bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined dexamethasone/corticotropin-releasing factor test in chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Van Den Eede F. , Moorkens G. , Hulstijn W. , Van Houdenhove B. , Cosyns P. , Sabbe B. G. C. , Claes S. J. 
Published: September 2007

BackgroundStudies of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) point to hypofunction, although there are negative reports. Suggested mechanisms include a reduced hypothalamic or supra-hypothalamic stimulus to the HPA axis and enhanced sensitivity to the negative feedback of glucocorticoids. The aim of the current study was to investigate HPA axis function in CFS with the dexamethasone/corticotropin-releasing factor (Dex/CRF) test, in analogy with research in affective disorders.MethodThirty-four well-characterized female CFS patients and 25 healthy control subjects participated in the low-dose Dex/CRF test. Current major depressive episode was an exclusion criterion. History of early-life stress (ELS) was assessed with the Structured Trauma Interview.ResultsSalivary cortisol responses after 0.5 mg Dex were lower in CFS patients than in controls (before 100 μg CRF,p=0.038; after 100 μg CRF,p=0.015). A secondary analysis revealed an influence of early-life stress and of oestrogen intake. After removal of the 10 participants who were taking an oral oestrogen, patients without a history of ELS showed lower cortisol responses than patients with ELS and controls (before CRF,p=0.005; after CRF,p=0.008).ConclusionsCFS is globally associated with reduced cortisol responses in the combined low-dose Dex/CRF test, but this effect is only clearly present in CFS patients without a history of ELS. This study provides further support for an enhanced glucocorticoid negative feedback and/or a reduced central HPA axis drive in CFS. Furthermore, it demonstrates that ELS is an important variable to consider in CFS research.
Hypercyclic, mixing, and chaoticC0-semigroups induced by semiflows
Authors: KALMES T. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractWe characterize whenC0-semigroups induced by semiflows are hypercyclic, topologically mixing, or chaotic both on spaces of integrable functions and on spaces of continuous functions. Furthermore, we give characterizations of transitivity for weighted composition operators on these spaces.
New ice thickness maps of Filchner–Ronne Ice Shelf, Antarctica, with specific focus on grounding lines and marine ice
Authors: Lambrecht A. , Sandhäger H. , Vaughan D.G. , Mayer C. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractFor the Filchner–Ronne Ice Shelf we have compiled measurements of meteoric ice thickness from many institutions, and several different techniques (e.g. radar and seismic sounding) to produce an improved digital map of meteoric ice thickness. This map has high-resolution compared to previous compilations and serves to highlight small-scale geographic features (e.g. ice plains, grounding-line regions). We have also produced a map of the thickness of marine ice bodies beneath the ice shelf by using borehole density data to calibrate an ice thickness to surface-elevation relation, and then comparing maps of ice surface elevation and meteoric ice thickness to infer marine ice thickness. Due to denser data coverage and the improved density-depth relation, the resulting map is a significant improvement on its predecessors and allows insight into the glaciological context of the ice shelf, in particular, into the location of the grounding lines on the southern Ronne Ice Shelf. Here the data were supplemented with barometric determination of surface elevation, which were used to locate the grounding line position. The final delineation of the grounding line position was confirmed by reference to satellite imagery, and revealed that earlier estimates were substantially in error, especially in the area of Foundation Ice Stream and Möllereisstrom.
Modeling of Product Removal during Enzymatic Conversions by Using Affinity Molecules
Authors: Halsema Daniël G. R. , Janssen Anja E. M. , Boom Remko M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe feasibility of using magnetic particles for in‐line product isolation during enzymatic conversion was studied. A comparison was made between a process based on magnetic particles and a conventional adsorption column. The enzymatic reaction was described by two consecutive first‐order reactions (synthesis and subsequent hydrolysis), while the adsorption of substrate and product was described by multicomponent Langmuir isotherms. The yield as well as synthesis/hydrolysis ratio were calculated for various system characteristics. The results show that magnetic particles are very effective when the affinity with the particles is specific and for enzymatic conversions involving low ratios of the rate of synthesis versus the rate of hydrolysis. For slow conversions and for low specific affinity molecules column separations are more appropriate.
