bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DETERMINANTS OF TRANSITIONS TO FIRST SEXUAL INTERCOURSE, MARRIAGE AND PREGNANCY AMONG FEMALE ADOLESCENTS: EVIDENCE FROM SOUTH NYANZA, KENYA
Authors: MAGADI MONICA A. , AGWANDA ALFRED O. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThe timing of transitions to sexual activity, marriage and childbearing in sub-Saharan Africa is undergoing profound changes. This study investigates the determinants of adolescent transitions in South Nyanza, a socioeconomically deprived setting in Kenya where adolescent reproductive health is a particular concern. The analysis is based on Cox regression of timing of first sexual intercourse, first marriage and first pregnancy, using data from a survey of 1247 females aged 12–19 years. The results show that higher household socioeconomic status and educational attainment are associated with delayed onset of all three transition events. Furthermore, mother’s higher educational attainment is protective for initiation of sexual intercourse while rural residence is protective for pregnancy experience. Other protective factors include communication with parents or with fellow girlfriends. However, discussing sexual matters with boyfriends, high internal locus of control, and gender bias are associated with early onset of the three transition events.
AtHMA3, a P1B-ATPase Allowing Cd/Zn/Co/Pb Vacuolar Storage in Arabidopsis
Authors: Morel Mélanie , Crouzet Jérôme , Gravot Antoine , Auroy Pascaline , Leonhardt Nathalie , Vavasseur Alain , Richaud Pierre 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) Heavy Metal Associated3 (AtHMA3) protein belongs to the P1B-2 subgroup of the P-type ATPase family, which is involved in heavy metal transport. In a previous study, we have shown, using heterologous expression in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, that in the presence of toxic metals, AtHMA3 was able to phenotypically complement the cadmium/lead (Cd/Pb)-hypersensitive strain ycf1 but not the zinc (Zn)-hypersensitive strain zrc1. In this study, we demonstrate that AtHMA3 in planta is located in the vacuolar membrane, with a high expression level in guard cells, hydathodes, vascular tissues, and the root apex. Confocal imaging in the presence of the Zn/Cd fluorescent probe BTC-5N revealed that AtHMA3 participates in the vacuolar storage of Cd. A T-DNA insertional mutant was found more sensitive to Zn and Cd. Conversely, ectopic overexpression of AtHMA3 improved plant tolerance to Cd, cobalt, Pb, and Zn; Cd accumulation increased by about 2- to 3-fold in plants overexpressing AtHMA3 compared with wild-type plants. Thus, AtHMA3 likely plays a role in the detoxification of biological (Zn) and nonbiological (Cd, cobalt, and Pb) heavy metals by participating in their vacuolar sequestration, an original function for a P1B-2 ATPase in a multicellular eukaryote.
Five cases of necrotizing fasciitis: Lack of skin inflammatory signs as a clinical clue for the fulminant type
Authors: IWATA Yohei , SATO Shinichi , MURASE Yumi , IIJIMA Ayuko , HAYASHI Kaori , MURAKAMI Sakae , USUDA Toshikazu 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTHerein, we describe five patients with necrotizing fasciitis (NF) who had variable outcomes and clinical manifestations. At the onset, all patients exhibited purpura with or without blister and ulceration accompanied by severe pain and tenderness in the affected skin. Out of five patients, three lacked inflammatory signs such as redness and heat, and two of the three patients showed fulminant progression and died despite intensive treatments including surgical debridement, antimicrobial therapy, close monitoring and physiological support. Tissue specimens from the patients without skin inflammatory signs showed mild neutrophil infiltration in addition to necrosis from the epidermis to subcutaneous fat, and variable amounts of thrombi. Furthermore, numerous bacteria were detected by Gram stain. By contrast, the remaining two patients with skin inflammatory signs revealed slower progression, and tissue specimens from both patients showed heavy neutrophil infiltration, but bacteria were hardly detected. Therefore, these cases suggest the possibility that the paucity of skin inflammatory signs, such as redness and heat, in NF may be a clinical clue to predict the fulminant type.
