bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of substituted IIIB transition metals on electronic properties of indium oxide by first‐principles calculations
Authors: Kompany A. , Rahnamaye Aliabad H. A. , Hosseini S. M. , Baedi J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe effect of IIIB transition metals on the electronic properties of Indium Oxide (In2O3) has been studied, using first‐principles calculations method based on the density functional theory (DFT), with generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The results show a band gap of 1.03 eV for pure indium oxide, in the absence of the scissors operation. The calculated density of states indicated that the valance bands were composed mainly due to O‐2p states and conduction bands due to In‐5s states. Substituting indium atoms at b positions by IIIB elements considerably increases the value of the band gap mainly due to number of states originating from IIIB‐d states in the conduction bands. We found that the effect of doping on band gaps is mostly due to impurity d‐states rather than expanding of lattice parameter. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Automated detection of infectious disease outbreaks: hierarchical time series models
Authors: Heisterkamp Simon H. , Dekkers Arnold L. M. , Heijne Janneke C. M. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe purpose of infectious disease surveillance is to inform the public health policy makers on the incidence and trends of infectious diseases and to trigger appropriate actions to control infectious disease outbreaks. The enormous amount of data collected with automated laboratory‐based surveillance systems require automated algorithms for detecting unexpected aberrations that may signal infectious disease outbreaks. In this paper, we explore the potential of hierarchical time series models to detect deviations from expected incidence. As these count data are extremely noisy it can be expected that these models are suitable to detect signal from noise and accommodate for possible autocorrelation. The proposed procedure consists of three steps; (1) the model parameters are estimated by empirical Bayes on a training period of, e.g. a year; (2) the expected values are updated for small time steps (e.g. daily) as new data arrive; (3) threshold levels are updated conditionally on the past expected values and an alarm is triggered when the threshold level is exceeded. To test the potential of the models we estimated sensitivity, specificity and timeliness on simulated time series and compared the results with an alternative approach of a linear regression model adjusted for trends and season. We also used two observed series for Rubella notifications and Salmonella infections and compared our findings with the expert opinions on these series. The hierarchical time series models approach shows high sensitivity and specificity and correctly identifies outbreaks at an early stage. This, in our opinion, makes the proposed model a reliable tool for adequate automated detection of infectious disease outbreaks. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spontaneous rupture of sacrococcygeal teratoma associated with acute fetal anemia
Authors: Yamaguchi Y. , Tsukimori K. , Hojo S. , Nakanami N. , Nozaki M. , Masumoto K. , Taguchi T. , Wake N. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractSacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is the most common congenital tumor, with affected fetuses having a high risk of perinatal complications and death. We report a case of a fetus with an SCT that developed acute anemia due to spontaneous rupture of the tumor in utero. The fetus was referred at 25 weeks' gestation for evaluation of a large solid and cystic mass in the sacral region. There were no signs of hydrops or placentomegaly. At 33 weeks' gestation, loss of variability in the fetal heart rate pattern was recorded. Doppler ultrasonography showed increased middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity, suggesting fetal anemia. Markedly bloody amniotic fluid, with 82% hemoglobin F, was observed on amniocentesis, suggesting rupture of the SCT with active fetal bleeding. An emergency Cesarean section was performed. At delivery, the tumor was bleeding actively and the neonatal hemoglobin concentration was 3.1 g/dL. There were no findings of hemorrhage or necrosis within the tumor. The neonate received a blood transfusion, and surgical resection of the tumor was carried out on the first day after delivery. Postoperatively, the baby did well. We suggest that fetal SCTs run the risk of inducing acute fetal anemia due to intrauterine hemorrhage of the tumor, a finding which could lead to an earlier and more appropriate management of this condition. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of supply, demand and grain quality on the UK bread and feed wheat price differential in the UK
Authors: HOLLINS P. D. , KETTLEWELL P. S. , PARSONS S. T. , ATKINSON M. D. 
Published: September 2006

