bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An exploratory analysis of the use of cognitive, adaptive and behavioural indices for cluster analysis of ASD subgroups
Authors: Bitsika V. , Sharpley C. F. , Orapeleng S. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackground  Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes symptoms that vary in severity and frequency between children. Consequently, multiple psychometric assessment procedures are recommended to detect an ASD, including scales which asses the presence and nature of ASD‐related behaviour. However, to date, few studies have examined the relative and specific contribution which such behaviourally oriented scales can make to the diagnosis of individual children with ASD.Method  Cluster analysis was used to explore the common characteristics of a group of 53 preschool and elementary school children with an ASD, based upon scores on tests of cognitive ability, adaptive behaviour and behavioural checklists designed to measure the presence of typical ASD.Results  Data confirmed the expected variability in intelligence test scores. In addition, measures of adaptive behaviour and data from a behaviourally based rating scale suggested that children with Asperger's Disorder and autism might be reclassified into subgroups according to the presence of particular ASD‐specific behaviours.Conclusions  As well as confirming that children with ASD vary in their adaptive behaviour and cognitive levels, these data emphasise the limited contribution such assessment procedures make to an understanding of the child's day‐to‐day behaviour and functioning, thus arguing for the inclusion of behaviourally based rating scales to develop ideographic intervention plans.
Differential Distribution of Mouse Polymeric Immunoglobulin Receptor (mpIgR): Establishment of Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay System for mpIgR
Authors: Omagari D. , Iijima M. , Suguro H. , Sato I. , Asano M. , Moro I. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIn spite of the relevance of the mouse as an experimental animal for immunological research, there is no specific monoclonal antibody (MoAb) against mouse polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (mpIgR) molecule. The aim of this study was to generate MoAb against mpIgR and to develop an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system. For this purpose, a mammalian expression vector encoding the extracellular part of mpIgR cDNA (also known as mouse free secretory component: mfSC) was injected into rats and mice. Specific responses were induced in both animals. The lymphocytes were collected from immunized mice and fused with myeloma cells to establish hybridomas secreting a MoAb against mpIgR. The purified MoAb reacted with mpIgR specifically and could be used in several biochemical and morphological experiments, such as Western blotting, immunoprecipitation and cell staining. By combining the two different MoAb, clone No.7 and No.19, which recognize different epitopes on the mpIgR molecule, a sandwich ELISA system was established. With this system, the pIgR concentrations in homogenates of several different mice organs were estimated. As a result, the homogenates of the small intestine were shown to contain higher amounts of pIgR compared with those from the large intestine, the liver or the kidney. These results indicated a differential distribution of the mpIgR molecule along the intestinal tract. This ELISA system should expand our knowledge about the mucosal immune system in mice.
Facies effects on the behaviour of Nd and Sr isotope systems in turbidite mudrocks during diagenesis
Authors: EVANS JANE A. , ZALASIEWICZ JAN A. , CHOPEY‐JONES ANNE 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA detailed Sm/Nd, epsilon Nd and Rb/Sr profile through a 30‐cm thick section of Silurian (Llandovery) interbedded turbiditic and hemipelagic mudrocks from the central Wales Basin shows well‐marked chemical and isotopic trends. The variations reflect an interplay of depositional mode and diagenetic fractionation. Sm and Nd values are substantially higher and Sm/Nd ratios tend to be lower in the organic‐rich hemipelagite layers due to diagenetic concentration in the hemipelagites. There is a corresponding depletion in the turbidite mudstones. Epsilon Nd values range from −0·8 to −7·1 and this is attributed to diagenetic modification of Sm/Nd ratios causing scatter in back‐calculated epsilon values. Rubidium–strontium ratios in this succession fall within a narrow range, due to homogenization during diagenesis. By contrast, data from a hemipelagite‐dominated (condensed) succession near the northern margin of the Welsh Basin show a lower range of epsilon Nd values and a higher scatter of Rb/Sr values, consistent with less fluid throughput during burial compaction and hence less diagenetic redistribution in these rocks. These patterns demonstrate the sensitivity of mudrock trace element and isotope compositions to both small‐scale sedimentary structure and large‐scale basin architecture.
