bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three‐dimensional sonographic assessment of fetal urine production before and after laser surgery in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Yamamoto M. , Essaoui M. , Nasr B. , Malek N. , Takahashi Y. , Moreira de Sa R. , Ville Y. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveFetal urine production in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) reflects the hemodynamic imbalance between the donor and recipient twins but it has not been measured in this particular condition. The aim of this study was to measure fetal urine production using three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound in donor and recipient twins before and after laser treatment for TTTS and to correlate this with umbilical venous volume flow (UVVF).MethodsUrine production rate (UPR) was measured using 3D ultrasound with Virtual Organ Computer‐aided AnaLysis (VOCAL™) in 106 cases of severe TTTS. The rotation angle was set at 30°. The bladder volume was measured twice in each fetus (V1 and V2), with an interval of 5–30 min between measurements, in order to calculate the UPR. When V2 > V1, UPR was calculated using the formula: V2 − V1 /time interval. Together with UPR, UVVF was measured before and after treatment. Both parameters were corrected for fetal weight. Inter‐ and intraobserver variability were calculated in 16 cases using the intraclass correlation coefficient.ResultsBefore laser treatment, UPR was significantly higher in recipients compared with donors (median, 14.8 and 0 mL/h/kg, mean 23.8 and 2.3 mL/h/kg, respectively, P < 0.001), and UPR was positively correlated with UVVF in both twins. Following laser treatment (48 h later), UPR decreased to 9 mL/h/kg (P < 0.001) in recipients, while there was no change in donors. UVVF increased significantly from a median value of 92 to 132 mL/min/kg (P < 0.01) in donors and decreased significantly from 150 to 99 mL/min/kg (P < 0.001) in recipients.ConclusionsIn TTTS UPR is correlated to UVVF and reflects the hemodynamic imbalance between donor and recipient twins. Following laser treatment, UPR decreases in recipients but is unaffected in donors. However, changes in UVVF occur in both twins. This suggests that although fetal renal function is driven by fetal hemodynamics, there may be a lag in the recovery of renal function in the donor twin. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Placental stem cell markers in pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Benian Ali , Uzun Hafize , Aydın Seval , Albayrak Mustafa , Uludağ Seyfettin , Madazli Riza 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the placental CD34, CD44, and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) levels in normotensive and pre‐eclamptic women.MethodThe study population consisted of 21 women with pre‐eclampsia. Twenty normotensive pregnant women served as controls and were matched to pre‐eclamptic patients by gestational age at delivery. Decidual samples obtained from the central part of the placenta were stored at − 70 °C until analysis. CD44 and LIF were quantified in homogenates by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while CD34 was quantified by flow cytometry.ResultsThe pre‐eclamptic and normotensive groups were well matched. There were no significant differences in age, parity, weight, and gestational age at birth between the groups (P > 0.05). The mean placental levels of CD34 (6.55 ± 2.48 vs 3.16 ± 1.23), CD44 (385.24 ± 178.85 vs 157.75 ± 31.73, and LIF (140 ± 51.11 vs 96.25 ± 31.62) were significantly higher in pre‐eclamptic compared with normotensive women, respectively (P < 0.05).ConclusionHigher levels of CD34, CD44, and LIF were found in the placentas of pre‐eclamptic compared with normotensive women.
Effect of a lower‐dose cetrorelix acetate protocol on in‐vitro fertilization outcome
Authors: Tzeng Chii‐Ruey , Chen Heng‐Ju , Lin Yu‐Hung , Hsieh Bih‐Chwen , Huang Lee‐Wen , Hwang Jiann‐Loung 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjective:To determine whether a low initial dosage of cetrorelix acetate could prevent a premature luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation.Method:Treatment with a recombinant follicle stimulating hormone was started on Day 3 of the menstrual cycle, and 0.125 mg of cetrorelix was injected daily from Day 5 of the ovarian stimulation until the diameter of the dominant follicle reached at least 16 mm. The dosage was then doubled and maintained at 0.250 mg/day until the day before the injection of human chorionic gonadotropin.Result:There was a significant decrease in serum LH concentration 1 day after doubling the cetrorelix dosage, and the LH concentration remained low during the follicular phase. Clinical pregnancy occurred in 18 women (42.8%), with 2 intrauterine fetal deaths before the 12th week.Conclusion:Increasing the cetrorelix dosage from 0.125 to 0.250 mg/day when the follicular size is appropriate can prevent a premature LH surge.