The difference between the bread wheat and feed wheat prices in the UK (the premium) is an important influence on behaviour throughout the entire grain chain. The aim of the present study was to quantify the influence of grain quality and other factors on interannual variation in the premium calculated as a proportion of the feed price. A hypothetical model of the UK wheat economy was devised, appropriate annual national data from 1982 to 2000 were collected for each component and multiple regression was used to develop a statistical model for the premium.The statistical model included livestock numbers (calculated as pig equivalents), Hagberg falling number and wheat stocks, which together explained 0·80 of the interannual variation in the premium. A high premium was associated with high livestock numbers, low Hagberg falling number and low wheat stocks. These variables were included in the hypothetical model because: livestock numbers represent demand for feed wheat; Hagberg falling number is a quality criterion for purchase of bread wheat with a low value indicating poor quality and thus a smaller supply of bread wheat; wheat stocks are one of the sources of supply of wheat. It was concluded that of the 16 supply, demand or price variables in the hypothetical model the main variables associated with the premium from 1982 to 2000 were demand for feed wheat, quality of the wheat harvest and carry-over of wheat from the previous harvest.
PARENTAL PREFERENCE FOR SONS AND DAUGHTERS IN A WESTERN INDUSTRIAL SETTING: EVIDENCE AND IMPLICATIONS
Authors: KIPPEN REBECCA , EVANS ANN , GRAY EDITH 
Published: September 2006

SummaryThis paper considers whether sex composition of existing children in Australian families is an important factor in parity progression. Using census data from 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996 and 2001, women are linked with their co-resident children, allowing investigation of family sex composition and its changing impact over time on the propensity to have another child. The study finds that parents are much more likely to have a third and fourth birth if existing children are all of the same sex, indicating a strong preference for children of both sexes. This increased propensity has added around three per cent to the fertility of recent cohorts. The paper concludes with a discussion of the potential impact of sex-selection technologies on fertility. The authors argue that future widespread use of reliable sex-selection technologies might act to increase fertility in the short term, but would lead to a long-term reduction in fertility.
WHEN ANCIENT MEETS MODERN: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POSTPARTUM NON-SUSCEPTIBILITY AND CONTRACEPTION IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Authors: BROWN MARK 
Published: September 2006

SummaryExtended durations of postpartum non-susceptibility (PPNS) comprising lactational amenorrhoea and associated taboos on sex have been a central component of traditional reproductive regimes in sub-Saharan Africa. In situations of rising contraceptive prevalence this paper draws on data from the Demographic Health Surveys to consider the neglected interface between ancient and modern methods of regulation. The analysis reports striking contrasts between countries. At one extreme a woman’s natural susceptibility status appears to have little bearing on the decision to use contraception in Zimbabwe, with widespread ‘double-protection’. By contrast, contraceptive use in Kenya and Ghana builds directly onto underlying patterns of PPNS. Possible explanations for the differences and the implications for theory and policy are discussed.
Predicting post-traumatic stress disorder: validation of the Trauma Screening Questionnaire in victims of assault
Authors: WALTERS JAMES T. R. , BISSON JONATHAN I. , SHEPHERD JONATHAN P. 
Published: September 2006

Background. No accurate means of determining which individuals will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a traumatic event has yet been identified. This study aimed to determine the validity of the Trauma Screening Questionnaire (TSQ) in predicting the development of PTSD following assault.Method. Five hundred and sixty-two individuals who presented to an emergency unit following assault completed the TSQ between 1 and 3 weeks later. The Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS) was completed by the same individuals at 1 month and 6 months following assault to determine the presence of PTSD. The predictive power of the TSQ was determined by statistical tests.Results. The TSQ was an effective means of predicting future PTSD, with a sensitivity of 0·85, specificity 0·89, negative predictive value (NPV) 0·98 and efficiency 0·90. The positive predictive value (PPV) was lower (0·48), probably as a result of the relatively low prevalence of PTSD at 1 month (11%) and 6 months (8%) following the assault.Conclusions. This study suggests that the TSQ can be used between 1 and 3 weeks after assault to help identify individuals who will develop PTSD.
Burden of paediatric invasive pneumococcal disease in Europe, 2005
Authors: McINTOSH E. D. G. , FRITZELL B. , FLETCHER M. A. 
Published: September 2006

