bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A fatigue model with local sensitivity analysis
Authors: CASTILLO E. , FERNÁNDEZ‐CANTELI A. , HADI A. S. , LÓPEZ‐AENLLE M. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTThe goal of this paper is two fold. First, it introduces a general parametric lifetime model for high‐cycle fatigue regime derived from physical, statistical, engineering and dimensional analysis considerations. The proposed model has two threshold parameters and three Weibull distribution parameters. A two‐step procedure is presented to estimate the parameters. In the first step, the two threshold parameters are estimated by minimizing a least squares regression function. In the second step, the parameters are estimated by the maximum likelihood method after pooling together the data from different stress levels. Since parameter estimation should always be accompanied by a sensitivity analysis of the fitted model, the second goal of this paper is to propose a method for sensitivity analysis for fatigue models. We show that the proposed sensitivity analysis methods are general and can be applied to any fatigue or lifetime model, not just to the one proposed here. Although several fatigue models have been proposed in the literature, to our knowledge this is the first attempt to produce methods for sensitivity analysis for fatigue models. The proposed method makes use of the well‐known duality property of mathematical programming, which states that the partial derivatives of the primal objective function with respect to the constraints right hand side parameters are the optimal values of the negative of the dual problem variables. For the parameters or data, for which sensitivities are sought, to appear on the right hand side, they are converted into artificial variables and set to their actual values, thus obtaining the desired constraints. Both the estimation and sensitivity analysis methods are illustrated by two examples, one application using real fatigue data and the other using simulated data. In addition, the sensitivity proposed method is also applied to an alternative fatigue model. Finally, some specific conclusions and recommendations are also given.
Carbohydrates and dietary fibre
Authors: Lunn J. , Buttriss J. L. 
Published: February 2007

Summary  The health benefits of including sufficient dietary fibre in the diet have been well described and have formed the basis of dietary recommendations around the world. However, dietary fibre is a complex dietary entity, consisting of many non‐digestible components of food. Debate surrounding the definition and measurement of dietary fibre has resulted in inconsistencies in labelling, description and recommendations set across the world. In the UK, dietary recommendations are made using the fraction of non‐digestible material described as non‐starch polysaccharide that is measured by the Englyst method. However, the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods, used widely by the food industry, capture a much greater range of non‐digestible material, that some suggest should be included in any definition of dietary fibre. An attempt to resolve such discrepancies, possibly by taking an approach that considers the health effects of fractions not captured in the Englyst method, is probably overdue.Additionally, it is clear that the effects of these various non‐digestible components of dietary fibre are not interchangeable, and it is important that fibre comes from a range of sources to ensure maximum health benefits from the fibre in the diet. Traditional ‘insoluble’ fibres are required to add bulk as well as rapidly fermentable, viscous fibres to bring about cholesterol lowering. There is also a convincing argument for including slowly fermented components, such as resistant starches, that are well tolerated in the digestive system and can bring about improvements in gut function. Currently there is insufficient data from well designed human intervention trials to make specific recommendations on the amounts of these fibre components in the diet, but it may be useful for health professionals to talk in terms of the different food sources of these types of fibre, as well as total fibre amounts.
GROWTH, COMMODITY PRICES, INFLATION AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME
Authors: Bloch Harry , Dockery A. Michael , Morgan C. Wyn , Sapsford David 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTA primary commodity price boom is underway. Given the role of internationally traded primary commodities as inputs into the productive process in the industrialized world, an important question arises: namely what effects will this price‐boom exert upon wage and price inflation in industrialized countries? In order to address this question, we specify and estimate a system of equations in which the key dependent variables are world commodity prices, the domestic inflation rate for finished goods and the rate of domestic industrial wage inflation. This model is estimated against data for each of three major industrialized countries: Japan, the UK and the USA and the implications of the results thus obtained are explored.