The Lamfalussy Reform in the EU Securities Markets: Fiduciary Relationships, Policy Effectiveness and Balance of Power
Authors: DE VISSCHER CHRISTIAN , MAISCOCQ OLIVIER , VARONE FRÉEDÉERIC 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTIn 2000 a Committee of Wise Men chaired by Alexandre Lamfalussy, former president of the European Monetary Institute was appointed by the Economics and Finance Ministers Council to make recommendations on the regulation of the European securities markets. It proposed a four-level system to improve the legislative process while ensuring what it called a democratic and institutional balance. Our paper questions to what extent the concepts of two basic modes of delegation – agency and trust relationships – are appropriate tools to interpret the new structure set up by the Committee. It formulates hypotheses about its policy effectiveness and the balance of power between Community institutions. Evidence supports the agency hypothesis: the Lamfalussy process has reduced the average time taken to negotiate and adopt the first framework directives at level 1 and it has facilitated the removal of bottlenecks in the process through parallel working at levels 1 and 2. In this sense, delegation has enhanced policy effectiveness in the securities sector. But it is much more difficult to assess the trustee hypothesis: that is, whether the Commission and the Committee of European Securities Regulators (CESR) in fact act as trustees of the member states for the benefit of market actors. For the time being, whether CESR might evolve into a European securities regulator remains an open question.
Interactions between bacterial carbon monoxide and hydrogen consumption and plant development on recent volcanic deposits
Authors: King Gary M , Weber Carolyn F 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Patterns of microbial colonization and interactions between microbial processes and vascular plants on volcanic deposits have received little attention. Previous reports have shown that atmospheric CO and hydrogen contribute significantly to microbial metabolism on Kilauea volcano (Hawaii) deposits with varied ages and successional development. Relationships between CO oxidation and plant communities were not clear, however, since deposit age and vegetation status covaried. To determine plant–microbe interactions in deposits of uniform ages, CO and hydrogen dynamics have been assayed for unvegetated tephra on a 1959 deposit at Pu’u Puai (PP-bare), at the edge of tree ‘islands’ within the PP deposit (PP-edge) and within PP tree islands (PP-canopy). Similar assays have been conducted for vegetated and unvegetated sites on a 1969 Mauna Ulu (MU) lava flow. Net in situ atmospheric CO uptake was highest at PP-edge and PP-bare sites (2.2±0.5 and 1.3±0.1 mg CO m−2 day−1, respectively), and least for PP-canopy (−3.2±0.9 mg CO m−2 day−1, net emission). Respiration rates, microbial biomass and maximum CO uptake potential showed an opposing pattern. Comparisons of atmospheric CO uptake and CO2 production rates indicate that CO contributes significantly to microbial metabolism in PP-bare and MU-unvegetated sites, but negligibly where vegetation is well developed. Nonetheless, maximum potential CO uptake rates indicate that CO oxidizer populations increase with increasing plant biomass and consume CO actively. Some of these CO oxidizers may contribute to elevated nitrogen fixation rates (acetylene reduction) measured within tree islands, and thus, support plant successional development.