Case of cystic schwannoma
Authors: CHOI Yu Sung , SHIN Mi Seon , PARK Mi Youn , PARK Hyang Joon 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTSchwannoma is a well‐defined tumor arising from the nerve sheath. It may present as a solitary mass in any part of the body, but is more commonly seen in the head, neck and extremities. We describe a 32‐year‐old female patient with a small dermal nodule on the forehead, which was 2 cm in diameter, round and of a cystic nature. Microscopic examination revealed that it consisted of compact spindle cells arranged partly in short bundles or a fascicular pattern with outstanding cystic degeneration manifested as a large, unilocular cavity in the center of the tumor tissue. The tumor cells were positive for S‐100 protein and negative for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), while the tumor capsule was positive for EMA. There was no S‐100‐positive membrane‐like structure lining the cyst wall.
Human bronchial intraepithelial T cells produce interferon-γ and stimulate epithelial cells
Authors: Hirosako S , Goto E , Fujii K , Tsumori K , Hirata N , Tsumura S , Kamohara H , Kohrogi H 
Published: November 2008

SummaryIntraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) can be identified among epithelial cells in systemic mucosal tissues. Although intestinal IELs play a crucial role in mucosal immunity, their bronchial counterparts have not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to determine the immunological functions of human bronchial IELs, which interact directly with epithelial cells, unlike lamina propria lymphocytes (LPLs). We isolated successfully bronchial IELs and LPLs using a magnetic cell separation system from the T cell suspensions extracted from bronchial specimens far from the tumours of resected lungs. Human bronchial IELs showed an apparent type 1 cytokine profile and proliferated more actively in response to CD2 signalling than did bronchial LPLs. CD8+ IELs were identified as the most significant sources of interferon (IFN)-γ. Human bronchial epithelial cells constitutively produced the T cell growth factors interleukin (IL)-7 and IL-15, and levels of those factors increased when cells were stimulated by IFN-γ. Bronchial epithelial cells expressed cell surface proteins CD58 and E-cadherin, possibly enabling adhesion to IELs. In summary, human bronchial IELs have immunological functions distinct from bronchial LPLs and may interact with epithelial cells to maintain mucosal homeostasis.
Selective CCR2-targeted macrophage depletion ameliorates experimental mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis
Authors: McIntosh L M , Barnes J L , Barnes V L , McDonald J R 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThe CCL2/CCR2 chemokine/receptor axis directs the chemotaxis of infiltrating monocytes/macrophages and T cells and plays a pivotal role in tissue damage and fibrosis in kidney diseases. The eradication of the activated leucocytes should diminish the production of inflammatory mediators, limit tissue damage and ameliorate disease. A recombinant fusion protein (OPL-CCL2-LPM) comprised of the human CCL2 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) chemokine fused to a truncated form of the enzymatically active A1 domain of Shigella dysenteriae holotoxin (SA1) has been developed. The CCL2 portion binds specifically to CCR2-bearing leucocytes and the fusion protein enters the cells, where the SA1 moiety inhibits protein synthesis resulting in cell death. The compound was tested in a model of anti-thymocyte serum (ATS)-induced mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis (ATS-GN). Male rats were injected with ATS on day 0 and treated intravenously with vehicle, 50 or 100 µg/kg of OPL-CCL2-LPM Q2D from days 2, 4, 6 and 8. Urine and blood were collected on days 0, 5 and 9. Animals were sacrificed on day 9. No treatment-related effects on body weight or signs of clinical toxicity were observed. Urine protein levels were decreased in treated animals. At the highest dose, histopathological analyses of kidney sections revealed maximum reductions of 36, 31, 30 and 24% for macrophage count, glomerular lesions, α-smooth muscle actin and fibronectin respectively. These results indicate a significant protective effect of OPL-CCL2-LPM in this model of nephritis.
