bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Asphyxia‐related risk factors and their timing in spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: Nielsen LF , Schendel D , Grove J , Hvidtjørn D , Jacobsson B , Josiassen T , Vestergaard M , Uldall P , Thorsen P 
Published: October 2008

Objective  To investigate the association of asphyxia‐related conditions (reducing blood flow or blood oxygen levels in the fetus) with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) considering different gestational age groups and the timing of risk.Design  Population‐based case–control study.Setting  Danish Cerebral Palsy Register in eastern Denmark and Danish Medical Birth Register.Population or Sample  271 singletons with spastic CP and 217 singleton controls, frequency matched by gestational age group, born 1982–1990 in eastern Denmark.Methods  Data were abstracted from medical records, and a priori asphyxia‐related conditions and other risk factors were selected for analysis. Each factor was classified according to the time at which it was likely to first be present.Main outcome measures  Spastic CP.Results  Placental and cord complications accounted for the majority of asphyxia conditions. In multivariate analysis, placental infarction was significantly associated with a four‐fold increased risk for spastic quadriplegia and cord around the neck was significantly associated with a three‐fold increased risk for spastic CP overall. The combination of placental infarction and being small for gestational age (SGA) afforded an especially high risk for spastic quadriplegia. Placental and cord complications were present in 21% of cases and 12% of controls.Conclusions  The risk for spastic quadriplegia from placental infarction may be linked in some cases with abnormal fetal growth (17% of all children with spastic quadriplegia and 3% of control children both had an infarction and were SGA)—suggesting an aetiologic pathway that encompasses both factors. The risk for spastic CP from cord around the neck is not accounted for by other prepartum or intrapartum factors we examined. Considering the relative timing of risk factors provides a useful framework for studies of CP aetiology.
Women with obstetric fistula in Ethiopia: a 6‐month follow up after surgical treatment
Authors: Browning A , Menber B 
Published: October 2008

Objective  To quantify surgical and quality of life outcomes 6 months after obstetric fistula repair.Design  A prospective study. Women were examined and questioned at discharge and at follow‐up appointment.Setting  The Barhirdar Hamlin Fistula Centre, a dedicated unit treating women with obstetric fistula in northern Ethiopia.Population  All women admitted to the Barhirdar Hamlin Fistula Centre suffering from vesicovaginal (WF) and rectovaginal fistulae (RVF).Methods  All women were asked to return for a follow‐up appointment 6 months after surgical treatment. A standardised questionnaire and examination were used and information entered into a database.Main outcomes measures  Urinary and anal continence status; extent of return to previous family situation, employment, social activities and reproductive capabilities.Results  Continence status at discharge was largely maintained at 6 months and quality of life was improved. Many of those incontinent on discharge improved; a small number apparently cured at discharge had later recurrence of incontinence.Conclusions  Surgical treatment for obstetric fistula is successful in maintaining continence and improving quality of life of women at 6‐months follow up.
The novel nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor antagonist Trap‐101 alleviates experimental parkinsonism through inhibition of the nigro‐thalamic pathway: positive interaction withL‐DOPA
Authors: Marti Matteo , Trapella Claudio , Morari Michele 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIn this study we investigated whether the recently discovered antagonist of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) opioid peptide (NOP) receptor, 1‐[1‐(cyclooctylmethyl)‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydro‐5‐(hydroxymethyl)‐4‐pyridinyl]‐3‐ethyl‐1,3‐dihydro‐2H‐benzimidazol‐2‐one (Trap‐101) changed motor activity in naïve rats and mice, and alleviated parkinsonism in 6‐hydroxydopamine hemilesioned rats. In naïve rats, Trap‐101 stimulated motor activity at 10 mg/Kg and inhibited it at 30 mg/Kg. Such dual action was also observed in wild‐type but not NOP receptor knockout mice suggesting specific involvement of NOP receptors. Trap‐101 alleviated akinesia/bradykinesia and improved overall gait ability in hemiparkinsonian rats, being effective starting at 1 mg/Kg and without worsening motor deficit at 30 mg/Kg. To investigate the circuitry involved in the Trap‐101 action, behavioral tests were performed in rats undergoing microdialysis. The anti‐akinetic/anti‐bradykinetic effects of Trap‐101, given systemically (10 mg/Kg) or perfused in substantia nigra reticulata (10 μM), were associated with reduced glutamate and enhanced GABA release in substantia nigra, and reduced GABA release in ipsilateral ventro‐medial thalamus. When combined with ineffective doses ofl‐DOPA (0.1 mg/Kg), Trap‐101 evoked larger neurochemical and behavioral responses. These data show that Trap‐101 is an effective NOP receptor antagonistin vivoand confirm that NOP receptor antagonists alleviate parkinsonism through blockade of nigral NOP receptors and impairment of nigro‐thalamic transmission.
