bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials and caloric stimulation in infants with congenital cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Zagólski O 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground:The influence of congenital cytomegalovirus infection on cochlear function has been well recognised; however, its impact on the vestibular system in infants has not been examined. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate vestibular function in a group of infants, using caloric stimulation tests and vestibular-evoked myogenic potential measurements.Materials and methods:Vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials and auditory brainstem responses were recorded and caloric stimulation was performed in 66 infants aged three months, comprising 40 healthy controls and 26 infants with congenital cytomegalovirus infection.Results:No reaction to caloric stimulation was elicited from 16 examined ears, no vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials were recorded from 12 ears, and profound sensorineural hearing loss was diagnosed in eight ears. Pathological results were observed predominantly in infants with symptoms of intrauterine congenital cytomegalovirus infection present at birth.Conclusions:In infants with clinical symptoms of congenital CMV infection present at birth, abnormal vestibular test results occurred more frequently than abnormal auditory brainstem response results. Vestibular organs should be routinely examined in individuals with congenital cytomegalovirus infection.
Trends in dietary patterns and compliance with World Health Organization recommendations: a cross-country analysis
Authors: Mazzocchi Mario , Brasili Cristina , Sandri Elisa 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate time patterns of compliance with nutrient goals recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).DesignA single aggregated indicator of distance from the key WHO recommendations for a healthy diet is built using FAOSTAT intake data, bounded between 0 (maximum possible distance from goals) and 1 (perfect adherence). Two hypotheses are tested for different country groupings: (1) whether adherence has improved over time; and (2) whether cross-country disparities in terms of diet healthiness have decreased.SettingOne hundred and forty-nine countries, including 26 countries belonging to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and 115 developing countries (including 43 least developed countries), with yearly data over the period 1961–2002.ResultsThe Recommendation Compliance Index (RCI) shows significant improvements in adherence to WHO goals for both developing and especially OECD countries. The latter group of countries show the highest levels of the RCI and the largest increase over time, especially between 1981 and 2002. No improvement is detected for least developed countries. A reduction in disparities (convergence of the RCI) is observed only within the OECD grouping.ConclusionsAdherence to healthy eating guidelines depends on economic development. Diets are improving and converging in advanced economies, but developing and especially least developed countries are still far from meeting WHO nutrition goals. This confirms findings on the double burden of malnutrition and suggests that economic drivers are more relevant than socio-cultural factors in determining the healthiness of diets.
Exploring the relationship between sugars and obesity
Authors: Parnell Winsome , Wilson Noela , Alexander Donnell , Wohlers Mark , Williden Micalla , Mann Joel , Gray Andrew 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveInvestigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and intake of sugars and fat in New Zealand adults and children.DesignSecondary analyses of National Nutrition Survey (1997) and Children’s Nutrition Survey (2002) data for the New Zealand population. BMI calculated from height and weight; fat, sugars and sucrose (used as a surrogate for added sugars) intakes estimated from 24-hour diet recall. Ethnic-specific analyses of children’s data. Relationships (using linear regression) between BMI and sugars/sucrose intakes; per cent total energy from fat; mean total energy intake from sucrose. Subjects classified into diet-type groups by levels of intake of fat and sucrose; relative proportions of overweight/obese children in each group compared with that of normal weight subjects using design-adjustedχ2tests.SettingNew Zealand homes and schools.Subjects4379 adults (15+ years); 3049 children (5–14 years).ResultsSugars (but not sucrose) intake was significantly lower among obese compared to normal weight children. In adults and children, those with the lowest intake of sugars from foods were significantly more likely to be overweight/obese. Sucrose came predominantly from beverages; in children, 45% of this was from powdered drinks. Sucrose intake from sugary beverages was not related to BMI. Per cent total energy (%E) from sucrose was significantly inversely related to %E from fat among adults and children. Proportions of overweight/obese adults or children in each diet-type group did not differ from that of normal weight individuals.ConclusionsCurrent sugars or sucrose intake is not associated with body weight status in the New Zealand population.
The biogeographical distribution of closely related freshwater sediment bacteria is determined by environmental selection
Authors: Gray Neil D , Brown Angela , Nelson Darryl R , Pickup Roger W , Rowan Arlene K , Head Ian M 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
The role of environmental selection in governing the structure of communities of freshwater sulfur bacteria (Achromatium spp) was experimentally tested by mixing sediments from two geographically separated lakes (Rydal Water (RY) and Hell Kettles (HK)) that harboured Achromatium spp. Community profiles of Achromatium spp in sediment microcosms at day 0 and after 60 days were compared to determine whether initial Achromatium community composition or subsequent selection by the sediment environment had greater influence in dictating the final Achromatium community structure. It was found that Achromatium spp from the HK community became established in mixed sediments at the expense of members of the RY community. This selection for the HK Achromatium community was more pronounced when sediment composition was manipulated to resemble HK sediments. Our findings definitively demonstrate that environmental selection is the primary determinant of Achromatium community structure in these sediments.
Comparison of Language Skills of Adjudicated and Nonadjudicated Adolescent Males and Females
Authors: Blanton Debra J. , Dagenais Paul A. 
Published: September 2007