Individual, household and community factors associated with HIV test refusal in rural Malawi
Authors: Kranzer Katharina , McGrath Nuala , Saul Jacky , Crampin Amelia C. , Jahn Andreas , Malema Simon , Mulawa Dominic , Fine Paul E.M. , Zaba Basia , Glynn Judith R. 
Published: October 2008

SummaryObjective  To investigate individual, household and community factors associated with HIV test refusal in a counselling and testing programme offered at population level in rural Malawi.Methods  HIV counselling and testing was offered to individuals aged 18–59 at their homes. Individual variables were collected by interviews and physical examinations. Household variables were determined as part of a previous census. Multivariate models allowing for household and community clustering were used to assess associations between HIV test refusal and explanatory variables.Results  Of 2303 eligible adults, 2129 were found and 1443 agreed to HIV testing. Test refusal was less likely by those who were never married [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.50 for men (95% CI 0.32; 0.80) and 0.44 (0.21; 0.91) for women] and by farmers [aOR 0.70 (0.52; 0.96) for men and 0.59 (0.40; 0.87) for women]. A 10% increase in cluster refusal rates increased the odds of refusal by 1.48 (1.32; 1.66) in men and 1.68 (1.32; 2.12) in women. Women counsellors increased the odds of refusal by 1.39 (1.00; 1.92) in men. Predictors of HIV test refusal in women were refusal of the husband as head of household [aOR 15.08 (9.39; 24.21)] and living close to the main road [aOR 6.07 (1.76; 20.98)]. Common reasons for refusal were fear of testing positive, previous HIV test, knowledge of HIV serostatus and the need for more time to think.Conclusion  Successful VCT strategies need to encourage couples counselling and should involve participation of men and communities.
Annual risk of tuberculosis infection among tribal population of central India
Authors: Rao V. G. , Gopi P. G. , Yadav R. , Subramani R. , Bhat J. , Anvikar A. R. , Sadacharam K. , Tiwari B. K. , Gadge V. , Bhondeley M. K. , Shukla G. P. , Ukey M. , Jain S. , Wares D. F. 
Published: October 2008

SummaryObjective  To estimate the annual risk of tuberculosis infection (ARTI) among tribal children of Madhya Pradesh, central India.Methods  Community‐based, cross‐sectional tuberculin survey among children aged 1–9 years in the tribal population of Madhya Pradesh. Multistage stratified cluster sampling was used to select a representative random sample of villages predominated by tribal population from selected districts. A total of 4802 children were tuberculin‐tested with 1TU of PPD RT 23 and the reaction sizes read after 72 h.Results  A total of 3062 (64%) children had no BCG scar. The frequency distribution of children by reaction sizes indicated a fair mode at 18 mm in the right hand side of the distribution. By mirror‐image technique, the prevalence of infection among children with no recognizable BCG scar was estimated as 6.8% (95% CI: 4.8–8.9%). The ARTI was computed as 1.3% (0.9–1.7%). The corresponding figures for children irrespective of scar status were 7.1% (95% CI: 5.5–8.8%) and 1.3% (1.0–1.7%) respectively.Conclusions  The risk of tuberculosis infection in tribal population of Madhya Pradesh, central India is not different from other areas of the country. There is, however, a need to further intensify tuberculosis control measures on a sustained and long‐term basis.
The impact of Mexico’s conditional cash transfer programme, Oportunidades, on birthweight
Authors: Barber Sarah L. , Gertler Paul J. 