Across islands and continents, mammals are more successful invaders than birds
Authors: Jeschke Jonathan M. 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTMany invasive species cause ecological or economic damage, and the fraction of introduced species that become invasive is an important determinant of the overall costs caused by invaders. According to the widely quoted tens rule, about 10% of all introduced species establish themselves and about 10% of these established species become invasive. Global taxonomic differences in the fraction of species becoming invasive have not been described. In a global analysis of mammal and bird introductions, I show that both mammals and birds have a much higher invasion success than predicted by the tens rule, and that mammals have a significantly higher success than birds. Averaged across islands and continents, 79% of mammals and 50% of birds introduced have established themselves and 63% of mammals and 34% of birds established have become invasive. My analysis also does not support the hypothesis that islands are more susceptible to invaders than continents, as I did not find a significant relationship between invasion success and the size of the island or continent to which the species were introduced. The data set used in this study has a number of limitations, e.g. information on propagule pressure was not available at this global scale, so understanding the mechanisms behind the observed patterns has to be postponed to future studies.
The influence of spatial scale on the congruence of classifications circumscribing morphological units of biodiversity
Authors: Nipperess David A. , Andersen Alan N. , Pik Anthony J. , Bramble Roger , Wilson Peter , Beattie Andrew J. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAim  The ‘taxonomic impediment’ has led to a growing trend in ecology and conservation biology to use operational surrogates for species within the context of a particular research project. Because such ‘parataxonomic’ classifications are typically spatially limited in scope, we examined the influence of increasing spatial scale on the congruence of two such approaches with a more traditional taxonomic classification.Location  Sturt National Park, north‐western New South Wales, Australia.Methods  Specimens of two ant genera, Camponotus and Rhytidoponera, were classified by three independent methods. The ‘parataxonomic’ classification assigned specimens to morphospecies without specialist taxonomic expertise; the ‘taxonomic’ classification assigned specimens to either described species or, where this was not possible, to operational taxonomic units (OTUs) using specialist taxonomic expertise; the ‘phenetic’ classification assigned specimens to putative species using a K‐means partitioning algorithm on basic morphometric data. Specimens of each genus were pooled into ‘assemblages’, which were defined at multiple spatial scales using a nested sampling design. Congruence in the interspecimen relationships of the different classifications was tested for each assemblage using pair‐wise Mantel correlations.Results  Classification congruence tended to decrease with increasing spatial scale. There were, however, clear differences between the genera. Parataxonomic–taxonomic congruence was consistently greater for Camponotus, while phenetic–taxonomic congruence showed the opposite pattern.Conclusions  Observed patterns in classification congruence are attributed to two principal causes: (i) within‐species morphological variation, including ecotypic variation in Rhytidoponera and caste polymorphism in Camponotus; and (ii) a limit to the morphological similarity of potentially competing species at small spatial scales. Regardless of cause, the decline in agreement as the spatial scale of observation is increased has important implications for the measurement of biodiversity, particularly when comparing samples over regional, continental, and global scales.
