bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DNA‐hydrolysing activity of IgG antibodies from the sera of patients with diseases caused by different bacterial infections
Authors: Parkhomenko Taisiya A. , Odintsova Elena S. , Buneva Valentina N. , Kunder Elena V. , Zhyltsov Ivan V. , Senkovich Sergey A. , Generalov Igor I. , Nevinsky Georgy A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractDNase autoantibodies (Abs) can be found in the blood of patients with several autoimmune diseases, while the blood of healthy donors or patients with diseases with insignificant disturbances of the immune status does not contain the DNase Abs. Here we have analysed for the first time the DNase activity in the patients with diseases caused by several bacterial infections. Several rigid criteria have been applied to show that the DNase activity is an intrinsic property of IgGs from the sera of patients with bacterial diseases but not from healthy donors. The relative activity of IgGs has been shown to vary extensively between the diseases analysed and from patient to patient, but most of the preparations had detectable levels of the DNase activity. On average, the catalytic activities were significantly lower than in patients with autoimmune pathologies and increased in the following order: streptococcal infection (erysipelas) < urogenital chlamydiosis associated with arthritis (Reiter’s disease) < meningococcal meningitis < shigellosis < suppurative surgical infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus < suppurative surgical infections caused by epidermal staphylococci < urogenital ureaplasmosis associated with reactive arthritis. While intact IgGs possessed this catalytic activity, separated light chains of polyclonal Abs appeared to be even more active in the hydrolysis of DNA.
Cytosolic renin is targeted to mitochondria and inducesapoptosis in H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts
Authors: Wanka Heike , Keßler Nicole , Ellmer Janett , Endlich Nicole , Peters Barbara S. , Clausmeyer Susanne , Peters Jörg 
Published: July 2008

AbstractOne important goal in cardiology is to prevent necrotic cell death in the heart. Necrotic cell death attracts neutrophils and monocytes into the injured myocardium. The consequences are fibrosis, remodelling and cardiac failure. The renin‐angiotensin system promotes the development of cardiac failure. Recently, alternative renin transcripts have been identified lacking the signal sequence for a cotranslational transport to the endoplasmatic reticulum. These transcripts encode for a cytosolic renin with unknown functions. The expression of this alternative transcript increases after myocardial infarction. We hypothesized that cytosolic renin plays a role in survival and death of cardiomyocytes. To test this hypothesis, we overexpressed secretory or cytosolic renin in H9c2 cardiomyblasts and determined the rate of proliferation, necrosis and apoptosis. Proliferation rate, as indicated by BrdU incorporation into DNA, was reduced by secretory and cytosolic renin (cells transfected with control vector: 0.33 ± 0.06; secretory renin: 0.12 ± 0.02; P < 0.05; cytosolic renin: 0.15 ± 0.03; P < 0.05). Necrosis was increased by secretory renin but decreased by cytosolic renin (LDH release after 10 days from cells transfected with control vector: 68.5 ± 14.9; secretory renin: 100.0 ± 0; cytosolic renin: 25.5 ± 5.3% of content, each P < 0.05). Mitochondrial apoptosis, as indicated by phosphatidylserin translocation to the outer membrane, was unaffected by secretory renin but increased by cytosolic renin (controls: 23.8 ± 3.9%; secretory renin: 22.1 ± 4.7%; cytoplasmatic renin: 41.2 ± 3.8%; P < 0.05). The data demonstrate that a cytosolic renin exists in cardiomyocytes, which in contradiction to secretory renin protects from necrosis but increases apoptosis. Non‐secretory cytosolic renin can be considered as a new target for cardiac failure.