Comparison of lysogeny (prophage induction) in heterotrophic bacterial and Synechococcus populations in the Gulf of Mexico and Mississippi river plume
Authors: Long Amy , McDaniel Lauren D , Mobberley Jennifer , Paul John H 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Lysogeny has been documented as a fundamental process occurring in natural marine communities of heterotrophic and autotrophic bacteria. Prophage induction has been observed to be prevalent during conditions of low host abundance, but factors controlling the process are poorly understood. A research cruise was undertaken to the Gulf of Mexico during July 2005 to explore environmental factors associated with lysogeny. Ambient physical and microbial parameters were measured and prophage induction experiments were performed in contrasting oligotrophic Gulf and eutrophic Mississippi plume areas. Three of 11 prophage induction experiments in heterotrophic bacteria (27%) demonstrated significant induction in response to Mitomycin C. In contrast, there was significant Synechococcus cyanophage induction in seven of nine experiments (77.8%). A strong negative correlation was observed between lysogeny and log-transformed activity measurements for both heterotrophic and autotrophic populations (r=−0.876, P=0.002 and r=−0.815, P=0.025, respectively), indicating that bacterioplankton with low host growth favor lysogeny. Multivariate statistical analyses indicated that ambient level of viral abundance and productivity were inversely related to heterotrophic prophage induction and both factors combined were most predictive of lysogeny (ρ=0.899, P=0.001). For Synechococcus, low ambient cyanophage abundance was most predictive of lysogeny (ρ=0.862, P=0.005). Abundance and productivity of heterotrophic bacteria was strongly inversely correlated with salinity, while Synechococcus was not. This indicated that heterotrophic bacterial populations were well adapted to the river plume environments, thus providing a possible explanation for differences in prevalence of lysogeny observed between the two populations.
Physiology and genetic traits of reverse osmosis membrane biofilms: a case study with Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Herzberg Moshe , Elimelech Menachem 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on the surface of a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane was studied using a synthetic wastewater medium to simulate conditions relevant to reclamation of secondary wastewater effluent. P. aeruginosa biofilm physiology and spatial activity were analyzed following growth on the membrane using a short-life green fluorescent protein derivative expressed in a growth-dependent manner. As a consequence of the limiting carbon source prevailing in the suspended culture of the RO unit, a higher distribution of active cells was observed in the biofilm close to the membrane surface, likely due to the higher nutrient levels induced by concentration polarization effects. The faster growth of the RO-sessile cells compared to the planktonic cells in the RO unit was reflected by the transcriptome of the two cultures analyzed with DNA microarrays. In contrast to the findings recently reported in gene expression studies of P. aeruginosa biofilms, in the RO system, genes related to stress, adaptation, chemotaxis and resistance to antibacterial agents were induced in the planktonic cells. In agreement with the findings of previous P. aeruginosa biofilm studies, motility- and attachment-related genes were repressed in the RO P. aeruginosa biofilm. Supported by the microarray data, an increase in both motility and chemotaxis phenotypes was observed in the suspended cells. The increase in nutrient concentration in close proximity to the membrane is suggested to enhance biofouling by chemotaxis response of the suspended cells and their swimming toward the membrane surface.
Leading terms of Artin L-functions at s=0 and s=1
Authors: Breuning Manuel , Burns David 
Published: November 2007

AbstractWe formulate an explicit conjecture for the leading term at s=1 of the equivariant Dedekind zeta-function that is associated to a Galois extension of number fields. We show that this conjecture refines well-known conjectures of Stark and Chinburg, and we use the functional equation of the zeta-function to compare it to a natural conjecture for the leading term at s=0.
Determining Fitting ideals of minus class groups via the equivariant Tamagawa number conjecture
Authors: Greither Cornelius 
Published: November 2007

AbstractWe assume the validity of the equivariant Tamagawa number conjecture for a certain motive attached to an abelian extension K/k of number fields, and we calculate the Fitting ideal of the dual of clK− as a Galois module, under mild extra hypotheses on K/k. This builds on concepts and results of Tate, Burns, Ritter and Weiss. If k is the field of rational numbers, our results are unconditional.
Variation de la dimension relative en géométrie analytique p-adique
Authors: Ducros Antoine 
Published: November 2007

AbstractLet k be a complete, non-Archimedean valued field (the trivial absolute value is allowed) and let φ:X→Y be a morphism between two Berkovich k-analytic spaces; we show that, for any integer n, the set of points of X at which the local dimension of φ is at least equal to n is a Zariski-closed subset of X. In order to establish it, we first prove an analytic analogue of Zariski’s Main Theorem, and we also introduce, and study, the notion of an analytic system of parameters at a point.