Cold‐water coral habitats on seamounts: do they have a specialist fauna?
Authors: O’Hara Timothy D. , Rowden Ashley A. , Williams Alan 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTAim  The large biogenic structures formed by colonial cold‐water scleractinian corals provide valuable habitat for marine invertebrates on seamounts and the continental slope of all world oceans. These patchily distributed long‐lived structures are easily damaged by several human activities, particularly bottom trawling for fish, and are potentially vulnerable to ocean acidification caused by climate change. Consequently, an important conservation question is whether these structures support a specialized invertebrate fauna restricted to these habitats. Here we investigate the relationship between structures formed by the coral Solenosmilia variabilis and its associated ophiuroid (brittlestar) fauna, one of the dominant components of deep‐sea ecosystems.Location  Seafloor habitat around Southern Australia, New Zealand, and the Macquarie Ridge from 35 to 53° S and 117° E–176° W, 500–1500 m depth.Methods  Data were derived from samples collected by numerous scientific expeditions to the study region. Because these samples were collected using a variety of gear and effort, a two‐step approach was used. First, the largest consistently collected data set (73 ophiuroid species from 59 samples) was assembled for multivariate analysis. ANOSIM was used to test for differences in ophiuroid community composition between Solenosmilia and non‐Solenosmilia habitat on seamounts and the continental slope, and SIMPER was used to identify species that characterized Solenosmilia habitat. Second, these results were validated against all known data to ensure that these characteristic species had not been found in non‐Solenosmilia habitat elsewhere.Results  The ophiuroid assemblages from Solenosmilia habitat were distinct from those found on other habitats on the continental slope and offshore seamounts across the study region. Although a suite of ophiuroid species characterized Solenosmilia habitat, most have also been collected from dead coral or other rubble, suggesting a physical rather than biological association between the coral matrix and its associated invertebrate fauna.Main conclusions  Despite the lack of an exclusive ophiuroid–coral relationship, cold‐water scleractinian coral remains the principal habitat for a number of ophiuroid species across southern Australia and New Zealand. The slow growth rate of the coral and the low dispersal potential of some associated species suggest that recovery of damaged cold‐water coral assemblages will be a long‐term process.
Not as good as they seem: the importance of concepts in species distribution modelling
Authors: Jiménez‐Valverde Alberto , Lobo Jorge M. , Hortal Joaquín 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTAim  Nowadays, large amounts of species distribution data and software for implementing different species distribution modelling methods are freely available through the internet. As a result, methodological works that analyse the relative performance of modelling techniques, as well as those that study which species characteristics affect their performance, are necessary. We discuss three important topics that must be kept in mind when modelling species distributions, namely (i) the distinction between potential and realized distribution, (ii) the effect of the relative occurrence area of the species on the results of the evaluation of model performance, and (iii) the general inaccuracy of the predictions of the realized distribution provided by species distribution modelling methods.Location  Unspecific.Methods Using some recent papers as a basis, we illustrate the three issues mentioned above and discuss the negative implications of neglecting them.Results  Considering a potential‐realized distribution gradient, different modelling methods may be arranged along this gradient according to their ability to model any concept. Complex techniques may be more suitable to model the realized distribution than simple ones, which may be more appropriate to estimate the potential distribution. Comparisons among techniques must consider this scenario. The relative occurrence area of the species conditions the results of the evaluation scores, implying that models of rare species will unavoidably yield higher discrimination values. Moreover, discrimination values that are usually reported in the literature may imply considerable over or underestimations of the distribution of the species.Main conclusions  It is extremely important to establish a solid conceptual and methodological framework on which the emergent field of species distribution modelling can stand and develop.