Nothing ‘FISH’y about the rhesus macaque sex ratio
Authors: Hung Pei‐Hsuan , Froenicke Lutz , Lyons Leslie A. , VandeVoort Catherine A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground  The rhesus macaque is an important model to study the effects of environmental toxicants on human reproduction. While the offspring sex ratio is one of the measurements in reproductive studies, this ratio has not been established for rhesus macaques.Methods  The birth data for the last 23 years at the California National Primate Research Center are reported to determine the post‐zygotic sex ratio. The percentage of X‐ and Y‐bearing sperm was evaluated in four males by fluorescence in situ hybridization and by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (QRT‐PCR) to determine the pre‐zygotic sex ratio.Results  The total birth data showed a male‐to‐female offspring sex ratio of 1.03, and the observed ratio of Y‐ and X‐bearing spermatozoa was 1.01. The QRT‐PCR failed to provide precise and consistent results.Conclusions  The offspring sex ratio and sperm X:Y ratio data provide a reference for future studies of the reproductive toxicology in rhesus macaques.
Pediatric hepatic hemangiosarcoma in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Mejía A.F. , Gierbolini L. , Jacob B. , Westmoreland S.V. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground  Pediatric hepatic angiosarcoma is a rare condition in children with poor prognosis. Microscopically this neoplasm has a particular ‘Kaposi‐form’ arrangement. Hemangiosarcoma in non‐human primates is a rare finding.Methods  Gross and microscopic examination of a 3‐year‐old rhesus were performed. Immunohistochemistry was used to characterize the hepatic hemangiosarcoma.Results  The gross necropsy revealed hemoabdomen and a 4 × 3 × 3 cm mass in the liver with multiple smaller masses throughout the hepatic parenchyma. Histopathology confirmed a poorly differentiated hemangiosarcoma. Other organs submitted were free of metastases.Conclusions  Hemangiosarcoma in non‐human primates has been rarely reported. Diagnosis was confirmed by expression of endothelial‐specific markers CD31 and vWF by immunohistochemistry. Due to the young age of this monkey and the particular solid pattern throughout the mass this neoplasm resembles pediatric hepatic angiosarcoma in humans.
Early cessation of breastfeeding to prevent postnatal transmission of HIV: a recommendation in need of guidance
Authors: De Paoli Marina M , Mkwanazi Ntombizodumo B , Richter Linda M , Rollins Nigel 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAim: Early and rapid cessation of breastfeeding has been recommended by WHO to reduce mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV. This study assessed how HIV‐infected mothers planned and experienced breastfeeding cessation as part of an HIV prevention strategy and how counsellors facilitated this process.Methods: A qualitative study was conducted among HIV‐infected mothers and counsellors from local clinics and an intervention research project in Durban, South Africa.Results: Mothers enrolled in the research setting reported many success stories in contrast to mothers attending routine services. Consistent counselling and ongoing support from counsellors facilitated this, though specific advice on how to stop breastfeeding and introduce complementary feeds was inadequate amongst both sets of counsellors. Few mothers had a plan for what they were actually going to do on the day when they had decided to stop breastfeeding. Their primary motivation for wanting to rapidly stop breastfeeding, even with the difficulties involved, was to avoid infecting their child with HIV. Both counsellors and HIV‐infected mothers expressed concern about practical issues, including social consequences, associated with early cessation. Mothers who had stopped breastfeeding offered some, albeit limited, recommendations to assist and guide other women.Conclusion: The experiences of HIV‐infected mothers planning for and stopping breastfeeding early illustrate the complexity of this recommendation and demonstrate that counsellors are ill‐prepared to support mothers accomplish this safely. Guidance that acknowledges the cultural context and psychological stresses is urgently needed to direct policy, training and service delivery.