Recurrent superantigen exposure in vivo leads to highly suppressive CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD25- T cells with anergic and suppressive genetic signatures
Authors: Schartner J M , Singh A M , Dahlberg P E , Nettenstrom L , Seroogy C M 
Published: November 2008

Summary
Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) activates T cells via non-canonical signalling through the T cell receptor and is an established model for T cell unresponsiveness in vivo. In this study, we sought to characterize the suppressive qualities of SEB-exposed CD4+ T cells and correlate this with genetic signatures of anergy and suppression. SEB-exposed CD25+ and CD25-Vβ8+CD4+ T cells expressed forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) at levels comparable to naive CD25+ T regulatory cells and were enriched after exposure in vivo. Gene related to anergy in lymphocytes (GRAIL), an anergy-related E3 ubiquitin ligase, was up-regulated in the SEB-exposed CD25+ and CD25-FoxP3+Vβ8+CD4+ T cells and FoxP3-CD25-Vβ8+CD4+ T cells, suggesting that GRAIL may be important for dominant and recessive tolerance. The SEB-exposed FoxP3+GRAIL+ T cells were highly suppressive and non-proliferative independent of CD25 expression level and via a glucocorticoid-induced tumour necrosis factor R-related protein-independent mechanism, whereas naive T regulatory cells were non-suppressive and partially proliferative with SEB activation in vitro. Lastly, adoptive transfer of conventional T cells revealed that induction of FoxP3+ regulatory cells is not operational in this model system. These data provide a novel paradigm for chronic non-canonical T cell receptor engagement leading to highly suppressive FoxP3+GRAIL+CD4+ T cells.
How do species respond to climate change along an elevation gradient? A case study of the grey‐headed robin (Heteromyias albispecularis)
Authors: LI JIN , HILBERT DAVID W. , PARKER TREVOR , WILLIAMS STEPHEN 
Published: November 2008

AbstractClimate is predicted to change rapidly in the current century, which may lead to shifts of species' ranges, reduced populations and extinctions. Predicting the responses of species abundance to climate change can provide valuable information to quantify climate change impacts and inform their management and conservation, but most studies have been limited to changes in habitat area due to a lack of abundance data. Here, we use generalized linear model and Bayesian information criteria to develop a predictive model based on the abundance of the grey‐headed robin (GHR) and the data of climatic environmental variables. The model is validated by leave‐one‐out cross‐validation and equivalence tests. The responses of GHR abundance, population size and habitat area by elevation are predicted under the current climate and 15 climate change scenarios. The model predicts that when temperature increases, abundance of GHR displays a positive response at high elevation, but a negative response at low elevation. High precipitation at the higher elevations is a limiting factor to GHR and any reduction in precipitation at high elevation creates a more suitable environment, leading to an increase in abundance of GHR, whereas changes in precipitation have little impact at low elevation. The loss of habitat is much more than would otherwise be assumed in response to climate change. Temperature increase is the predominant factor leading to habitat loss, whereas changes in precipitation play a secondary role. When climate changes, the species not only loses part of its habitat but also suffers a loss in its population size in the remaining habitat. Population size declines more than the habitat area under all considered climate change scenarios, which implies that the species might become extinct long before the complete loss of its habitat. This study suggests that some species might experience much more severe impacts from climate change than predicted from models of habitat area alone. Management policies based on predictions of habitat area decline using occurrence data need to be re‐evaluated and alternative measures need to be developed to conserve species in the face of rapid climate change.
Service quality in hospital wards with different nursing organization: nurses’ ratings
Authors: Sjetne Ingeborg S. , Veenstra Marijke , Ellefsen Bodil , Stavem Knut 
Published: November 2008

AbstractTitle. Service quality in hospital wards with different nursing organization: nurses’ ratings.Aim. This paper is a report of a study to assess: (1) the relations between nursing organization models in hospital wards and nurses’ perception of the quality of patient care and dimensions of the practice environment, and (2) if these relations were modified by variations in local conditions at the ward level.Background. Previous literature is inconclusive concerning what model of nursing organization maximizes the quality of nursing services.Method. A cross‐sectional survey was carried out in a representative sample of Norwegian hospital wards in 2005. Intra‐ward organization models were classified as: (1) Team leader (n = 30), characterized by extensive responsibilities for team leaders, (2) Primary nurse (n = 18), with extensive responsibilities for named nurses, and (3) Hybrid (n = 37), (1) and (2) combined. We prepared multilevel regression models using scales describing quality of patient care, learning climate, job satisfaction, and relationships with physicians as dependent variables. As independent variables, we used variables representing local ward conditions.Results. Eighty‐seven wards and 1137 nurses (55% response rate) provided complete data. The ward level proportion of variance ranged from 0·10 (job satisfaction) to 0·22 (relationships with physicians). The univariate effect of organization models on quality ratings was not statistically significant. Introducing local ward conditions led to a statistically significant effect of primary nurse organization on relationships with physicians, and to a substantial proportional reduction in ward level variance, ranging from 32% (quality of patient care) to 24% (learning climate).Conclusion. Caution is needed about using service quality arguments when considering the possible benefits and drawbacks of different organizational models.