SUMMARYWithin the European Union (EU), documenting the burden of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in infants and children is important for coordinating effective pneumococcal immunization policies. Our objective was to document the burden of IPD in countries of the EU plus Switzerland and Norway. European affiliates of Wyeth Vaccines made available recent epidemiological data on IPD from local disease surveillance programmes, including unpublished sources. Recent literature and websites were also searched to provide as wide a representation as possible. This included OVID and abstracts from a number of international meetings, dating from the year 2000. The reported rates of paediatric IPD per 100 000 (age) ranged from a low of 1·7 (<2 years) to 4·2 (2–15 years) in Sweden to a high of 93·5 to 174 (<2 years) to 56·2 (<5 years) in Spain. The percentage of circulating serotypes causing IPD that are covered by 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) IPD serotype coverage ranged from 60% to 80% for European children aged <2 years. Under reporting, differences in reporting methods, antibiotic prescribing and disparities in blood-culturing practices may explain the differences in reported disease incidence. Because of the excellent clinical efficacy of the PCV against IPD, national pneumococcal vaccination programmes in Europe have the potential to prevent much morbidity and mortality.
Employing libraries of zinc finger artificial transcription factors to screen for homologous recombination mutants in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lindhout Beatrice I. , Pinas Johan E. , Hooykaas Paul J.J. , Van Der Zaal Bert J. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryA library of genes for zinc finger artificial transcription factors (ZF‐ATF) was generated by fusion of DNA sequences encoding three‐finger Cys2His2 ZF domains to the VP16 activation domain under the control of the promoter of the ribosomal protein gene RPS5A from Arabidopsis thaliana. After introduction of this library into an Arabidopsis homologous recombination (HR) indicator line, we selected primary transformants exhibiting multiple somatic recombination events. After PCR‐mediated rescue of ZF sequences, reconstituted ZF‐ATFs were re‐introduced in the target line. In this manner, a ZF‐ATF was identified that led to a 200–1000‐fold increase in somatic HR (replicated in an independent second target line). A mutant plant line expressing the HR‐inducing ZF‐ATF exhibited increased resistance to the DNA‐damaging agent bleomycin and was more sensitive to methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), a combination of traits not described previously. Our results demonstrate that the use of ZF‐ATF pools is highly rewarding when screening for novel dominant phenotypes in Arabidopsis.
Mortality rate and years of life lost from unintentional injury and suicide in South India
Authors: Bose Anuradha , Konradsen Flemming , John Jacob , Suganthy Pearline , Muliyil Jayaprakash , Abraham Sulochana 
Published: September 2006

SummaryWe calculated mortality rates and years of life lost because of unintentional injuries and suicides using community based information obtained prospectively over a 7‐year period, from 1998 to 2004, among a rural and peri‐urban population of 108 000 in South India. Per 100 000 population the total mortality rate for unintentional injuries and suicides combined was 137.1, with 54.9 for unintentional injuries and 82.2 for suicides respectively. Hanging and self‐poisoning with pesticides were the preferred means of suicide. Unintentional injuries and suicides resulted in 26.9% of total life years lost over the study period while 18.9% of all deaths in the population were attributable to unintentional injuries and suicides in the same period. The high burden is particularly notable in the 15–29 age group, where up to 70% of years of life lost are due to injury. The burden of injuries reported in this study is significantly higher than the figures reflected in available reports for India and is likely due to the under reporting in routine mortality statistics, particularly of suicides.
Hepatitis B seroprevalence in Thailand: 12 years after hepatitis B vaccine integration into the national expanded programme on immunization
Authors: Chongsrisawat Voranush , Yoocharoen Pornsak , Theamboonlers Apiradee , Tharmaphornpilas Piyanit , Warinsathien Porpit , Sinlaparatsamee Supakarn , Paupunwatana Siriraj , Chaiear Kasemporn , Khwanjaipanich Sawan , Poovorawan Yong 
Published: September 2006