WORKFORCE AGEING AND THE SUBSTITUTION OF LABOUR: THE ROLE OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND OF LABOUR IN AUSTRIA
Authors: Prskawetz Alexia , Fent Thomas 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTWe study the sensitivity of projected economic productivity (output per worker) with respect to alternative projections of labour supply and alternative assumptions on the substitutability of workers at different ages. We show that in a pure labour economy assuming imperfect substitution of workers at different ages implies an increase in relative productivity during the next two decades. For a decreasing or hump‐shaped age‐specific productivity profile a negative tradeoff between an increasing labour force at older ages and aggregate productivity results. A decline in productivity can be attenuated by adjusting labour force participation rates to levels currently observed in Nordic countries.
IS A THEORY OF TOTAL FACTOR PRODUCTIVITY REALLY NEEDED?
Authors: Felipe Jesus , McCombie John S. L. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper addresses the question of whether or not a theory of total factor productivity (TFP) is needed in order to explain the observed large per capita income differences across countries. As the argument that it is needed has been reached by calculating TFP empirically, we show that the way the estimates of TFP have been computed is not an innocuous issue. To illustrate our point, we discuss how two well‐known textbooks on growth theory present the arguments and the problems associated with these expositions. We conclude that the tautological nature of the estimates of TFP lies at the heart of an important question that the empirical literature on economic growth has been dealing with during recent years. Hence, our arguments cast doubt on the need for a theory of TFP.
The importance of understanding the shape of diverse ethnic female consumers for developing jeans sizing systems
Authors: Shin Su‐Jeong Hwang , Istook Cynthia L. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis study has been conducted to investigate the fit issues related to the current apparel pants and jeans sizing system for diverse consumers, identifying body shape differences among ethnic groups. A total of 1335 women in a certain size range (Misses figure type sizes 2–20) were selected in the study. A Misses figure type size category is commonly used for adult women of average proportion and height. First, the body dimension differences among ethnic groups were examined with a single factor analysis of variance. Second, the fit of pants and jeans for the diverse consumers within the same size category was examined with the current standard sizing system, ASTM D5585 for adult female Misses figure type sizes 2–20. Three cases were programmed within a database: When each consumer selects a size for a pair of jeans based on (1) waist size; (2) hip size; and (3) waist height (usually pants length). And last, the results were analysed with fit comparison plots. Current jean consumers are racially diversified in the US and globally as well. This study revealed that ethnic groups had different fit problems and significant body shape differences. Even within the same figure type size category, a variety of body dimensions existed in each ethnic group. According to the fit problem assessment in this study, consumers within the same body figure type size category could not find the right fit of the pants and jeans within the current sizing system. Half of the female consumers could not find a garment to fit based on waist height (pants length) because the current sizing systems overlooked the effect of diverse consumers. This study will be useful for standardizing organizations to modify current sizing systems for diverse ethnic consumer groups as a demographic factor so that apparel companies could provide better quality of fit for their consumers in the global and local market.
Baclofen intoxication in a dog successfully treated with hemodialysis and hemoperfusion coupled with intensive supportive care
Authors: Scott Nancy E. , Francey Thierry , Jandrey Karl 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective: To describe a case of confirmed baclofen intoxication in a dog that was successfully treated with hemodialysis and hemoperfusion (HD/HP) and to report the serum baclofen kinetics.Case summary: A 2.5‐year‐old, 23 kg, spayed female Brittany Spaniel‐mix was treated after ingesting 21‐52 mg/kg of baclofen. The dog was comatose and was receiving manual ventilation at the time of presentation. Extracorporeal HD/HP was started 10 hours after admission. Within 3 hours of starting HD/HP the dog began initiating breaths and was extubated 18 hours after admission. Serial serum samples that were obtained during the first 24 hours of hospitalization were later analyzed for baclofen concentrations. The dog had elevated creatine phosphokinase and liver enzymes that correlated with an agitated recovery period. The dog had thrombocytopenia that resolved by 10 days after presentation.New or unique information provided: HD/HP shortened the baclofen serum elimination half‐life from 5 to 1.5 hours in the initial 2 hours of treatment. The intrinsic elimination rate constant (Kintr) for this dog was 0.138/hour and the total elimination rate constant (Ktot) during the first 2 hours of HD/HP treatment was 0.458/hour. In this dog, HD/HP was an effective method for rapidly decreasing serum baclofen concentration after an acute overdose.