Published: October 2008

SummaryObjectives  To evaluate the impact of Oportunidades, a large‐scale, conditional cash transfer programme in Mexico, on birthweight. The programme provides cash transfers to low‐income, rural households in Mexico, conditional on accepting nutritional supplements health education, and health care.Methods  The primary analyses used retrospective reports from 840 women in poor rural communities participating in an effectiveness study and randomly assigned to incorporation into the programme in 1998 or 1999 across seven Mexican states. Pregnant women in participating households received nutrition supplements and health care, and accepted cash transfers. Using multivariate and instrumental variable analyses, we estimated the impact of the programme on birthweight in grams and low birthweight (<2500 g), receipt of any pre‐natal care, and number of pre‐natal visits.Results  Oportunidades beneficiary status was associated with 127.3 g higher birthweight among participating women and a 4.6 percentage point reduction in low birthweight.Conclusion  The Oportunidades conditional cash transfer programme improved birthweight outcomes. This finding is relevant to countries implementing conditional cash transfer programmes.
Evaluation of a rapid diagnostic test specific for Plasmodium vivax
Authors: Kim Sun Hyung , Nam Myung‐Hyun , Roh Kyoung Ho , Park Hae Chul , Nam Deok Hwa , Park Gli Hong , Han Eun Taek , Klein Terry A. , Lim Chae Seung 
Published: October 2008

Summary Plasmodium vivax is the only human malaria indigenous to the Republic of Korea (ROK). A rapid and sensitive diagnostic test (RDT) that detects P. vivax is appropriate for evaluating suspected malaria patients with no travel history abroad. The RDTs, SD Malaria Antigen P.v (SD diagnostic, Kyonggi, ROK) specific for P. vivax and the well documented OptiMAL (DiaMed, Cressier, Switzerland) were compared among 282 volunteers for specificity and sensitivity of P. vivax and Plasmodium falciparum malaria infections against Giemsa‐stained blood smears read by an experienced microscopist. A total of 137 volunteers were diagnosed with P. vivax, 45 cases (returned travellers from overseas) were diagnosed with P. falciparum and 100 healthy volunteers were diagnosed as negative for malaria. Correspondingly, the SD Malaria Antigen P.v test identified P. vivax infections in 128/137 malaria patients (93.4%) and 0/100 (0%) healthy volunteers. Three patients identified with P. falciparum also were interpreted as P. vivax by the SD Malaria Antigen P.v test; however, these patients were later confirmed as mixed infections of P. vivax and P. falciparum by polymerase chain reaction. OptiMAL interpreted the three mixed infections only as P. falciparum and detected 130/137 (94.9%) patients with P. vivax. The sensitivity of the SD Malaria Antigen P.v test decreased from 100% (>5000 parasite/μl) to 81.3% (1–100 parasites/μl) as parasitaemia levels declined. For the regions where P. vivax is the primary malaria parasite, the SD P. vivax‐specific rapid diagnostic test may be useful for screening suspected malaria patients when sufficient material and human resources (e.g. trained microscopists) are unavailable for malaria diagnosis.
Pollination in Jacaranda rugosa (Bignoniaceae): euglossine pollinators, nectar robbers and low fruit set
Authors: Milet‐Pinheiro P. , Schlindwein C. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractNectar robbers access floral nectar in illegitimate flower visits without, in general, performing a pollination service. Nevertheless, their effect on fruit set can be indirectly positive if the nectar removal causes an incremental increase in the frequency of legitimate flower visits of effective pollinators, especially in obligate outcrossers. We studied pollination and the effect of nectar robbers on the reproductive fitness of Jacaranda rugosa, an endemic shrub of the National Park of Catimbau, in the Caatinga of Pernambuco, Brazil. Xenogamous J. rugosa flowers continuously produced nectar during the day at a rate of 1 μl·h−1. Female and male Euglossa melanotricha were the main pollinators. Early morning flower visits substantially contributed to fruit set because stigmas with open lobes were almost absent in the afternoon. Ninety‐nine per cent of the flowers showed damage caused by nectar robbers. Artificial addition of sugar water prolonged the duration of flower visits of legitimate flower visitors. Removal of nectar, simulating the impact of nectar robbers, resulted in shorter flower visits of euglossine bees. While flower visits of nectar‐robbing carpenter bees (Xylocopa frontalis, X. grisescens, X. ordinaria) produced only a longitudinal slit in the corolla tube in the region of the nectar chamber, worker bees of Trigona spinipes damaged the gynoecium in 92% of the flowers. This explains the outstandingly low fruit set (1.5%) of J. rugosa in the National Park of Catimbau.
