course of NA treatment, were significantly associated with relapse by multivariate analysis.Conclusions:  It appears that negative results for hepatitis B e antigen and serum HBV DNA lower than 3.0 log copies/mL are essential for successful NA discontinuation, which may be attained by a longer treatment period. Levels of hepatitis B surface and core‐related antigens are also significant factors independently associated with relapse of hepatitis.
Seasonal Variations in Clostridium difficile Infections Are Associated with Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Activity Independently of Antibiotic Prescriptions: a Time Series Analysis in Québec, Canada
Authors: Gilca Rodica , Fortin Élise , Frenette Charles , Longtin Yves , Gourdeau Marie 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT

Seasonal variations in
Clostridium difficile
-associated diarrhea (CDAD), with a higher incidence occurring during winter months, have been reported. Although winter epidemics of respiratory viruses may be temporally associated with an increase in CDAD morbidity, we hypothesized that this association is mainly due to increased antibiotic use for respiratory infections. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the two most frequent respiratory viruses (influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]) and antibiotics prescribed for respiratory infections (fluoroquinolones and macrolides) on the CDAD incidence in hospitals in the province of Québec, Canada. A multivariable Box-Jenkins transfer function model was built to relate monthly CDAD incidence to the monthly percentage of positive tests for influenza virus and RSV and monthly fluoroquinolone and macrolide prescriptions over a 4-year period (January 2005 to December 2008). Analysis showed that temporal variations in CDAD incidence followed temporal variations for influenza virus (
P
= 0.043), RSV (
P
= 0.004), and macrolide prescription (
P
= 0.05) time series with an average delay of 1 month and fluoroquinolone prescription time series with an average delay of 2 months (
P
= 0.01). We conclude that influenza virus and RSV circulation is independently associated with CDAD incidence after controlling for fluoroquinolone and macrolide use. This association was observed at an aggregated level and may be indicative of other phenomena occurring during wintertime.
Enhanced Bacteremia in Human Factor H Transgenic Rats Infected by Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Vu David M. , Shaughnessy Jutamas , Lewis Lisa A. , Ram Sanjay , Rice Peter A. , Granoff Dan M. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTNeisseria meningitidisbinds the complement downregulating protein, factor H (fH), which enables the organism to evade host defenses. Two fH ligands, fHbp and NspA, are known to bind specifically to human fH. We developed a human fH transgenic infant rat model to investigate the effect of human fH on meningococcal bacteremia. At 18 h after intraperitoneal challenge with 560 CFU of group B strain H44/76, all 19 human fH-positive rats had positive blood cultures compared to 0 of 7 human fH-negative control littermates (P< 0.0001). Human fH-positive infant rats also developed bacteremia after challenge with isogenic mutants of H44/76 in which genes encoding fHbp and NspA (ΔfHbp ΔNspA mutant) or the lipooligosaccharide sialyltransferase (Δlstmutant) had been inactivated. A fully encapsulated ΔfHbp ΔNspA Δlstmutant unable to sialylate lipooligosaccharide or bind human fH via the known fH ligands did not cause bacteremia, which argued against global susceptibility to bacteremia resulting from random integration of the transgene into the rat genome.In vitro, the wild-type and ΔfHbp ΔNspA mutant strains were killed by as little as 20% wild-type infant rat serum. The addition of 3 μg of human fH/ml permitted survival of the wild-type strain in up to 60% infant rat serum, whereas ≥33 μg of human fH/ml was required to rescue the ΔfHbp ΔNspA mutant. The ability of meningococci lacking expression of fHbp and NspA to cause invasive disease in human fH transgenic rats and to survive in wild-type infant rat serum supplemented with human fH indicates an additional human fH-dependent mechanism of evasion of innate immunity.
Left Ventricular Versus Simultaneous Biventricular Pacing in Patients With Heart Failure and a QRS Complex ≥120 Milliseconds
Authors: Thibault Bernard , Ducharme Anique , Harel François , White Michel , O'Meara Eileen , Guertin Marie-Claude , Lavoie Joel , Frasure-Smith Nancy , Dubuc Marc , Guerra Peter , Macle Laurent , Rivard Léna , Roy Denis , Talajic Mario , Khairy Paul ,   for the Evaluation of Resynchronization Therapy for Heart Failure (GREATER-EARTH) Investigators
Published: November 2011

Background—
Left ventricular (LV) pacing alone may theoretically avoid deleterious effects of right ventricular pacing.

Methods and Results—

In a multicenter, double-blind, crossover trial, we compared the effects of LV and biventricular (BiV) pacing on exercise tolerance and LV remodeling in patients with an LV ejection fraction ≤35%, QRS ≥120 milliseconds, and symptoms of heart failure. A total of 211 patients were recruited from 11 centers. After a run-in period of 2 to 8 weeks, 121 qualifying patients were randomized to LV followed by BiV pacing or vice versa for consecutive 6-month periods. The greatest improvement in New York Heart Association class and 6-minute walk test occurred during the run-in phase before randomization. Exercise duration at 75% of peak V
o
2
(primary outcome) increased from 9.3±6.4 to 14.0±11.9 and 14.3±12.5 minutes with LV and BiV pacing, respectively, with no difference between groups (
P
=0.4327). LV ejection fraction improved from 24.4±6.3% to 31.9±10.8% and 30.9±9.8% with LV and BiV pacing, respectively, with no difference between groups (
P
=0.4530). Reductions in LV end-systolic volume were likewise similar (
P
=0.6788). The proportion of clinical responders (≥20% increase in exercise duration) to LV and BiV pacing was 48.0% and 55.1% (
P
=0.1615). Positive remodeling responses (≥15% reduction in LV end-systolic volume) were observed in 46.7% and 55.4% (
P
=0.0881). Overall, 30.6% of LV nonresponders improved with BiV and 17.1% of BiV nonresponders improved with LV pacing.