Purpose
This study attempted to determine whether there were any differences or similarities in the basic cognitive and language skills of 4 groups of adolescents: adjudicated (a judge’s decision to establish responsibility for a delinquent act) and nonadjudicated male and females.

Method
The 4 groups of adolescents were 18 adjudicated females, 18 nonadjudicated females, 14 adjudicated males, and 14 nonadjudicated males. They were evaluated using the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (K–BIT; A. S. Kaufman & N. L. Kaufman, 1990) as a screener for intelligence and the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals—3 (CELF–3; E. Semel, E. Wiig, & W. Secord, 1995) as a screener for language skills.

Results
No gender differences were found between the groups for either the K–BIT or the CELF–3. All groups scored within normal limits on the K–BIT subtests, but lower on the vocabulary portion of the K–BIT compared to the matrices (nonverbal) portion. There were differences found between adjudicated and nonadjudicated groups on the CELF–3, with the adjudicated groups having lower scores.

Implications
As the majority of adjudicated adolescents had not been previously identified as having difficulties with language abilities, this population could benefit from early assessment. Also, children who are at risk for incarceration should be screened for possible language deficits that could contribute to the many difficulties experienced by adolescents.
Electroacoustic Evaluation of Frequency-Modulated Receivers Interfaced With Personal Hearing Aids
Authors: Schafer Erin C. , Thibodeau Linda M. , Whalen Holly S. , Overson Gary J. 
Published: September 2007

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to compare the electroacoustic outputs of frequency-modulated (FM) systems coupled to hearing aids.

Method
Electroacoustic performance of FM systems coupled to hearing aids was determined for 3 FM receivers: body-worn with neck loop, ear-level nonprogrammable, and ear-level programmable. Systems were evaluated using the FM-advantage approach suggested by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s “Guidelines for Fitting and Monitoring FM Systems” (2002). Output differences between the hearing aid and FM system were examined for typical input levels with a complex signal to verify an FM advantage and for high-input levels with a pure-tone signal to confirm similarity in maximum output.

Results
Measurements from the FM receivers with neck loops showed significant low-frequency reduction and the most variable performance of the 3 types of systems. Less variable measurements were obtained with the ear-level FM receivers, and programmable FM receivers allowed for the most flexibility in obtaining an FM advantage. Findings of variability may be related to the type of system and the compression characteristics of the devices.