Spontaneous Recovery in Acute Human Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Functional T-Cell Thresholds and Relative Importance of CD4 Help
Authors: Smyk-Pearson Susan , Tester Ian A. , Klarquist Jared , Palmer Brent E. , Pawlotsky Jean-Michel , Golden-Mason Lucy , Rosen Hugo R. 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT

The mechanisms mediating protective immunity to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are incompletely understood because early infection in humans is rarely identified, particularly in those individuals who subsequently demonstrate spontaneous virus eradication. We have established a large national network of patients with acute HCV infection. Here, we comprehensively examined total HCV-specific CD4
+
and CD8
+
T-cell responses and identified functional T-cell thresholds that predict recovery. Interestingly, we found that the presence of HCV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that can proliferate, exhibit cytotoxicity, and produce gamma interferon does not ensure recovery, but whether these CTLs were primed in the presence or absence of CD4
+
T-cell help (HCV-specific interleukin-2 production) is a critical determinant. These results have important implications for early prediction of the virologic outcome following acute HCV and for the development of novel immunotherapeutic approaches.
Infectious Bronchitis Viruses with a Novel Genomic Organization
Authors: Mardani Karim , Noormohammadi Amir H. , Hooper Peter , Ignjatovic Jagoda , Browning Glenn F. 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT
A number of novel infectious bronchitis viruses (IBVs) were previously identified in commercial poultry in Australia, where they caused significant economic losses. Since there has been only limited characterization of these viruses, we investigated the genomic and phenotypic differences between these novel IBVs and other, classical IBVs. The 3′ 7.5 kb of the genomes of 17 Australian IBV strains were sequenced, and growth properties of 6 of the strains were compared. Comparison of sequences of the genes coding for structural and nonstructural proteins revealed the existence of two IBV genotypes: classical and novel. The genomic organization of the classical IBVs was typical of those of other group III coronaviruses: 5′-Pol-S-3a-3b-E-M-5a-5b-N-untranslated region (UTR)-3′. However, the novel IBV genotype lacked either all or most of the genes coding for nonstructural proteins at the 3′ end of the genome and had a unique open reading frame, X1. The gene order was either 5′-Pol-S-X1-E-M-N-UTR-3′ or 5′-Pol-S-X1-E-M-5b-N-UTR-3′. Phenotypically, novel and classical IBVs also differed; novel IBVs grew at a slower rate and reached lower titers in vitro and in vivo and were markedly less immunogenic in chicks. Although the novel IBVs induced histopathological lesions in the tracheas of infected chicks that were comparable to those induced by classical strains, they did not induce lesions in the kidneys. This study has demonstrated for the first time the existence of a naturally occurring IBV genotype devoid of some of the genes coding for nonstructural proteins and has also indicated that all of the accessory genes are dispensable for the growth of IBV and that such viruses are able to cause clinical disease and economic loss. The phylogenic differences between these novel IBVs and other avian coronaviruses suggest a reservoir host distinct from domestic poultry.
Adeno-Associated Virus Type 12 (AAV12): a Novel AAV Serotype with Sialic Acid- and Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycan-Independent Transduction Activity
Authors: Schmidt Michael , Voutetakis Antonis , Afione Sandra , Zheng Changyu , Mandikian Danielle , Chiorini John A. 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTRecombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) is a promising vector for gene therapy. Recent isolations of novel AAV serotypes have led to significant advances by broadening the tropism and increasing the efficiency of gene transfer to the desired target cell. However, a major concern that remains is the strong preexisting immune responses to several vectors. In this paper, we describe the isolation and characterization of AAV12, an AAV serotype with unique biological and immunological properties. In contrast to those of all other reported AAVs, AAV12 cell attachment and transduction do not require cell surface sialic acids or heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Furthermore, rAAV12 is resistant to neutralization by circulating antibodies from human serum. The feasibility of rAAV12 as a vector was demonstrated in a mouse model in which muscle and salivary glands were transduced. These characteristics make rAAV12 an interesting candidate for gene transfer applications.