Review article:Greek syntax: A principles and parameters perspective
Authors:   Alexiadou,   Anagnostopoulou
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe last decades have seen a particular growth of syntactic studies in Greek from different aspects within the principles and parameters framework. In this article we present an overview of the main areas of investigation. Reasons of space prevent us from an exhaustive presentation of all the issues examined in the literature. In what follows, we concentrate mainly on topics that have attracted a lot of attention in the more recent literature (see also the presentation in Theophanopoulou-Kontou 1994; Drachman et al. 1997; Alexiadou, Horrocks & Stavrou 1999).
Group adjectives
Authors: Markantonatou Stella , Ørsnes Bjarne 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThis paper attempts a comparative syntactic study of group adjectives in Danish, English and Modern Greek. The central problem with group adjectives is to account for the contrast between their seemingly argumental behaviour and their inability to introduce new referents into the discourse. We propose a novel analysis whereby group adjectives form a weakly lexical structure with their head noun and modify the first argument of the argument structure of the head noun while the argument itself remains unexpressed. If this analysis is right, it lends support to the representation of argument structure as a level which is simultaneously distinct from the representation of syntactic valency and participates in valency saturation phenomena. The framework is that of Head-Driven Phrase Structure Grammar (HPSG).
Selective Use of Intranasal Mupirocin and Chlorhexidine Bathing and the Incidence of Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusColonization and Infection Among Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Ridenour Glenn , Lampen Russell , Federspiel Jeff , Kritchevsky Steve , Wong Edward , Climo Michael 
Published: September 2007

Objective.To determine whether the use of chlorhexidine bathing and intranasal mupirocin therapy among patients colonized with methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) would decrease the incidence of MRSA colonization and infection among intensive care unit (ICU) patients.Methods.After a 9-month baseline period (January 13, 2003, through October 12, 2003) during which all incident cases of MRSA colonization or infection were identified through the use of active-surveillance cultures in a combined medical-coronary ICU, all patients colonized with MRSA were treated with intranasal mupirocin and underwent daily chlorhexidine bathing.Results.After the intervention, incident cases of MRSA colonization or infection decreased 52% (incidence density, 8.45 vs 4.05 cases per 1,000 patient-days;P= .048). All MRSA isolates remained susceptible to chlorhexidine; the overall rate of mupirocin resistance was low (4.4%) among isolates identified by surveillance cultures and did not increase during the intervention period.Conclusions.We conclude that the selective use of intranasal mupirocin and daily chlorhexidine bathing for patients colonized with MRSA reduced the incidence of MRSA colonization and infection and contributed to reductions identified by active-surveillance cultures. This finding suggests that additional strategies to reduce the incidence of MRSA infection and colonization—beyond expanded surveillance—may be needed.
Risk Factors for and Impact of Infection or Colonization With Aztreonam-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Gasink Leanne B. , Fishman Neil O. , Nachamkin Irving , Bilker Warren B. , Lautenbach Ebbing 
Published: September 2007

Objective.To identify risk factors for infection or colonization with aztreonam-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and examine the impact of this organism on mortality.Design.A case-control study was performed to identify risk factors for infection or colonization with aztreonam-resistant P. aeruginosa. A cohort study was subsequently performed to examine the impact of aztreonam resistance on outcomes.Setting.A tertiary referral center in southeastern Pennsylvania.Participants.Inpatients with a clinical culture positive for P. aeruginosa between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2000.Results.Of 720 P. aeruginosa, isolates, 183 (25.4%) were aztreonam-resistant and 537 (74.6%) were aztreonam susceptible. In a multivariable model, prior fluoroquinolone use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.81 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.17-2.80]), prior use of an antianaerobic agent (aOR, 1.56 [95% CI, 1.06-2.29]), and renal insufficiency (aOR, 1.59 [95% CI, 1.10-2.29]) were associated with infection or colonization with aztreonam-resistant P. aeruginosa, while older age (aOR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.97-0.99] per year of age) was negatively associated with infection or colonization with this organism. In-hospital mortality was higher among subjects infected or colonized with aztreonam-resistant P. aeruginosa, compared with those who were infected or colonized with aztreonam-susceptible P. aeruginos (25.7% vs 16.8%;P = .009), but in multivariable analysis, no significant association was found between infection or colonization with aztreonam-resistant P. aeruginosa and mortality.Conclusions.Curbing the use of fluoroquinolones and antimicrobials with antianaerobic activity may be an effective strategy to limit the emergence of aztreonam-resistant P. aeruginosa.