Time to eat: measurements of feeding behaviour in a large marine predator, the northern elephant sealMirounga angustirostris
Authors: Kuhn Carey E. , Crocker Daniel E. , Tremblay Yann , Costa Daniel P. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThe at‐sea behaviour of marine predators is often described based on changes in behavioural states, such as transit, searching, and feeding. However, to distinguish between these behaviours, it is necessary to know the actual functions of the behaviours recorded. Specifically, to understand the foraging behaviour of marine predators, it is necessary to measure prey consumption. Therefore, the at‐sea feeding behaviour of northern elephant seals (N = 13) was examined using satellite transmitters, time‐depth recorders, and stomach temperature recorders. In addition, stomach temperature telemetry allowed for the validation of indirect measures of feeding behaviour used for marine predators, including decreases in transit rate and changes in dive shape.Feeding data were recorded for the early phase of the migration (2·2–21 days). The first feeding events occurred shortly after animals departed (4·0 ± 1·5 h) and close to the rookery (58·6 ± 21·9 km), but these feedings were followed by extended periods without prey consumption (14·5 ± 2·5 h). Continuous (bout) feeding did not occur until on average 7·5 ± 1·8 days after the females left the rookery. Females showed significant differences in the feeding rate while feeding in a bout (1·3–2·1 feeding events hour−1).There was a significant negative relationship between interpolated transit rate and feeding events (r2 = 0·62,P < 0·01). Feeding, which was associated with all dive types, occurred most often during the foraging type dive shape (74·2%). Finally, successful feeding only occurred between 18–24% of the time when females displayed the foraging type dive shape suggesting that the use of dive shape alone, while indicative of behaviours associated with foraging (searching and catching prey) overestimates actual feeding behaviour.This study showed females not only feed extensively during the early migration, but there was individual variation in both foraging locations and foraging success. In addition, by combining direct and indirect measures of feeding, this study has provided support for the use of foraging indicators in marine predators.
Black and white or shades of grey? Detectability of Adélie penguins during shipboard surveys in the Antarctic pack‐ice
Authors: Southwell Colin , Low Matthew 
Published: November 2008

SummaryEstimates of penguin abundance are important for developing marine ecosystem models and assessing potential competition between penguins and fisheries operations.Most shipboard surveys of penguins use strip transect (ST) or conventional distance sampling (CDS) methods to estimate abundance, but the assumptions of these methods are largely untested. To test their validity for surveys of Adélie penguins in the Antarctic pack‐ice, we recorded mark–recapture line‐transect data and estimated detectability using a point‐independence (PI) analysis.Contrary to ST assumptions, detectability declined markedly with distance from the transect line and varied with group size, substrate and observer position. Estimated detection probabilities across a 300‐m strip width, which has frequently been used in shipboard surveys, ranged from 0·09 for single penguins in water to 0·91 for groups of > 5 penguins on ice floes.Contrary to CDS assumptions, only two‐thirds of detections close to the transect line by one observer team were detected by the second team. Estimated detection probabilities on the transect line ranged from 0·30 for single penguins in water to 0·92 for large groups of penguins on ice.Synthesis and applications. Most shipboard surveys have not accounted for incomplete detection, potentially resulting in large negative biases that may vary between surveys. Recent theoretical improvements provide the potential for these biases to be addressed, but this requires application of more sophisticated and rigorous survey protocols. Application of PI analysis to mark–recapture line transect data demonstrated that substantial improvement to abundance estimates could be achieved for penguins compared with previously used methods. The protocols required for PI estimation can be applied to shipboard surveys of slow‐moving species such as penguins and seals, but may be difficult to apply to species moving faster than the survey platform, such as flying seabirds. The benefits of multiple observers are maximized only if they operate independently. For multi‐species surveys, it would be beneficial to have multiple teams of observers, each focussing on a species group. Improved estimation of marine predator abundance will facilitate the development of more realistic ecosystem models and allow improved management of the impact of fisheries operations on non‐target species.