SummaryObjectives  To evaluate the impact of the universal hepatitis B (HB) vaccination programme on the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers and immunity to HB virus infection among children <18 years and to determine the HB seroprevalence in the Thai population.Methods  We enrolled people in four provinces, including Chiangrai, Udon Thani, Chonburi and Nakhon Si Thammarat to geographically represent populations in the North, Northeast, Center and South of the country respectively. Serology for HBsAg, anti‐hepatitis B surface (anti‐HBs), and anti‐hepatitis B core (anti‐HBc) was tested using ELISA commercial kits. In total, 6213 subjects aged 6 months to 60 years from the four provincial hospitals and two to three district hospitals of each participating province participated.Results  Overall HBsAg, anti‐HBs, and anti‐HBc seropositive rates amounted to 4%, 41.6% and 26.5% respectively. Of 2887 participants aged 6 months to 18 years, 2303 were born after (group I) and 584 prior to (group II) HB vaccine integration into the expanded programme on immunization of each participating province. The HBsAg seropositive rate was 0.7% among group I children and 4.3% among group II children. The prevalence rate of anti‐HBc was 2.9% in group I and 15.8% in group II. In children under 18 years, the HBsAg carrier rate was 0.98% among complete vaccinees and 1.36% among participants without vaccination.Conclusions  This finding supports the efficacy of universal HB immunization in reducing the prevalence of HB infection in Thailand which is a highly endemic country.
Could the Chagas disease elimination programme in Venezuela be compromised by reinvasion of houses by sylvatic Rhodnius prolixus bug populations?
Authors: Sanchez‐Martin Maria J. , Feliciangeli M. Dora , Campbell‐Lendrum Diarmid , Davies Clive R. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryThe Andean Pact Initiative (1997) committed Andean countries to eliminate vectorial transmission of Chagas disease by 2010 via widespread residual insecticide spraying. In Venezuela, this aim could be compromised by reinvasion of houses by palm tree populations of the major vector Rhodnius prolixus. To test this hypothesis, a multivariate logistic regression was undertaken of risk factors for triatomine infestation and colonization in 552 houses and 1068 peri‐domestic outbuildings in Barinas State. After adjusting for other risk factors, including palm roofs, R. prolixus infestation and colonization of outbuildings (and, to some extent, houses) was significantly associated with proximity to high densities of Attalea butyracea palm trees. House infestation and/or colonization was also positively associated with bug density in peri‐domestic outbuildings, the presence of pigsties and nests. Hence, R. prolixus populations in ineffectively sprayed outbuildings could also provide an important source of house re‐infestations. The secondary vector Triatoma maculata was mainly found associated with the presence of hens nesting both indoors and outdoors.
No detrimental effect on renal function during long‐term use of fluvastatin in renal transplant recipients in the Assessment of Lescol in Renal Transplantation (ALERT) study
Authors: Fellström Bengt , Abedini Sadollah , Holdaas Hallvard , Jardine Alan G. , Staffler Beatrix , Gimpelewicz Claudio ,   the Assessment of Lescol in Renal Transplantation (ALERT) study group
Published: September 2006