Vignettes of Communities in Action: an exploration of participatory methodologies in promoting community development in Nigeria
Authors: Abah Oga Steve 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Three interconnected arguments are explored in this article. It begins by a reconsideration of community development, not from official and agency definitions but from what makes development real and satisfies not only physical needs, but also the spiritual as well as psychological. The second part looks at Theatre for Development (TFD) as a system of actualizing the participatory agenda so direly required, so often talked about and very consistently ignored in community development. I argue that TFD in its performative approach to discussing issues, forging alliances and community cohesion contributes to community development. In this instance, we witness TFD as a community art for instigating participation and change. I also talk about how in combination with other participatory methods, TFD can be empowering. This combination is what I call methodological conversation and the aesthetics that defines this conversation involves respect, dialogue, inclusion and flexibility. The case study section narrates the way in which this methodology has been applied in the turbulent environment of the Niger Delta in Nigeria. I argue that TFD, Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) and Questionnaire methods were the triumvirate of approaches that allowed us to understand issues and for communities to listen to us. The challenge remains how to define and develop an enduring relationship between researchers, community and government who may have the wherewithal for action.
An electronic prompt in dispensing software to promote clinical interventions by community pharmacists: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Reeve James F. , Tenni Peter C. , Peterson Gregory M. 
Published: September 2007

What is already known about this subject • Computerized prompts and reminders have been shown to be effective in changing the behaviour of health professionals in a variety of settings.• There is little literature describing or evaluating electronic decision‐support for pharmacists. What this study adds • An electronic prompt in dispensing software for a targeted clinical intervention has a significant effect on pharmacists' behaviour. A markedly increased rate of recording and performing the targeted clinical intervention was found.• The effect of the prompt reduces markedly once the prompt is deactivated.AimTo evaluate the effect of an electronic prompt in dispensing software on the frequency of clinical interventions recorded by community pharmacists.MethodAn electronic decision‐support prompt identifying patients for a targeted proactive clinical intervention was developed and implemented. Each time an oral antidiabetic agent was dispensed, a prompt was displayed reminding pharmacists to discuss the suitability of aspirin therapy in eligible patients with diabetes. The prompt was randomly assigned to 31 of 52 metropolitan pharmacies in Melbourne (Australia) for 6 weeks, with the remaining pharmacies as controls.ResultsOne hundred and fifty pharmacists in 52 pharmacies recorded a total of 2396 clinical interventions at an intervention rate of 0.92 interventions per 100 patients [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58, 1.23]. Pharmacists recorded a total of 201 target interventions related to aspirin therapy in diabetes at an intervention rate of 2.55 interventions per 100 diabetic patients (95% CI 0.85, 4.24). All of the targeted clinical interventions were recorded in the prompt arm; no targeted interventions were recorded in the control group. The effect of the prompt decreased over the study period and was not maintained after prompt deactivation.ConclusionAn electronic prompt significantly increased pharmacists' recording of the targeted clinical intervention in diabetic patients. An electronic decision‐support prompt has significant potential to promote community pharmacists' contribution to the quality use of medicines.