Circulation of Arab Silver in Medieval Afro‐Eurasia: Preliminary Observations
Authors: Kovalev Roman K. , Kaelin Alexis C. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractDirhams or medieval Islamic silver coins offer a unique and indispensable primary source for the study of many fundamental issues pertaining to Afro‐Eurasian history during the Middle Ages that cannot be studied using any other evidence. When found in hoards, or deposits of five or more dirhams, they are especially useful, since historical numismatists can study the profiles of the contents of the hoards to discern numerous questions. Thus, the 1656 hoards, containing almost half a million dirhams, recorded to date show that close to three quarters of them were deposited not in the Muslim world, but in northern Europe from c.800 to c.1100 and that they were brought there mostly via Russia. This finding brings many questions that need answering in the future. One of the key conclusions of the present study is that this silver gravitated to silver‐scarce northern Europe and was exchanged for items in great demand in the ‘House of Islam’– furs and slaves.
Traffick of Empire: Trade, Treaty andTerra Nulliusin Australia and North America, 1750–1800
Authors: Buchan Bruce 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIt will be argued in this article that British colonial authorities in Australia employed a framework of concepts, ideas and assumptions then current in European thought in their efforts to translate the difference of the Indigenous inhabitants to the terms of European familiarity. This framework was also buttressed by a previous extensive experience of colonial diplomacy and trade in North America. By drawing on these intellectual and experiential sources, colonisers in Australia sought to represent the Indigenous inhabitants as ‘savage’– lacking their own property rights or sovereignty. Some historians in Australia have focussed most attention on the concepts of legal thought – notablyterra nullius– in seeking to explain the colonial dispossession of Indigenous peoples. A more potent if long neglected source for this dispossession, I argue, lies in the ways that Europeans thought about and practiced trade or ‘traffick’.
Popular [Mis]conceptions of Medieval Warfare
Authors: Burkholder Peter 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPopular portrayals of war in the Middle Ages, such as medieval‐themed films and video games, draw large crowds, big money, and tremendous interest among the general public. As a result, certain dubious stereotypes now overwhelm depictions of medieval combat, and further reinforce extant misconceptions. However, there is a long history of this, both at the hands of popular entertainers and professional military historians. This article identifies the causes of a number of these fallacies, and points out that popular entertainment sometimes merely reflects ongoing disputes among medieval and military historians. Finally, it suggests that, even if factually problematic, historians should not simply dismiss these popular media. Rather, films and games can be employed to help clarify the general public's misunderstandings about medieval warfare.
The Effect of Herbaceous Understory Cover on Fruit Removal and Seedling Survival in Coastal Dune Forest Trees in South Africa
Authors: Tsvuura Zivanai , Griffiths Megan E. , Lawes Michael J. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTRegeneration of forest canopy trees can be inhibited by understory thickets. We hypothesized that Isoglossa woodii, a large‐leaved herbaceous plant, limits tree recruitment in subtropical coastal dune forests by providing habitat to fruit and seedling consumers. Using uncaged and caged treatments in I. woodii gaps and thickets, we found that frugivore and herbivore behavior is not influenced by I. woodii. We conclude that direct effects of I. woodii on postemergence processes in seedlings contribute to tree recruitment limitation.
Antimicrobial Activities of Daptomycin, Vancomycin, and Oxacillin in Human Monocytes and of Daptomycin in Combination with Gentamicin and/or Rifampin in Human Monocytes and in Broth against
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Baltch Aldona L. , Ritz William J. , Bopp Lawrence H. , Michelsen Phyllis B. , Smith Raymond P. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT

We investigated the antistaphylococcal activity of daptomycin, vancomycin, oxacillin, gentamicin, and rifampin in human monocyte-derived macrophages. Compared with vancomycin and oxacillin, daptomycin had the most rapid and greatest antibacterial activity, but that of oxacillin was most sustained. The combination of daptomycin, gentamicin, and rifampin was most effective intracellularly, while daptomycin plus gentamicin and the three-drug combination were most effective extracellularly, completely eliminating viable
Staphylococcus aureus
.