Abstract:  Background:  Concerns have recently been raised regarding a potential harmful effect of statins on renal function. This study investigated the effect of fluvastatin treatment on renal function in renal transplant recipients enrolled in the Assessment of Lescol in Renal Transplantation (ALERT) trial.Methods:  ALERT was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of the effect of fluvastatin, 40–80 mg daily (n = 1050) or placebo (n = 1052) on cardiac and renal outcomes in renal transplant recipients over a follow‐up period of five to six years. The incidence of graft loss, changes in serum creatinine, calculated creatinine clearance and proteinuria, and the incidence of renal adverse events (AEs) were assessed in both treatment groups.Results:  Fluvastatin treatment in ALERT had no significant effect compared with placebo on renal function, assessed by serum creatinine (overall adjusted mean ± SEM: fluvastatin, 175.4 ± 2.20 μmol/L; placebo, 172.7 ± 2.20 μmol/L; p = 0.39), creatinine clearance (fluvastatin, 55.3 ± 0.30 mL/min; placebo, 55.8 ± 0.30 mL/min; p = 0.26) or proteinuria (fluvastatin, 0.58 ± 0.03 g/24 h; placebo, 0.53 ± 0.03 g/24 h; p = 0.31). There were no significant differences between treatment groups when the 283 patients suffering graft loss were excluded from the analysis. Fluvastatin also had no detrimental effect on creatinine clearance or proteinuria in the subgroup of 340 diabetic patients without graft loss in ALERT. No notable differences in the rate of renal or musculoskeletal AEs were observed between fluvastatin and placebo groups.Conclusions:  Fluvastatin had no detrimental effect on renal function, or the risk of renal AEs, in renal transplant recipients with or without diabetes enrolled in ALERT. Fluvastatin treatment for the prevention of cardiac events may therefore be used without fear of jeopardizing renal function.
Mammary Gland Secretory Concretions Contain Non‐Collagenous Bone Matrix Proteins
Authors: Egerbacher M. , Moussa E. A. M. , Helmreich M. , Böck P. , Schuh M. 
Published: September 2006

SummarySecretory concretions in mammary gland alveoli are commonly of microscopical size. However, some concretions reach clinically palpable dimensions and may occlude teat canals and obstruct milk flow. We studied secretory concretions in sheep, goat and cow mammary glands, using routine histological staining methods, conventional histochemistry and electron microscopy. As concretions frequently mineralize, immunostaining for keratan sulphate and calcium‐binding non‐collagenous bone matrix proteins (bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, osteonectin and osteopontin) was performed. Concretions consisted of organic matrix (condensed secretions) with calcium precipitates. Mineralized deposits mostly show concentric organization, bound haematoxylin, and were readily identified in H&E‐stained sections. Mineral components of concretions reacted for calcium carbonate and phosphate, organic matrix was found to contain sialoglycan material. Immunohistochemistry revealed bone sialoprotein, osteonectin and keratan sulphate in cow and goat concretions. Osteocalcin was detected in sheep, cow and goat concretions, whilst osteopontin was not identified in any of the specimens studied. Our results indicate the presence of non‐collagenous bone matrix proteins (except osteopontin) in mammary gland concretions. These glycoproteins are commonly thought to govern mineralization of organic matrix and are assumed also to promote mineral deposition in mammary gland secretory concretions. Besides caseins, these particular glycoproteins have to be considered as calcium‐binding milk proteins.
Programmed cell death of the ovarian nurse cells during oogenesis of the silkmoth Bombyx mori
Authors: Mpakou Vicky E. , Nezis Ioannis P. , Stravopodis Dimitrios J. , Margaritis Lukas H. , Papassideri Issidora S. 
Published: September 2006

In the present study, we describe the features of programmed cell death of the ovarian nurse cells occurring during vitellogenesis of the silkmoth Bombyx mori. At developmental stage 5, the nurse cells occupy one‐half of the follicular volume and obtain a rather spherical shape, while the nurse cell nuclei appear large and elongated, forming impressive projections. At the following stage, stage 6, the nurse cells decrease in size and their shape becomes elliptic. The nuclei remain elongated, being also characterized by large lobes. The lobes of the ramified nurse cell nuclei seem to retain the nucleus in the center of the cell during the dumping of the nurse cell cytoplasm into the growing oocyte. At stage 7, membrane enclosed vacuoles can be easily detected into the nurse cells cytoplasm. Ultrastructural analysis and fluorescent microscopy using mono‐dansyl‐cadaverine staining of these vacuoles also reveal that they represent autolysosomes. Caspase activity is detected during stage 7, as it is demonstrated by using the Red‐VAD‐FMK staining reagent. At developmental stages 8 and 9, the nurse cells exhibit chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation and caspase activity. Finally, during the following stage 10, the nuclear remnants are assembled into apoptotic vesicles, which, after being phagocytosed, are observed in the cytoplasm of adjacent follicle cells. We propose that apoptosis and autophagy operate synergistically during vitellogenesis of B. mori, in order to achieve an efficient and rapid clearance of the degenerated nurse cell cluster.