Conclusion—
LV pacing is not superior to BiV pacing. However, nonresponders to BiV pacing may respond favorably to LV pacing, suggesting a potential role as tiered therapy.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00901212.
Effects of Weight Loss and Long-Term Weight Maintenance With Diets Varying in Protein and Glycemic Index on Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Gögebakan Özlem , Kohl Angela , Osterhoff Martin A. , van Baak Marleen A. , Jebb Susan A. , Papadaki Angeliki , Martinez J. Alfredo , Handjieva-Darlenska Teodora , Hlavaty Petr , Weickert Martin O. , Holst Claus , Saris Wim H.M. , Astrup Arne , Pfeiffer Andreas F.H. 
Published: November 2011

Background—
We sought to separately examine the effects of either weight loss or diets varying in protein content and glycemic index without further changes in body weight on cardiovascular risk factors within the Diet, Obesity, and Genes study (DiOGenes).

Methods and Results—

DiOGenes is a pan-European controlled dietary intervention study in 932 overweight adults who first lost body weight on an 8-week low-calorie diet and were then randomized to 1 of 5 ad libitum diets for 26 weeks. The diets were either high or low protein or high or low glycemic index in 4 combinations or control. Weight loss (−11.23 kg; 95% confidence interval, −11.54 to −10.92;
P
<0.001) reduced high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (−1.15 mg/L; 95% confidence interval, −1.30 to −0.41;
P
<0.001), low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. During the 26-week weight maintenance period in the intention-to-treat analysis, the further decrease of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein blood levels was −0.46 mg/L greater (95% confidence interval, −0.79 to −0.13) in the groups assigned to low-glycemic-index diets than in those on high-glycemic-index diets (
P
<0.001). Groups on low-protein diets achieved a −0.25 mg/L greater reduction in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (95% confidence interval, −0.59 to −0.17) than those on high-protein diets (
P
<0.001), whereas lipid profiles and blood pressure were not differently affected.

Conclusions—
This large-scale intervention study clearly separates weight loss from dietary composition–related effects. Low-glycemic-index carbohydrates and, to a lesser extent, low-protein intake may specifically reduce low-grade inflammation and associated comorbidities in overweight/obese adults.

Clinical Trial Registration—

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00390637.
Data Assimilation in Slow–Fast Systems Using Homogenized Climate Models
Authors: Mitchell Lewis , Gottwald Georg A. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractA deterministic multiscale toy model is studied in which a chaotic fast subsystem triggers rare transitions between slow regimes, akin to weather or climate regimes. Using homogenization techniques, a reduced stochastic parameterization model is derived for the slow dynamics. The reliability of this reduced climate model in reproducing the statistics of the slow dynamics of the full deterministic model for finite values of the time-scale separation is numerically established. The statistics, however, are sensitive to uncertainties in the parameters of the stochastic model.It is investigated whether the stochastic climate model can be beneficial as a forecast model in an ensemble data assimilation setting, in particular in the realistic setting when observations are only available for the slow variables. The main result is that reduced stochastic models can indeed improve the analysis skill when used as forecast models instead of the perfect full deterministic model. The stochastic climate model is far superior at detecting transitions between regimes. The observation intervals for which skill improvement can be obtained are related to the characteristic time scales involved. The reason why stochastic climate models are capable of producing superior skill in an ensemble setting is the finite ensemble size; ensembles obtained from the perfect deterministic forecast model lack sufficient spread even for moderate ensemble sizes. Stochastic climate models provide a natural way to provide sufficient ensemble spread to detect transitions between regimes. This is corroborated with numerical simulations. The conclusion is that stochastic parameterizations are attractive for data assimilation despite their sensitivity to uncertainties in the parameters.
A gene-based SNP resource and linkage map for the copepod Tigriopus californicus
Authors: Foley Brad R , Rose Colin G , Rundle Daniel E , Leong Wai , Moy Gary W , Burton Ronald S , Edmands Suzanne 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundAs yet, few genomic resources have been developed in crustaceans. This lack is particularly evident in Copepoda, given the extraordinary numerical abundance, and taxonomic and ecological diversity of this group.Tigriopus californicusis ideally suited to serve as a genetic model copepod and has been the subject of extensive work in environmental stress and reproductive isolation. Accordingly, we set out to develop a broadly-useful panel of genetic markers and to construct a linkage map dense enough for quantitative trait locus detection in an interval mapping framework forT. californicus--a first for copepods.ResultsOne hundred and ninety Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) were used to genotype our mapping population of 250 F2larvae. We were able to construct a linkage map with an average intermarker distance of 1.8 cM, and a maximum intermarker distance of 10.3 cM. All markers were assembled into linkage groups, and the 12 linkage groups corresponded to the 12 known chromosomes ofT. californicus. We estimate a total genome size of 401.0 cM, and a total coverage of 73.7%. Seventy five percent of the mapped markers were detected in 9 additional populations ofT. californicus. Of available model arthropod genomes, we were able to show more colocalized pairs of homologues betweenT. californicusand the honeybeeApis mellifera, than expected by chance, suggesting preserved macrosynteny between Hymenoptera and Copepoda.ConclusionsOur study provides an abundance of linked markers spanning all chromosomes. Many of these markers are also found in multiple populations ofT. californicus, and in two other species in the genus. The genomic resource we have developed will enable mapping throughout the geographical range of this species and in closely related species. This linkage map will facilitate genome sequencing, mapping and assembly in an ecologically and taxonomically interesting group for which genomic resources are currently under development.