Photorespiratory and respiratory decarboxylations in leaves of C3 plants under different CO2 concentrations and irradiances
Authors: PÄRNIK T. , IVANOVA H. , KEERBERG O. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTWe used an advanced radiogasometric method to study the effects of short‐term changes in CO2 concentration ([CO2]) on the rates and substrates of photorespiratory and respiratory decarboxylations under steady‐state photosynthesis and in the dark. Experiments were carried out on Plantago lanceolata, Poa trivialis, Secale cereale, Triticum aestivum, Helianthus annuus and Arabidopsis thaliana plants. Rates of photorespiration and respiration measured at a low [CO2] (40 µmol mol−1) were equal to those at normal [CO2] (360 µmol mol−1). Under low [CO2], the substrates of decarboxylation reactions were derived mainly from stored photosynthates, while under normal [CO2] primary photosynthates were preferentially consumed. An increase in [CO2] from 320 to 2300 µmol mol−1 brought about a fourfold decrease in the rate of photorespiration with a concomitant 50% increase in the rate of respiration in the light. Respiration in the dark did not depend on [CO2] up to 30 mmol mol−1. A positive correlation was found between the rate of respiration in the dark and the rate of photosynthesis during the preceding light period. The respiratory decarboxylation of stored photosynthates was suppressed by light. The extent of light inhibition decreased with increasing [CO2]; no inhibition was detected at 30 mmol mol−1 CO2.
TPK1, a Ca2+‐regulated Arabidopsis vacuole two‐pore K+ channel is activated by 14‐3‐3 proteins
Authors: Latz A. , Becker D. , Hekman M. , Müller T. , Beyhl D. , Marten I. , Eing C. , Fischer A. , Dunkel M. , Bertl A. , Rapp U. R. , Hedrich R. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryThe vacuole represents a pivotal plant organelle for management of ion homeostasis, storage of proteins and solutes, as well as deposition of cytotoxic compounds. Ion channels, pumps and carriers in the vacuolar membrane under control of cytosolic factors provide for ionic and metabolic homeostasis between this storage organelle and the cytoplasm. Here we show that AtTPK1 (KCO1), a vacuolar membrane localized K+ channel of the TPK family, interacts with 14‐3‐3 proteins (general regulating factors, GRFs). Following in planta expression TPK1 and GRF6 co‐localize at the vacuolar membrane. Co‐localization of wild‐type TPK1, but not the TPK1‐S42A mutant, indicates that phosphorylation of the 14‐3‐3 binding motif of TPK1 represents a prerequisite for interaction. Pull‐down assays and surface plasmon resonance measurements revealed GRF6 high‐affinity interaction with TPK1. Following expression of TPK1 in yeast and isolation of vacuoles, patch‐clamp studies identified TPK1 as a voltage‐independent and Ca2+‐activated K+ channel. Addition of 14‐3‐3 proteins strongly increased the TPK1 activity in a dose‐dependent manner. However, an inverse effect of GRF6 on the activity of the slow‐activating vacuolar (SV) channel was observed in mesophyll vacuoles from Arabidopsis thaliana. Thus, TPK1 seems to provide for a Ca2+‐ and 14‐3‐3‐sensitive mechanism capable of controlling cytoplasmic potassium homeostasis in plants.
Assessment of Growth, Physiological and Biochemical Parameters and Activities of Antioxidative Enzymes in Salinity Tolerant and Sensitive Basmati Rice Varieties
Authors: Singh M. P. , Singh D. K. , Rai M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThis investigation was undertaken to compare the level of salinity tolerance of the newly bred CSR‐30 basmati rice variety with that of the salinity sensitive HBC‐19 and Pokkali rice varieties. Twenty‐one‐day‐old hydroponically raised seedlings at 6 and 12 dS m−1 were investigated for growth, photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content, ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase‐oxygenase (Rubisco) activity, relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), lipid peroxidation, Na/K ratio and activities and gene expression of various isoforms of antioxidative enzymes. Salinity stress led to reduction in shoot length, leaf area, dry weight, RWC, MSI, rate of photosynthesis, chlorophyll content and Rubisco activity in all the three rice varieties. The levels of reduction in these parameters were maximal in HBC‐19 followed by those in CSR‐30 and Pokkali respectively. Cumulative superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased in Pokkali and CSR‐30 in consonance with increase in salinity stress while it decreased in HBC‐19. The Mn‐SOD activity however, was enhanced in all three varieties in the presence of salinity stress while the activities of Fe‐SOD, Cu/Zn‐SOD and ascorbate peroxidase were decreased in HBC‐19 when compared with CSR‐30 and Pokkali. The activity of catalase (CAT) was higher in HBC‐19 when compared with its activity in CSR‐30 and Pokkali. The levels of gene expressions of the three isoforms of SOD ascertained by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction were not necessarily indicative of the activities of the corresponding enzymes. Thus, despite the maximal enhancement in gene expression of Fe‐SOD in HBC‐19 in response to salinity stress, the activity of this enzyme in HBC‐19 remained low. Similarly, despite a marginal increase in gene expression of Cu‐Zn SOD in the three varieties, its activity was significantly higher in Pokkali and CSR‐30 when compared with that in HBC‐19. A significant enhancement in the activity of CAT at 12 dS m−1 in HBC‐19 when compared with CSR‐30 and Pokkali might confer a degree of tolerance to H2O2 stress in this variety in the presence of higher levels of NaCl at the seedling stage.