Differential expression of the CBF pathway and cell cycle‐related genes in Arabidopsis accessions in response to chronic low‐temperature exposure
Authors: Lee Y. P. , Fleming A. J. , Körner Ch. , Meins Jr F. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractLow, non‐freezing temperatures are a major factor limiting growth and development of vegetation in cold climates. Activation of the C‐repeat binding factor (CBF) regulatory pathway by acute cold treatment is important for cold acclimation and freezing tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana; however, the potential role of this pathway in response to chronic cold treatment has been less well characterised. We studied long‐term (chronic) effects of low, non‐freezing temperatures on the expression of CBF pathway genes (CBF2/3, COR15a, RD29A) and cell cycle‐related genes (CDKA;1, CYCD2;1, CYCB1;1) in roots of accessions from habitats differing in growing season temperatures. Elongation rates of primary roots at 21 and 10 °C were not significantly correlated with average growing season temperatures, indicating that there is no ecotypic differentiation for these traits. Measurements of mRNA accumulation in roots of seven accessions showed that expression of CBF2/3, COR15a and RD29A is induced by both acute cold treatment (2–24 h at 4 °C) and chronic cold treatment (5–6 weeks at 10 °C), while CYCB1;1 is only induced by chronic cold treatment. RD29A and COR15a mRNA levels were correlated (P < 0.05) with the rate of root elongation in the cold for three high‐altitude accessions relative to the common laboratory stain, Col‐0. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that induction of CBF2/3, COR15a, RD29A and CYCB1;1 is a physiological response to cold that, in the case of RD29A and COR15a, may be important for root growth at low temperatures.
Evidence for discontinuous water columns in the xylem conduit of tall birch trees
Authors: Westhoff M. , Zimmermann D. , Schneider H. , Wegner L. H. , Geßner P. , Jakob P. , Bamberg E. , Shirley St. , Bentrup F.‐W. , Zimmermann U. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe continuity of the xylem water columns was studied on 17‐ to 23‐m tall birch trees (trunk diameter about 23 cm; first branching above 10 m) all year round. Fifty‐one trees were felled, and 5‐cm thick slices or 2‐m long boles were taken at regular, relatively short intervals over the entire height of the trees. The filling status of the vessels was determined by (i) xylem sap extraction from trunk and branch pieces (using the gas bubble‐based jet‐discharge method and centrifugation) and from trunk boles (using gravity discharge); (ii) 1H nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of slice pieces; (iii) infusion experiments (dye, 86Rb+, D2O) on intact trees and cut branches; and (iv) xylem pressure measurements. This broad array of techniques disclosed no evidence for continuous water‐filled columns, as postulated by the Cohesion–Tension theory, for root to apex directed mass transport. Except in early spring (during the xylem refilling phase) and after extremely heavy rainfall during the vegetation period, cohesive/mobile water was found predominantly at intermediate heights of the trunks but not at the base or towards the top of the tree. Similar results were obtained for branches. Furthermore, upper branches generally contained more cohesive/mobile water than lower branches. The results suggest that water lifting occurs by short‐distance (capillary, osmotic and/or transpiration‐bound) tension gradients as well as by mobilisation of water in the parenchymatic tissues and the heartwood, and by moisture uptake through lenticels.
Interactions between Azotobacter, Pseudomonas and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Two Varieties of Sesamum indicum L.
Authors: Sabannavar S. J. , Lakshman H. C. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractEarthen pot experiments were conducted in a randomized block design with three replications to evaluate the effects of sesame varieties, DS 1 and E 8 on a single inoculation of Glomus fasciculatum (Thax. sensu Gerd.) Gerd. and Trappe and Acaulospora laevis Gerd. & Trappe respectively, dual inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) with Azotobacter chroococcum (Ac) or Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf) and a triple inoculation of AMF, A. chroococcum and P. fluorescens. The results revealed that inoculation of AMF + Ac + Pf to DS 1 and E 8 varieties stimulated increased AMF colonization, plant growth, i.e. shoot, root length, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root, phosphorus uptake and number of capsules significantly over the dual and single inoculation treatments. The association of bacteria and AMF provides evidence that bacteria are involved in the beneficial effects to AMF on sesame varieties.