Hydrogen storage properties of MgH2‐diatomite composites obtained by high‐energy ball milling
Authors: MILOVANOVIĆ S. , MATOVIĆ L. , DRVENDŽIJA M. , NOVAKOVIĆ J.G. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryTo investigate the effects of specific porous microstructure of diatomite on the hydrogen storage properties of MgH2, a two‐step preparation was carried out. The first step was decrepitation of MgH2 particle size during 10 h of milling. The second step was additional 1 h of milling with diatomite. The microstructure and phase composition of materials was characterized by X‐ray diffraction, whereas the powder morphology and degree of additive dispersion were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The hydrogen desorption behaviour of nanocomposites was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. The results show that addition of porous diatomite structure leads to decrease in desorption temperature, since there was no other effect that can have an influence on kinetics, such as formation of the metastable γ‐phase, reduction of oxides to the native metal and/or homogeneous dispersion of the catalyst. This indicates that the microstructure of added material plays the main role in the enhancement of desorption properties of composites.
Maternal dexamethasone treatment reduces ovarian follicle number in neonatal rat offspring
Authors: RISTIĆ N. , NESTOROVIĆ N. , MANOJLOVIĆ‐STOJANOSKI M. , FILIPOVIĆ B. , ŠOŠIĆ‐JURJEVIĆ B. , MILOŠEVIĆ V. , SEKULIĆ M. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryElevated glucocorticoid levels in the gravid female circulation affect a number of endocrine functions in the fetuses and neonates. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of maternal dexamethasone (Dx) administration during late pregnancy on the ovaries of neonatal offspring. On the 16th day of pregnancy, experimental dams received subcutaneously 1.0 mg Dx/kg b.w., followed by 0.5 mg Dx/kg b.w./day on the 17th and 18th days of gestation. The control gravid females received the same volume of saline vehicle. Left ovaries from 5‐day‐old female pups were stereologically analyzed. The ovary volumes were estimated using Cavalieri's principle. The number of healthy and atretic primordial and primary follicles was estimated using a fractionator–physical disector method. The number of secondary follicles was determined by exact counts of every fourth section encompassing whole cross‐sections of the ovary. The ovary volume was significantly decreased (by 44.4%; P < 0.05) in the group of female pups from Dx‐treated mothers comparing to the controls. The numbers of healthy primordial and atretic follicles were 38.8% (P < 0.05) and 50.9% (P < 0.05), respectively, reduced in the ovaries of pups from the Dx‐treated mothers, when compared with the control values. There were 53.4% (P < 0.05) fewer healthy primary and 41.8% (P < 0.05) fewer healthy secondary follicles as well. The numbers of atretic primary and secondary follicles were reduced by 60.0% (P < 0.05) and 61.7% (P < 0.05), respectively. It can be concluded that fetal exposure to glucocorticoids decreased the pool of non‐growing follicles in the neonatal ovary, whereas the processes of folliculogenesis and atresia remained unaffected.
Photothermal microscopy: a step from thermal wave visualization to spatially localized thermal analysis
Authors: GALOVIĆ S. , STOJANOVIĆ Z. , ČEVIZOVIĆ D. , POPOVIĆ M. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThe calculation of photothermal response detected by a photothermal microscope is presented. By using a technique based on Green's functions and integral transforms, a model for laser‐induced temperature distribution functions has been derived. The mathematical method for solution of inverse problem is proposed. It suggests that photothermal microscopy, besides imaging subsurface of solids, has the potential for quantitative thermal analysis of varioussamples.
Surface roughness of ultra‐thin silver films sputter depositedon a glass
Authors: RAKOCEVIC Z. , PETROVIC R. , STRBAC S. 
Published: November 2008

SummarySilver was sputter deposited on a glass with a thin film thickness ranging from 10 to 80 nm. Scanning tunnelling microscopy was used to study the morphology of the obtained Ag–glass surfaces and to estimate the surface roughness. An equation for the surface roughness of the thin film was evaluated using parameters related to the thin film features: the surface roughness of the substrate, the compressibility of the thin film and the film thickness. The experimental results were fitted using the evaluated equation, and the conditions favouring lower or higher surface roughness were analyzed.