A 2‐year school‐based exercise programme in pre‐pubertal boys induces skeletal benefits in lumbar spine
Authors: Alwis Gayani , Linden Christian , Ahlborg Henrik G. , Dencker Magnus , Gardsell Per , Karlsson Magnus K. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAim: The aim of this study was to evaluate if a general school‐based exercise intervention programme in pre‐pubertal boys would render site‐specific benefits in bone mineral accrual and gain in femoral neck structure.Methods: Eighty boys aged 7–9 years were included in a curriculum‐based exercise intervention programme comprising 40 min of general physical activity per school day (200 min/week) for 2 years. Fifty‐seven age‐matched boys, assigned to the general Swedish school curriculum of 60 min/week, served as controls. Bone mineral content was measured with dual X‐ray absorptiometry of the total body, the third lumbar vertebra and hip. Specific software, the hip structural analyses, evaluated the structural properties of the femoral neck. Annual changes were compared. The level of physical activity was estimated through questionnaires and accelerometers.Results: The mean annual bone mineral content gain in third lumbar vertebra was 3.0 percentage points (p < 0.01) and in width 1.3 percentage points (p < 0.01) greater in the intervention than in the control group. The weekly duration of exercise estimated through the questionnaire correlated with gain in bone mineral content in third lumbar vertebra (r = 0.25, p = 0.005) and vertebra width (r = 0.20, p = 0.02).Conclusion: A school‐based exercise intervention programme in pre‐pubertal boys enhances the skeletal benefits at lumbar spine.
Public provision of four‐wheeled walkers: Contingent valuation study of economic benefit
Authors: Haines Terry , Brown Cassandra , Morrison Jan 
Published: July 2008

Objective:  To quantify the economic value of publicly provided four‐wheeled walkers as judged by recipients in Queensland, Australia. Method:  Contingent valuation study using willingness‐to‐pay approach. A sample of 49 Australian older adults who received a publicly funded four‐wheeled walker in the past 3 months completed the survey via telephone. A discrete choice bidding response format with a randomly selected starting bid was employed to glean valuations. Results:  This approach yielded only one non‐response, and one zero dollar response. The mean (standard deviation) valuation provided was $A290 ($A167), which was $A84 in excess of the price paid by the public provider agency to purchase the equipment. Starting bid was significantly associated with values provided. Conclusion:  The current public provision program of four‐wheeled walkers is likely to generate net societal benefit. These findings coupled with arguments based on equity build a moderate case for the continuation of this program.
Determinants of work among older adults in urban China
Authors: Ling Davina C , Chi Iris 
Published: July 2008

Objective:   We examined the role of personal, family and institutional factors on the work status of older adults in urban China. Method:   The analysis was based on data from a large population survey (N = 7381) of community‐dwelling urban Chinese aged 60 years and older. Multivariate logistic regression was used to model work status.Results:   Demographic variables such as gender, ethnicity, age and self‐perceived health status were identified as important determinants of work status. Having material assets, savings, a public pension and health insurance were all negatively correlated with remaining in the workforce, whereas earning a high income was positively correlated. Conclusions:   Our findings have implications regarding the impact of health policy and pension reform on employment retention. While economic growth may create an incentive for some to continue working, the lack of widespread public and private old‐age support may force others to remain in the workforce out of economic necessity.
Antipsychotic use in the elderly: What doctors say they do, and what they do
Authors: Tiller John , Ames David , Brodaty Henry , Byrne Gerard , Chawla Sudarshan , Halliday Graeme , Snowdon John , Hepworth Graham , McArdle Peter , Schweitzer Isaac 
Published: July 2008

Objective:  To review psychiatrists’ attitudes and actual practice on the use of typical and atypical antipsychotics in the elderly. Methods:  Audit data were collected from 18‐old‐age psychiatry units across Australia. The attitudes of old age psychiatrists and their perceptions of the efficacy, tolerability and clinical usefulness of antipsychotics were examined. Results:  The medications used for 321 patients were audited, and the attitudes of the 57 prescribing doctors were assessed. All available atypicals were prescribed and reported as more efficacious and clinically useful than typicals. Adverse events perceived by doctors as an obstacle to prescribing were more frequent than reported adverse event rates in product information. All diagnostic groups improved. Off‐label use comprised almost 22% in this sample. Conclusions:  Adverse events are impediments to prescribing, more so with typical than atypical antipsychotics. All available atypicals were used and appeared effective in this elderly population.