Fitness Cost of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome
mec
in Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
by Way of Continuous Culture
Authors: Lee Sui Mae , Ender Miriam , Adhikari Rajan , Smith John M. B. , Berger-Bächi Brigitte , Cook Gregory M. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT

We examined the effect of introducing type I or IV staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
(SCC
mec
) elements on the growth yield of
Staphylococcus aureus
in glucose-limited continuous culture. Type I showed increased glucose consumption and ATP demand per gram of cells synthesized and decreased cell yield compared to those of the parent strain. In contrast, type IV SCC
mec
elements had no adverse energetic effect.
National Survey on the Susceptibility of
Bacteroides fragilis
Group: Report and Analysis of Trends in the United States from 1997 to 2004
Authors: Snydman D. R. , Jacobus N. V. , McDermott L. A. , Ruthazer R. , Golan Y. , Goldstein E. J. C. , Finegold S. M. , Harrell L. J. , Hecht D. W. , Jenkins S. G. , Pierson C. , Venezia R. , Yu V. , Rihs J. , Gorbach S. L. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT

The susceptibility trends for the species of the
Bacteroides fragilis
group against various antibiotics from 1997 to 2004 were determined by using data for 5,225 isolates referred by 10 medical centers. The antibiotic test panel included ertapenem, imipenem, meropenem, ampicillin-sulbactam, piperacillin-tazobactam, cefoxitin, clindamycin, moxifloxacin, tigecycline, chloramphenicol, and metronidazole. From 1997 to 2004 there were decreases in the geometric mean (GM) MICs of imipenem, meropenem, piperacillin-tazobactam, and cefoxitin for many of the species within the group.
B. distasonis
showed the highest rates of resistance to most of the β-lactams.
B. fragilis
,
B. ovatus
, and
B. thetaiotaomicron
showed significantly higher GM MICs and rates of resistance to clindamycin over time. The rate of resistance to moxifloxacin of
B. vulgatus
was very high (MIC range for the 8-year study period, 38% to 66%).
B. fragilis
,
B. ovatus
, and
B. distasonis
and other
Bacteroides
spp. exhibited significant increases in the rates of resistance to moxifloxacin over the 8 years. Resistance rates and GM MICs for tigecycline were low and stable during the 5-year period over which this agent was studied. All isolates were susceptible to chloramphenicol (MICs < 16 μg/ml). In 2002, one isolate resistant to metronidazole (MIC = 64 μg/ml) was noted. These data indicate changes in susceptibility over time; surprisingly, some antimicrobial agents are more active now than they were 5 years ago.
A Caspase-Independent Pathway Mediates Macrophage Cell Death in Response toMycobacterium tuberculosisInfection
Authors: O'Sullivan Mary P. , O'Leary Seonadh , Kelly Deirdre M. , Keane Joseph 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTMacrophages can undergo apoptosis after infection withMycobacterium tuberculosis. This macrophage response deprives the bacillus of its niche cell and supports the host response through better antigen presentation. The intracellular pathways of apoptosis that elaborate this macrophage response are not well understood. To address this issue, we investigated the contribution of various apoptosis pathways toM. tuberculosis-induced macrophage cell death. We found that macrophages die in a caspase-independent manner after infection withM. tuberculosis(at multiplicities of infection ranging from 1 to 20). There was evidence for the involvement of both the mitochondria (cleavage of Bid) and the lysosomes (cathepsin-mediated DNA fragmentation) in this cell death pathway. Dying macrophages displayed several features typical of apoptosis, including DNA fragmentation, nuclear condensation, and exposure of phosphatidylserine on the plasma membrane. However, nuclear fragmentation was not observed, which suggests thatM. tuberculosis-induced cell death differs in some respects from classical apoptosis. This novel mechanism of cell death was blocked by serine protease inhibitors. A better understanding of this protective macrophage response may direct new vaccine and treatment options.