Crossbred Bull Selection for Bigger Scrotum and Shorter Age at Puberty with Potentials for Better Quality Semen
Authors: Siddiqui MAR , Bhattacharjee J , Das ZC , Islam MM , Islam MA , Haque MA , Parrish JJ , Shamsuddin M 
Published: September 2007

ContentsShortening age at puberty of crossbred breeding bull is an important issue in the tropic. This study aimed at selecting crossbred bulls at earliest possible age with bigger scrotum and potential for donating quality semen. One hundred and 31 pre‐joining crossbred bulls of Central Artificial Insemination Laboratory, Saver, Dhaka were examined. The bulls being trained by seeing semen collection from mature bulls were allowed ejaculation into the artificial vagina at homosexual mount during a 20 min time at three occasions, every three month. Eighty one of 131 bulls produced at least one ejaculate during the study and their mean ± SD age and scrotal circumference (SC) were 20.3 ± 4.7 months and 28.2 ±2.7 cm, respectively. Bulls’ body weight, body condition score (BCS) and SC influenced the attainment of their puberty (p < 0.05). Bull's body weight had positive effects on scrotal circumference and ejaculate volume (p < 0.05). Scrotal circumference positively influenced the percentages of normal spermatozoa (p < 0.05). Scrotal skin‐fold thickness negatively influenced the proportion of spermatozoa with normal head (p < 0.05). Based on age at first ejaculate and SC, 29.6% bulls (n = 24) were selected by cluster analysis. Selected bulls had mean ± SD age 17.9 ± 2.2 months, body weight 287.3 ±48.6 kg, SC 30.5 ± 1.5 cm, ejaculate volume 3.4 ± 1.3 ml, sperm motility 50.8 ± 17.2%, total spermatozoa per ejaculate 2541.9 ± 1699.2 million and normal spermatozoa 81.5 ±14.5%. The selected pubertal bull group was different from the unselected pubertal bulls at manova (p < 0.0001). About 30% of pubertal crossbred bulls can be selected with shorter age and larger scrotum at puberty under conditions prevailed in Bangladesh.
CHEMICAL CLOSURE OF CHRONIC TYMPANIC MEMBRANE PERFORATIONS
Authors: Goldman Nelson C 
Published: September 2007

Background:  The purposes of closing chronic dry perforations of the tympanic membrane are to improve hearing and prevent middle ear infections. Before the use of the operating microscope and improved instrumentation, tympanic membrane perforations were closed by application of chemicals or with a temporary patch. Today, although surgery is the treatment of choice, small dry perforations may be successfully closed by chemical means in an office setting.Methods:  Twenty‐eight of the 69 patients with chronic dry tympanic membrane perforations on the surgical waiting list at Hawke’s Bay Regional Hospital, Hastings, New Zealand, underwent attempts at chemical myringoplasty. Two techniques were used: (i) cautery of the rim of the perforation with a silver nitrate bead on a metal probe and (ii) application of a urea ointment patch covering and overlapping the perforation.Results:  Eighteen of the 28 patients (64%) treated by chemical means experienced closure of their tympanic membrane perforations. Successful closure was achieved in 26% of the patients on the waiting list during the 6‐month period.Conclusion:  Chemical myringoplasty is not only of historical interest. It is an effective means of tympanic membrane closure in selected patients, thereby reducing the surgical waiting list and saving time and money for the patient, surgeon and hospital.