Inferring the introduction history of the invasive apomictic grass Cortaderia jubata using microsatellite markers
Authors: Okada Miki , Lyle Mark , Jasieniuk Marie 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTAim  Reconstructing the introduction history of exotic species is critical to understanding ecological and evolutionary processes that underlie invasive spread and to designing strategies that prevent or manage invasions. The aims of this study were to infer the introduction history of the invasive apomictic bunchgrass Cortaderia jubata and to determine if molecular data support the postulated horticultural origin of invasive populations.Location  Invaded areas in the USA (California, Maui) and New Zealand; native areas in Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru.Methods  We used nuclear microsatellite markers to genotype 281 plants from invaded areas in California, Maui and New Zealand, and 77 herbarium specimens from native South America, and compared the genotypic and clonal variation of C. jubata from the invaded and native ranges. Clonal diversity was determined from genotypic diversity using two analytical methods.Results  Invasive C. jubata from invaded regions in California, Maui and New Zealand consisted of the same single clone that probably originated from a single introduced genotype. In contrast, 14 clones were detected in herbarium specimens from the native areas of Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru. The invasive clone matched the most common clone identified in herbarium specimens from southern Ecuador where horticultural stock is presumed to have originated.Main conclusions  The lack of clonal and genotypic diversity in invasive plants, but moderately high diversity detected in native plants, indicates a significant reduction in genetic variation associated with the introduction of C. jubata outside of its native range. Based on historical accounts of the horticultural introduction of C. jubata and the results of this study, a severe founder effect probably occurred during deliberate introduction of C. jubata into cultivation. Our results are consistent with the postulated horticultural origin of invasive C. jubata and point to southern Ecuador as the geographical source of invasive populations.
Effect of Physical Activity Counseling on Disability in Older People: A 2‐Year Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Von Bonsdorff Mikaela B. , Leinonen Raija , Kujala Urho M. , Heikkinen Eino , Törmäkangas Timo , Hirvensalo Mirja , Rasinaho Minna , Karhula Sirkka , Mänty Minna , Rantanen Taina 
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVES:To study the effect of a physical activity counseling intervention on instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) disability.DESIGN:Primary care–based, single‐blind, randomized controlled trial.SETTING:City of Jyväskylä, central Finland.PARTICIPANTS:Six hundred thirty‐two people aged 75 to 81 who were able to walk 500 meters without assistance, were at most moderately physically active, had a Mini‐Mental State Examination score greater than 21, had no medical contraindications for physical activity, and gave informed consent for participation.INTERVENTION:A single individualized physical activity counseling session with supportive phone calls from a physiotherapist every 4 months for 2 years and annual lectures on physical activity. Control group received no intervention.MEASUREMENTS:The outcome was IADL disability defined as having difficulties in or inability to perform IADL tasks. Analyses were carried out according to baseline IADL disability, mobility limitation, and cognitive status.RESULTS:At the end of the follow‐up, IADL disability had increased in both groups (P<.001) and was lower in the intervention group, but the group‐by‐time interaction effect did not reach statistical significance. Subgroup analyses revealed that the intervention prevented incident disability in subjects without disability at baseline (risk ratio=0.68, 95% confidence interval=0.47–0.97) but had no effect on recovery from disability.CONCLUSION:The physical activity counseling intervention had no effect on older sedentary community‐dwelling persons with a wide range of IADL disability, although it prevented incident IADL disability. The results warrant further investigation to explore the benefits of a primary care–based physical activity counseling program on decreasing and postponing IADL disability.