Induction of Monocyte Chemotactic Protein 1 in Colonic Epithelial Cells by
Entamoeba histolytica
Is Mediated via the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/p65 Pathway
Authors: Kammanadiminti Srinivas J. , Dey Indranil , Chadee Kris 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT

The role intestinal epithelial cells play in the pathogenesis of amebic colitis is poorly understood. Herein, we demonstrate that secreted and soluble ameba (
Entamoeba histolytica
) proteins (SAP) induce expression of the chemoattractant monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP) in the colonic epithelial cell lines Caco-2, T84, and LS174T. MCP-1 mRNA induction was both dose and time dependent, with peak induction occurring at 8 h and with 100 μg/ml of SAP. Significant increase in MCP-1 protein expression was observed after 12 h. SAP failed to activate any of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways or IκB kinase activity. Moreover, inhibiting the classical pathway of NF-κB activation did not affect SAP-induced MCP-1 expression. Instead, we find that SAP-induced MCP-1 expression is dependent on posttranslational modification of the NFκB p65 subunit. SAP induced phosphorylation of p65 and enhanced NF-κB transcriptional activity, which are phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3 kinase) dependent. Treatment with PI3 kinase inhibitor LY290004 significantly abrogated the activation of Akt, p65, and MCP-1 mRNA induction. We conclude that colonic epithelial cells play a role in the initiation of inflammation by secreting chemokines in response to soluble ameba components.
The Putative Glycosyltransferase-Encoding Gene
cylJ
and the Group B Streptococcus (GBS)-Specific Gene
cylK
Modulate Hemolysin Production and Virulence of GBS
Authors: Forquin Marie-Pierre , Tazi Asmae , Rosa-Fraile Manuel , Poyart Claire , Trieu-Cuot Patrick , Dramsi Shaynoor 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT

Group B streptococcus (GBS) expresses a hemolysin/cytolysin that plays an important role in pathogenesis. Using the
Himar1
transposon mutagenesis system, a hypohemolytic mutant carrying an interrupted
cylJ
gene was characterized.
cylJ
, encoding a putative glycosyltransferase, and
cylK
, whose product is unknown, are both required for the full hemolytic/cytolytic activity, pigment formation, and virulence of GBS.
Identification of “
Haematobacter
,” a New Genus of Aerobic Gram-Negative Rods Isolated from Clinical Specimens, and Reclassification of
Rhodobacter massiliensis
as “
Haematobacter massiliensis
comb. nov.”
Authors: Helsel Leta O. , Hollis Dannie , Steigerwalt Arnold G. , Morey Roger E. , Jordan Jean , Aye Tin , Radosevic Jon , Jannat-Khah Deanna , Thiry Dorothy , Lonsway David R. , Patel Jean B. , Daneshvar Maryam I. , Levett Paul N. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT

Twelve strains of gram-negative, nonfermenting rods recovered mainly from septicemic patients were studied using conventional and molecular methods. The phenotypic profiles of these strains most closely resembled
Psychrobacter phenylpyruvicus
. They produced catalase, oxidase, urease, and H
2
S (lead acetate paper) but did not produce indole, reduce nitrate or nitrite, or hydrolyze gelatin or esculin. No acid production was observed in a King's oxidation-fermentation base containing
d
-glucose,
d
-xylose,
d
-mannitol, sucrose, lactose, or maltose. All strains were nonmotile and nonpigmented. Most strains produced green discoloration on blood agar. All strains grew at 25°C and 35°C and most grew on MacConkey agar. They shared a common cellular fatty acid (CFA) profile characterized by large amounts (56% to 90%) of 18:1ω7c and the presence of 3-OH-10:0, 16:1ω7c, 16:0, and 19:0cycω8c that overall was most similar to that of
Rhodobacter
species but was quite distinct from that of
P. phenylpyruvicus
. The MICs for most β-lactams, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and carbapenems were low. MICs for aztreonam and piperacillin were higher, with MICs for some strains of > 64 mg/liter and > 128 mg/liter, respectively. Polyphasic analysis of these strains, including morphological, biochemical, CFA composition, DNA-DNA hybridization, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and percent guanine-plus-cytosine (G+C) content analysis, demonstrated that these strains and
Rhodobacter massiliensis
represent a new genus, “
Haematobacter
” (proposed name), with the species
H. missouriensis
(type strain H1892
T
= CCUG 52307
T
= CIP 109176
T
) and
H. massiliensis
comb. nov. (type strain Framboise
T
= CCUG 47968
T
= CIP 107725
T
) and an unnamed genomospecies.