The acute–aged care interface: Exploring the dynamics of ‘bed blocking’
Authors: Travers Catherine M , McDonnell Geoff D , Broe Gerald A , Anderson Phil , Karmel Rosemary , Duckett Stephen J , Gray Len C 
Published: July 2008

Objective:  To understand the dynamics underlying ‘bed‐blocking’ in Australian public hospitals that is frequently blamed on older patients. Methods:  Analysis of primary and secondary data of utilisation patterns of hospital and aged care services by older Australians. Results:  A model of the dynamics at the acute–aged care interface was developed, in which the pathway into permanent high‐care Residential Aged Care (RAC) is conceptualised as competing queues for available places by applicants from the hospital, the community and from within RAC facilities. The hospital effectively becomes a safety net to accommodate people with high‐care needs who cannot be admitted into RAC in a timely manner. Conclusion:  The model provides a useful tool to explore some of the issues that give rise to access‐block within the public hospital system. Access‐block cannot be understood by viewing the hospital system in isolation from other sectors that support the health and well‐being of older Australians.
CONSUMER ATTITUDES AND OPINIONS TOWARD FUNCTIONAL FOODS: A FOCUS GROUP STUDY
Authors: BARRIOS EDITH X. , BAYARRI SARA , CARBONELL INMACULADA , IZQUIERDO LUIS , COSTELL ELVIRA 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT Acceptance of foods with specific health characteristics depends largely on the consumers’ opinion. The objective of this work was to investigate Spanish consumers’ opinions, attitudes and beliefs regarding functional foods in general, and one of the most popular foods, yogurt, in particular. Six consumer focus group interviews were conducted, involving a total of 59 participants. Each group profile was chosen to either complement or contrast the other groups according to previously established criteria (gender, age and educational level). The youngest consumers (18–30 years old) proved, in general, to have a fairly negative attitude toward these types of products, although this attitude varied according to the type of food. For the consumers participating in this study, the most acceptable functional foods were low‐fat foods and some fermented dairy products. Purchase and consumption of yogurt were more dependent on its sensorial qualities and its price than on the nutritional information printed on the label. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe influence of attitudes, beliefs and opinions on food choice and purchase is specially important in the acceptance of some types of foods (organic or ecological, genetically modified or functional) that are presented to the consumer as a possible alternative to the conventional foods. The application of focus groups can help not only in explaining consumer behavior, but also in designing more effective nutritional education rules and products that satisfy consumer needs and expectations.
NEURAL METHODS OF CALIBRATION OF SENSORS FOR GAS MEASUREMENTS AND AROMA IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM
Authors: OSOWSKI STANISLAW , BRUDZEWSKI KAZIMIERZ , MARKIEWICZ TOMASZ , ULACZYK JAN 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT The article presents the neural methods of calibration of gas sensors for use in an artificial electronic nose for gas measurements. Different neural network solutions will be presented and compared. They include the classical multilayer perceptron, neuro‐fuzzy networks and support vector machines. The other aspect illustrated in the article is the introductory preprocessing of the measured sensor signals in order to attain the highest possible efficiency of the gas measuring system. The theoretical considerations will be supported by the numerical experiments concerning the application of the electronic nose. The first practical aspect is concerned with the application of the developed system for classification problems and will be illustrated in the examples of the recognition of the biocomponents in the gasoline and the recognition of smells of cosmetic cream at the aging process. The second one belongs to the estimation problem and is concerned with the determination of the concentration of the particular gas components in the mixture of gases. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe results presented in the article may find practical application for calibration of the electronic nose in gas measurements. The electronic nose is widely used for smell recognition. It may find practical application in the petroleum, cosmetics or food industry for the assessment of the quality of their products. Military application is also of great interest.