Sustained Benzodiazepine Use in a Community Sample of Older Adults
Authors: Stowell Keith R. , Chang Chung‐Chou H. , Bilt JoniVander , Stoehr Gary P. , Ganguli Mary 
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVES: To identify factors associated with sustained benzodiazepine use in older adults.DESIGN: Twelve‐year cohort study.SETTING: Community‐based epidemiological survey.PARTICIPANTS: One thousand three hundred forty‐two individuals aged 65 and older.MEASUREMENTS: Demographics, medication use, depressive symptoms, sleep complaints, alcohol use, and smoking assessed at 2‐year intervals; descriptive analysis to characterize benzodiazepine users and identify factors associated with sustained benzodiazepine use (use at two consecutive waves); and longitudinal lag‐time analysis to determine characteristics that predicted sustained use.RESULTS: Initially, 5.5% of men and 9.8% of women were using benzodiazepines. Users were significantly more likely than nonusers to be female and less educated, report more depressive and anxiety symptoms, use more prescription medications, have lower self‐rated health, have difficulty maintaining sleep, and be less likely to consume alcohol. Approximately 50%, 44%, and 25% of these users aged 65 to 74, 75 to 84, and 85 and older, respectively, were sustained users at follow‐up. Being female, using two or more nonbenzodiazepine prescription medications, and smoking were independently associated with subsequent sustained benzodiazepine use.CONCLUSION: At the population level, women, smokers, and users of at least two prescription drugs have higher probabilities of sustaining benzodiazepine use once started. This information can facilitate risk assessment and counseling of older adults before prescribing benzodiazepines.
Minority Talent Loss and the Texas Top 10 Percent Law*
Authors: Niu Sunny Xinchun , Sullivan Teresa , Tienda Marta 
Published: October 2008

Objective.This article examines how knowledge about the Texas top 10 percent law influences college enrollment decisions of high achieving minority and nonminority students.Methods.Using a representative survey of graduates from Texas public high schools in 2002, we compare self‐reported and transcript‐verified class rank and estimate probit models to assess the likelihood that top‐ranked minority students know about the law.Results.Family socioeconomic status largely explains why highly ranked black and Hispanic students know less about the top 10 percent law than comparable whites, but parents' lack of fluency in English is a significant information barrier for college‐bound, top 10 percent Hispanic students from predominantly minority high schools. Nearly one‐fifth of college‐oriented black and Hispanic top 10 percent seniors who did not know about the law failed to enroll anywhere.Conclusion.Inadequate information about the top 10 percent law undermines enrollment of talented minorities in higher education.
Class Composition: Socioeconomic Characteristics of Coursemates and College Enrollment*
Authors: Choi Kate H. , Kelly Raley R. , Muller Chandra , Riegle‐Crumb Catherine 
Published: October 2008

Objective. We investigate how a student's social climate in school, specifically the percentage of coursemates whose parents are college educated, influences the likelihood of enrolling in a four‐year college.Methods. Using Add Health and AHAA data, we employ hierarchical logistic regression models to analyze how the socioeconomic characteristics of coursemates influence four‐year college enrollment.Results. We find evidence that taking courses with children of college‐educated parents increases the likelihood of four‐year college enrollment even after controlling for family background, achievement, and placement.Conclusion. We argue that the family background characteristics of coursemates may influence college enrollment because coursemates provide access to educational resources, such as information about college, and encourage students to apply to college by serving as a reference group. The favorable educational attainment of students with college‐educated parents is partially due to the greater likelihood that they will take courses with other children of college‐educated parents.
Sex and the Statehouse: The Effects of Gender on Legislative Roll‐Call Voting*
Authors: Hogan Robert E. 
Published: October 2008

Objective. This analysis examines whether differences exist between women and men state legislators in their roll‐call voting behavior involving matters of economic and regulatory policy.Methods. Using interest group rating scores, I examine the voting behavior of representatives in the lower houses of 28 states in legislative sessions from 1995 to 2000. By controlling for a host of variables related to legislators (political party, years of service, etc.) and their districts (average income, level of education, urbanization, etc.), I am able to isolate the independent effect of gender on roll‐call voting.Results. The findings demonstrate that among Democratic legislators women are less conservative than men, but among Republican lawmakers women are slightly more conservative than men. Additional analyses show that many factors that influence legislative voting by women and men are similar; however, political party has a more prominent effect among women.Conclusion. Although factors such as political party and some constituency characteristics exert a much stronger influence than gender, women and men legislators differ in their roll‐call voting even when controls for a wide assortment of individual‐ and district‐level conditions are taken into account.