Mortality of former crocidolite (blue asbestos) miners and millers at Wittenoom: Table 1
Authors: Musk A W , de Klerk N H , Reid A , Ambrosini G L , Fritschi L , Olsen N J , Merler E , Hobbs M S T , Berry G 
Published: November 2007

Background:Blue asbestos was mined and milled at Wittenoom in Western Australia between 1943 and 1966.Methods:Nearly 7000 male workers who worked at the Wittenoom mine and mill have been followed up using death and cancer registries throughout Australia and Italy to the end of 2000. Person-years at risk were derived using two censoring dates in order to produce minimum and maximum estimates of asbestos effect. Standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) compare the mortality of the former Wittenoom workers with the Western Australian male population.Results:There have been 190 cases of pleural and 32 cases of peritoneal mesothelioma in this cohort of former workers at Wittenoom. Mortality from lung cancer (SMR = 1.52), pneumoconiosis (SMR = 15.5), respiratory diseases (SMR = 1.58), tuberculosis (SMR = 3.06), digestive diseases (SMR = 1.47), alcoholism (SMR = 2.24) and symptoms, signs and ill defined conditions (SMR = 2.00) were greater in this cohort compared to the Western Australian male population.Conclusion:Asbestos related diseases, particularly malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer and pneumoconiosis, continue to be the main causes of excess mortality in the former blue asbestos miners and millers of Wittenoom.
Work stress and health in primary health care physicians and hospital physicians
Authors: Virtanen P , Oksanen T , Kivimäki M , Virtanen M , Pentti J , Vahtera J 
Published: November 2007

Objective:In order to understand the reasons for the low priority given to work in primary health care among physicians, we studied differences in work stress, health and health related lifestyles between general practitioners (GPs) and hospital physicians.Method:A cohort of 226 GPs and 523 consultants from Finland responded to a questionnaire survey. The responses were linked to data on registered sickness absence.Results:Compared with consultants, GPs reported higher job strain (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.53) and perceived work overload (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.65 to 3.16) but were less likely to report poor team climate (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.91), procedural injustice (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.72) and interactional injustice (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.88). There were only small differences in lifestyle, perceived health, psychological distress and long sick leaves between GPs and consultants. Short sick leaves were more common among GPs, but this difference disappeared after controlling for work characteristics.Conclusion:In relation to the current recruitment crisis in primary health care and the studied working conditions, job strain and heavy workload outweigh the attractiveness of a good working climate and low organisational injustice. The non-significant differences in health may indicate that there are no differences in total work stress between GPs and consultants. In tackling the recruitment problems in the field of health care, it is of particular importance to be aware of the sector specific difficulties in working conditions.
Do state characteristics matter? State level factors related to tobacco cessation quitlines
Authors: Keller Paula A , Koss Kalsea J , Baker Timothy B , Bailey Linda A , Fiore Michael C 
Published: November 2007

Background:Quitline services are an effective population-wide tobacco cessation strategy adopted widely in the United States as part of state comprehensive tobacco control efforts. Despite widespread evidence supporting quitlines’ effectiveness, many states lack sufficient financial resources to adequately fund and promote this service. Efforts to augment state tobacco control efforts might be fostered by greater knowledge of state level factors associated with the funding and implementation of those efforts.Methods:We analysed data from the 2004 North American Quitline Consortium survey and from publicly available sources to identify state level factors related to quitline implementation and funding. Factors included in the analyses were state demographic characteristics, tobacco use variables, state tobacco control spending, and economic and political climate variables. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted.Results:The best fitting multivariate model that significantly predicted the presence or absence of a state quitline included only cigarette excise tax rate (p = 0.020). In terms of funding levels, states with high rates of cigarette consumption (p = 0.047) and with higher per capita expenditures for tobacco control programmes (p = 0 .0.004) were most likely to spend more on per capita operations budget for quitlines.Conclusion:State level factors appear to play a part in whether states had established quitlines by mid-2004 and the amount of per capita quitline funding.