Multiple Parameterization for Hydraulic Conductivity Identification
Authors: Tsai Frank T.‐C. , Li Xiaobao 
Published: July 2008

AbstractHydraulic conductivity identification remains a challenging inverse problem in ground water modeling because of the inherent nonuniqueness and lack of flexibility in parameterization methods. This study introduces maximum weighted log‐likelihood estimation (MWLLE) along with multiple generalized parameterization (GP) methods to identify hydraulic conductivity and to address nonuniqueness and inflexibility problems in parameterization. A scaling factor for information criteria is suggested to obtain reasonable weights of parameterization methods for the MWLLE and model averaging method. The scaling factor is a statistical parameter relating to a desired significance level in Occam’s window and the variance of the chi‐squares distribution of the fitting error. Through model averaging with multiple GP methods, the conditional estimate of hydraulic conductivity and its total conditional covariances are calculated. A numerical example illustrates the issue arising from Occam’s window in estimating model weights and shows the usefulness of the scaling factor to obtain reasonable model weights. Moreover, the numerical example demonstrates the advantage of using multiple GP methods over the zonation and interpolation methods because GP provides better models in the model averaging method. The methodology is applied to the Alamitos Gap area, California, to identify the hydraulic conductivity field. The results show that the use of the scaling factor is necessary in order to incorporate good parameterization methods and to avoid a dominant parameterization method.
Property Tax in Urban China
Authors: Li Dan , Song Shunfeng 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis paper examines China's urban housing sector and proposes that property tax reform be undertaken. Specifically, China should significantly reduce taxes on transactions and introduce property taxes during the possession of houses. This will increase housing affordability as a result of lower transaction costs, reduce speculation because of the higher opportunity cost of holding vacant houses, stabilize the fiscal system by generating more sustainable tax revenue, and improve the efficiency and fairness of the property tax system according to the principles of “ability‐to‐pay” and “user pays”.
China's Inbound Tourist Revenue and Beijing Olympic Games 2008
Authors: Zeng Kaisheng , Luo Xiaohui 
Published: July 2008

AbstractDuring the process of economic globalization, China's inbound tourism has developed strongly. The present paper deals with one of the core issues of the international tourism industry: inbound tourist revenue. With the aid of conventional theories and the use of empirical tests, our study identifies some decisive factors that have influenced China's inbound tourist revenue through an analysis of the global and local conditions at macro and micro levels. The findings were then linked to the Olympic Games, the mega event having impacted international tourism. The findings were also linked to further discussions and suggestions for the interactions between the Beijing Olympic Games 2008 and China's inbound tourism.
Generative Approaches to Ergativity
Authors: Aldridge Edith 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis article surveys the principal generative syntactic analyses that have been proposed for ergativity, found primarily in Inuit, Austronesian, Mayan, and Pama‐Nyungan language families. The main puzzle for generative grammar is how to analyze the behavior of ergative and absolutive arguments in terms of the grammatical functions of subject and object. I show in this article that early approaches tend to treat the absolutive uniformly as a subject or an object, while later analyses move toward disassociating case from grammatical function. Descriptively speaking, this article identifies two types of morphological ergativity, differing in how absolutive case is assigned. Morphological ergativity is also distinguished from syntactic ergativity, which is characterized primarily by a restriction that only absolutives can undergo A’‐movement. In other aspects of the grammar, ergativity is not strikingly different from accusativity.
Family Language Policy
Authors: King Kendall A. , Fogle Lyn , Logan‐Terry Aubrey 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis article describes the newly emerging field of family language policy, defined as explicit and overt planning in relation to language use within the home among family members, and provides an integrated overview of research on how languages are managed, learned, and negotiated within families. A comprehensive framework for understanding family language policy is sketched by bringing together two independent and currently disconnected fields of study: language policy and child language acquisition. Within such a framework, this article reviews research on the role of language ideologies in shaping family language practices, and on the connection between different family language policies, such as the one person–one language approach, and child language outcomes. We argue that family language policies are important as they shape children's developmental trajectories, connect in significant ways with children's formal school success, and collectively determine the maintenance and future status of minority languages.