Conclusion
Findings of great variability in electroacoustic performance of all systems support the need for electroacoustic evaluation, particularly when observing the effects of various settings on new technology.
Fathers Who Abuse Drugs and Their Adolescent Children: Longitudinal Predictors of Adolescent Aggression
Authors: Brook Judith S. , Duan Tao , Brook David W. 
Published: September 2007

This longitudinal study examines the relationship between earlier paternal drug abuse, environmental factors, paternal child‐rearing practices, and adolescent vulnerable personality attributes and later adolescent aggressive behavior. Data were collected at two points in time, one year apart, via individual, structured interviews. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to assess the interrelationship of the earlier factors with respect to later adolescent aggression. Interviews took place in an inner‐city community, within the schools and the participants' homes. Participants included low‐income, predominantly African American and Hispanic adolescents (N = 296) whose fathers abused drugs. The fathers were recruited from drug‐abuse treatment programs in several U.S. cities. The outcome measure was adolescent aggressive behavior at Time 2 (T2). The findings showed that paternal drug abuse, environmental factors, and paternal child‐rearing practices were mediated by the adolescent's vulnerable personality attributes. The adolescent's vulnerable personality attributes were the most proximal constructs to later adolescent aggressive behavior. Both paternal drug abuse and environmental factors were mediated by paternal child‐rearing practices. The findings suggest that earlier environmental stresses, paternal drug abuse, paternal child‐rearing practices, and adolescent vulnerable personality attributes are associated with later adolescent aggression.
Personality‐Guided Treatment for Alcohol Dependence: A Quasi‐Randomized Experiment
Authors: Nielsen Per , Røjskjær Steffen , Hesse Morten 
Published: September 2007

Personality disorders are highly prevalent among alcohol‐dependent populations and result in a seriously elevated risk for non‐responding to treatment; therefore, they represent a major challenge for professionals providing treatment for alcohol dependence. Personality‐guided Treatment for Alcohol Dependence (PETAD), an approach that integrates cognitive therapy for addictive behaviors with strategic intervention for maladaptive personality features, may be helpful for patients with co‐morbid alcohol dependence and personality disorders. Clients admitted for inpatient treatment for alcohol dependence at Ringgaarden, Denmark (n = 108) were allocated to either standard inpatient treatment with cognitive therapy for alcohol dependence, or PETAD. Both treatments were manualized. Clients were followed up by mail at six months post‐treatment and administered the MCMI‐I and II and the SCL‐90 at intake, post‐treatment, and at follow‐up. PETAD was associated with better retention, longer time to first relapse, and less time spent drinking post‐treatment, although few differences reached statistical significance. Differences in results were mainly found in the subgroup with higher levels of PD. The study suggests that PETAD is a promising approach that warrants further study.
Is Hepatitis C Infection Associated with Increased Risk of Depression in Persons with Methamphetamine Dependence?
Authors: Vigil Ofilio , Woods Steven Paul , Moran Lisa M. , Letendre Scott L. , Young‐Casey Corinna , Grant Igor , Atkinson J. Hampton ,   the HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center (HNRC) Group
Published: September 2007

The abuse of methamphetamine (MA) has increased in the United States over the past 15 years and is associated with considerable negative social, psychological, and health effects, including symptoms of depression. Infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is independently associated with increased risk of depression, is common among MA users, possibly due to high rates of transmission risk behaviors in this cohort (eg, injection drug use). Given the prevalence of depression among HCV‐infected individuals and MA users separately, the current study aimed to determine whether HCV infection and MA dependence are associated with additive effects on depression. Focused psychiatric evaluations were conducted on 39 individuals with both MA dependence and HCV infection (MA + HCV +), 57 persons with only MA dependence (MA + HCV −), and a comparison sample of 46 participants with neither risk factor (MA − HCV −). Consistent with prior research, greater self‐reported symptoms of depression were observed in the MA + groups relative to MA − HCV − participants; however, there was no evidence to suggest an additive effect of HCV infection. Surprisingly, the prevalence of current and lifetime diagnoses of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) did not differ across the study groups. Results from this study suggest that HCV infection does not confer an additive effect on the severity of depressive symptoms or the prevalence of major depression in persons with MA dependence.
New mangrove ecosystem data along the UAE coast using remote sensing
Authors: Habshi A. Al , Youssef T. , Aizpuru M. , Blasco F. 
Published: September 2007