Response of multiple generations of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), feeding on transgenic Bt cotton
Authors: Wu G. , Harris M. K. , Guo J.‐Y. , Wan F.‐H. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractDevelopment, reproduction and food utilization of three successive generations of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), fed on transgenic and non‐transgenic Bt cotton were examined. Significantly longer larval life‐span and lower pupal weight were observed in three successive generations of S. exigua fed on transgenic Bt cotton compared with non‐transgenic Bt cotton. Significantly higher survival rate and adult fecundity of S. exigua were found in three successive generations of S. exigua fed on transgenic Bt cotton compared with non‐transgenic Bt cotton. The survival rate and adult fecundity of S. exigua were occurred significant increase in the third generation compared with the first generation after feeding on transgenic Bt cotton. Significantly lower consumption, frass and relative growth rate (RGR) were observed in three successive generations of S. exigua fed on transgenic Bt cotton compared with non‐transgenic Bt cotton. Cotton variety significantly affected all indices of larval consumption and utilization in three successive generations of S. exigua, except for efficiency of conversion of ingested food. However, beet armyworm generation only significantly affected RGR of S. exigua. The results of this study indicated food quality on the diet‐utilization efficiency of S. exigua was different along with beet armyworm generation. Measuring multigenerational development and food utilization of S. exigua at individual and population level in response to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can provide a more meaningful evaluation of long‐term population dynamics than experiments on a single generation. It is imperative to develop an appropriate multigenerational pest management tactic to monitor the field population dynamics of non‐target pests (e.g., beet armyworm) in agricultural Bt cotton ecosystem.
Identification and characterization of new S‐alleles associated with self‐incompatibility in almond
Authors: Kodad O. , Sánchez A. , Saibo N. , Oliveira M. , Sociasi Company R. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAlmond is a highly heterozygous species with a high number of S‐alleles controlling its gametophytic self‐incompatibility system (GSI). In this work, we have analysed 14 Spanish local almond cultivars for S‐RNase allele diversity. Five new S‐RNase alleles were identified by cloning and sequencing, S31 (804 bp) in ‘Pou de Felanitx’ and ‘Totsol’, S32 (855 bp) in ‘Taiatona’, S33 (1165 bp) in ‘Pou d’Establiments’ and ‘Muel’, S34 (1663 bp) in ‘Pané‐Barquets’ and S35 (1658 bp) in ‘Planeta de les Garrigues’. Additionally, seven already known almond alleles could be recognized in the local cultivars studied. The high number of new alleles identified reveals the wide diversity of almond germplasm still existing and requiring characterization, and points to the possibility of new findings by a wider study focusing on other provenances. The almond S‐RNases have been compared to those of other Prunus species, showing a high identity and confirming that the S‐RNase gene in this genus presents a probable common ancestor.
Environmental effects on lutein content and relationship of lutein and other seed components in soybean
Authors: Lee J.‐D. , Shannon J. G. , So Y.‐S. , Sleper D. A. , Nelson R. L. , Lee J.‐H. , Choung M.‐G. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractLutein is a major carotenoid in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed, and has been shown to be beneficial for eye health in humans. Development of soybeans high in lutein is a goal of some breeding programmes. Little is known about how different growing environments affect lutein content. The objective of this study was to determine the variation of lutein and its relationship to seed protein, oil and individual fatty acids in soybean seed. Fifteen soybean genotypes were planted at four environments. There was no effect of year and planting date on lutein content in soybean seed. However, genotype × year, genotype × planting date and genotype × year × planting date were significant for lutein content. Although each genotype showed similar response across environments, lutein content varied significantly across the four growing environments in 14 of the 15 genotypes evaluated. Lutein content was not correlated with seed protein or oil and palmitic or stearic acid concentrations. However, lutein was positively correlated with oleic acid content and negatively correlated with linoleic and linolenic acids content.