Characteristics of mangrove communities along the Gulf Coast of the UAE were explored using high-resolution satellite data Terra ASTER imageries in the common visible and near infra-red bands. Mangrove stands in three geographically distinctive sites, Khor Kalba, Khor Umm Al-Quwain and Al Dabbiya, were studied through spatial data and ground verification surveys. Mangroves in the UAE appear in patchy and scattered patterns, occupying about 40 km2 of the coastal zone, half of which are located in Abu Dhabi in sheltered lagoons. The remaining areas are linear communities fringing tidal waterways distributed along intertidal zones. Their distribution is limited however, by aridity and site topography.
Despite similarities in substrate conditions, differences in climatic and vegetation characteristics between the three sites indicate that growth conditions seem to be more favourable at Khor Kalba with the higher winter temperatures and higher annual rainfalls.
Nine main units were recognized on the colour composite image of the Terra ASTER space data; dense vegetation, scattered vegetation, algal deposits, dry sand, sabkhas, settlements, recent deposits and turbid water, shallow water and deep water. Radiance did not allow for the separation of mangrove areas from inland vegetation through the supervised classification. Confusion was also encountered between different soil classes (e.g. wet soils) and settlements or roads. It is concluded, therefore, that satellite data such as SPOT and Terra ASTER can be effectively analyzed through visual interpretations supported by local digital enhancement.
Subtidal crabs of the Iranian coast of the Persian Gulf: New collections and biogeographic considerations
Authors: Naderloo Reza , Sari Alireza 
Published: September 2007

Benthic sampling was performed along all Iranian subtidal waters of the Persian Gulf during the years 2003 and 2004. A total of 56 species of crabs were caught from 174 stations using a trawler fishing net and Peterson grab. These species belong to 12 families, 15 subfamilies and 37 genera. The results of the present study revealed that families Portunidae, Leucosiidae and Pilumnidae have the highest species richness with 14, 13 and 13 species respectively.
Zoogeographical analysis shows that a high proportion (27%) of the Iranian subtidal crabs have world distribution in the Northern part of Indo-West Pacific region and only two endemic species were found.
Effect of the mutation rate and background size on the quality of pathogen identification
Authors: Reed Chris , Fofanov Viacheslav , Putonti Catherine , Chumakov Sergei , Slezak Tom , Fofanov Yuriy 
Published: September 2007

AbstractMotivation: Genomic-based methods have significant potential for fast and accurate identification of organisms or even genes of interest in complex environmental samples (air, water, soil, food, etc.), especially when isolation of the target organism cannot be performed by a variety of reasons. Despite this potential, the presence of the unknown, variable and usually large quantities of background DNA can cause interference resulting in false positive outcomes.Results: In order to estimate how the genomic diversity of the background (total length of all of the different genomes present in the background), target length and target mutation rate affect the probability of misidentifications, we introduce a mathematical definition for the quality of an individual signature in the presence of a background based on its length and number of mismatches needed to transform the signature into the closest subsequence present in the background. This definition, in conjunction with a probabilistic framework, allows one to predict the minimal signature length required to identify the target in the presence of different sizes of backgrounds and the effect of the target's mutation rate on the quality of its identification. The model assumptions and predictions were validated using both Monte Carlo simulations and real genomic data examples. The proposed model can be used to determine appropriate signature lengths for various combinations of target and background genome sizes. It also predicted that any genomic signatures will be unable to identify target if its mutation rate is &gt;5%.Contact: yfofanov@bioinfo.uh.eduSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Characterization of AtALMT1 Expression in Aluminum-Inducible Malate Release and Its Role for Rhizotoxic Stress Tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kobayashi Yuriko , Hoekenga Owen A. , Itoh Hirotaka , Nakashima Midori , Saito Shoichiro , Shaff Jon E. , Maron Lyza G. , Piñeros Miguel A. , Kochian Leon V. , Koyama Hiroyuki 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Malate transporters play a critical role in aluminum (Al) tolerance responses for some plant species, such as Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Here, we further characterize AtALMT1, an Arabidopsis aluminum-activated malate transporter, to clarify its specific role in malate release and Al stress responses. Malate excretion from the roots of accession Columbia was sharply induced by Al, which is concomitant with the induction of AtALMT1 gene expression. The malate release was specific for Al among rhizotoxic stressors, namely cadmium, copper, erbium, lanthanum, sodium, and low pH, which accounts for the specific sensitivity of a null mutant to Al stress. Al-specific malate excretion can be explained by a combined regulation of AtALMT1 expression and activation of AtALMT1 protein, which is specific for Al. Although low pH treatment slightly induced gene expression, other treatments did not. In addition, malate excretion in Al-activated seedlings was rapidly stopped by removing Al from the solution. Other rhizotoxic stressors were not effective in maintaining malate release. Protein kinase and phosphatase inhibitor studies indicated that reversible phosphorylation was important for the transcriptional and posttranslational regulation of AtALMT1. AtALMT1 promoter-β-glucuronidase fusion lines revealed that AtALMT1 has restricted expression within the root, such that unnecessary carbon loss is likely minimized. Lastly, a natural nonsense mutation allele of AtALMT1 was identified from the Al-hypersensitive natural accession Warschau-1.
Early Steps in Proanthocyanidin Biosynthesis in the Model Legume Medicago truncatula
Authors: Pang Yongzhen , Peel Gregory J. , Wright Elane , Wang Zengyu , Dixon Richard A. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (PAs) composed primarily of epicatechin units accumulate in the seed coats of the model legume Medicago truncatula, reaching maximal levels at around 20 d after pollination. Genes encoding the single Medicago anthocyanidin synthase (ANS; EC 1.14.11.19) and leucoanthocyanidin reductase (LAR; EC 1.17.1.3) were cloned and the corresponding enzymes functionally identified. Recombinant MtANS converted leucocyanidin to cyanidin, and, more efficiently, dihydroquercetin to the flavonol quercetin. Levels of transcripts encoding dihydroflavonol reductase, ANS, and anthocyanidin reductase (ANR), the enzyme responsible for conversion of anthocyanidin to (−)-epicatechin, paralleled the accumulation of PAs in developing seeds, whereas LAR transcripts appeared to be more transiently expressed. LAR, ANS, and ANR proteins were localized to the cytosol in transfected tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) leaves. Antisense down-regulation of ANS in M. truncatula resulted in reduced anthocyanin and PA levels, but had no impact on flavonol levels. Transgenic tobacco plants constitutively overexpressing MtLAR showed reduced anthocyanin content, but no catechin or increased levels of PAs were detected either in leaves or in flowers. Our results confirm previously ascribed in vivo functions for ANS and ANR. However, the apparent lack of catechin in M. truncatula PAs, the poor correlation between LAR expression and PA accumulation, and the lack of production of catechin monomers or oligomers in transgenic plants overexpressing MtLAR question the role of MtLAR in PA biosynthesis in Medicago.
FURTHER EVIDENCE ON MEAN REVERSION IN THE AUSTRALIAN EXCHANGE RATE
Authors: Darné Olivier , Hoarau Jean‐François 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTIn this paper we re‐examine the purchasing power parity (PPP) in Australia for the period February 1970 to April 2005 using an alternative method relative to the previous studies. We underlined large shocks due to depreciations that affected the Australian exchange rate, using outlier methodology. Once we adjusted the data of these outliers that had large, but either temporary or permanent effects on the series, our results show that there is no tendency for PPP in Australia to hold in the long run during this period.
PREMATURE MORTALITY AND POVERTY MEASUREMENT
Authors: Kanbur Ravi , Mukherjee Diganta 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTThere is a glaring paradox in all commonly used measures of poverty. The death of a poor person, because of poverty, reduces poverty according to these measures. This surely violates our basic intuitions of how poverty measures should behave. It cannot be right in concept that differentially higher mortality among the poor serves to reduce poverty. This article begins the task of developing poverty measures that are not perversely mortality sensitive. A family of measures is proposed that is an intuitive modification of standard poverty measures to take into account the fact that the rich live longer than the poor.