bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
POLICY FOR THE ‘PEAK HOUR’ OF LIFE: LESSONS FROM THE NEW DUTCH LIFE COURSE SAVING SCHEME
Authors: Maier Robert , de Graaf Willibrord , Frericks Patricia 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT
The Dutch government attempts to base its social policy on a life course perspective, and it promotes such a perspective in Europe. This has led to the introduction of a Life Course Saving Scheme (starting in 2006), which aims to enable good management of the ‘peak hour’ of life and to facilitate transitions between and combinations of the activities of working, caring and learning. This important and ambitious policy can be seen as a pioneering example for European countries, however, the present realisation is not sufficient according to research and problems to deal with. This article examines (1) whether the Dutch government's life course policy is based on a sound scientific basis and (2) whether the new Life Course Saving Scheme can realise the policy aims as formulated.
Transmission electron microscopy study of the cell–sensor interface
Authors: Wrobel Günter , Höller Matthias , Ingebrandt Sven , Dieluweit Sabine , Sommerhage Frank , Bochem Hans Peter , Offenhäusser Andreas 
Published: July 2007

An emerging number of micro- and nanoelectronics-based biosensors have been developed for non-invasive recordings of physiological cellular activity. The interface between the biological system and the electronic devices strongly influences the signal transfer between these systems. Little is known about the nanoscopic structure of the cell–sensor interface that is essential for a detailed interpretation of the recordings. Therefore, we analysed the interface between the sensor surface and attached cells using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The maximum possible resolution of our TEM study, however, was restricted by the quality of the interface preparation. Therefore, we complemented our studies with imaging ellipsometry.We cultured HEK293 cells on substrates, which had been precoated with different types of proteins. We found that contact geometry between attached cell membrane and substrate was dependent on the type of protein coating used. In the presence of polylysine, the average distance of the membrane–substrate interface was in the range of 35–40 nm. However, the cell membrane was highly protruded in the presence of other proteins like fibronectin, laminin or concanavalin-A. The presented method allows the nanoscopic characterization of the cell–sensor interface.
Inhibitor development in haemophilia B: an orphan disease in need of attention
Authors: DiMichele Donna 
Published: July 2007

SummaryFactor IX (FIX) inhibitors develop in 1·5–3% of haemophilia B patients. Due to its low incidence compared with that in haemophilia A, few comparable data exist on host and treatment‐related risk factors, and immunological processes associated with FIX inhibitor development. Moreover, the safety and efficacy of bypass therapy as well as the outcome predictors of successful inhibitor eradication have been poorly characterised. The lack of a useful evidence‐based approach to the diagnosis and management of FIX inhibitors complicates their significant morbidity due to the frequency of allergic reactions that often herald antibody development. This review discusses what is currently known about the epidemiology, natural history and immunology of anti‐FIX antibody development. It addresses several special considerations in the approach to the treatment of bleeding and inhibitor eradication. A case is made for moving forward with an integrated international collaboration for the further study of the nature and treatment of this problem.
Optimized methods for fungal α‐amylase airborne exposure assessment in bakeries and mills
Authors: Sander I. , Zahradnik E. , Bogdanovic J. , Raulf‐Heimsoth M. , Wouters I. M. , Renström A. , Harris‐Roberts J. , Robinson E. , Rodrigo M. J. , Goldscheid N. , Brüning T. , Doekes G. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryBackground
In order to enable reproducible and comparable exposure measurements of fungal alpha‐amylase (α‐amylase) in different laboratories and countries, the entire procedure from sampling of airborne dust to measuring extracted samples (including standards and the used enzyme) immunoassays must be standardized. The aim of this study was to establish optimal elution and assay conditions.Methods
A parallel sampler was used for simultaneous collection of 10 samples of inhalable dust in bakeries and mills in Germany, England, the Netherlands and Spain. Three enzyme‐immunoassays (EIAs) for detection of fungal α‐amylase based on monoclonal antibodies or polyclonal antibodies were used for the measurement of the parallel‐sampled filters (n=432) extracted using several methods. The results were analysed by regression analysis of variance. Additional filters (n=54) were extracted and analysed using two EIAs to investigate the storage stability of the extracts.Results
Although α‐amylase concentrations correlated well (r0.88), differences were found between the EIAs in the sensitivity and nominal values (up to a mean factor 5.8). The best elution medium for airborne filters (phosphate‐buffered saline ‘PBS’ with 0.05% Tween‐20) led to 1.2 to two times higher α‐amylase allergen yields than extraction in PBS only, while higher Tween‐20 concentrations decreased the extracted α‐amylase yield. During storage of frozen dust/filter extracts for 3–4 months at −20°C, a loss of approximately 40% of measurable α‐amylase was observed, which could be partially prevented by addition of 0.1% casein to the medium directly after extraction.Conclusion
Although the effects of only a few of many possible causes of variation were investigated, for these factors a clear choice could be made with regard to optimal elution conditions and the use of validated EIAs with calibrated standards, thus making significant progress towards a completely standardized procedure for airborne α‐amylase measurements.
The cytochrome P450 aromatase lacking exon 5 is associated with a phenotype of nonclassic aromatase deficiency and is also present in normal human steroidogenic tissues
Authors: Pepe Carolina M. , Saraco Nora I. , Baquedano Maria Sonia , Guercio Gabriela , Vaiani Elisa , Marino Roxana , Pandey Amit V. , Flück Christa E. , Rivarola Marco A. , Belgorosky Alicia 
Published: July 2007

SummaryObjective   The previously described c655G>A mutation of the human cytochrome P450 aromatase gene (P450aro, CYP19) results in aberrant splicing due to disruption of a donor splice site. To explain the phenotype of partial aromatase deficiency observed in a female patient described with this mutation, molecular consequences of the c655G>A mutation were investigated.Design  To investigate whether the c655G>A mutation causes an aberrant spliced mRNA lacking exon 5 (–Ex5), P450aro RNA was analysed from the patient's lymphocytes by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and by splicing assays performed in Y1 cells transfected with a P450aro –Ex5 expression vector. Aromatase activity of the c655G>A mutant was predicted by three dimensional (3D) protein modelling studies and analysed in transiently transfected Y1 cells. Exon 5 might be predicted as a poorly defined exon suggesting a susceptibility to both splicing mutations and physiological alternative splicing events. Therefore, expression of the –Ex5 mRNA was also assessed as a possibly naturally occurring alternative splicing transcript in normal human steroidogenic tissues.Patients  An aromatase deficient girl was born with ambiguous genitalia. Elevated serum LH, FSH and androgens, as well as cystic ovaries, were found during prepuberty. At the age of 8·4 years, spontaneous breast development and a 194·6 pmol/l serum oestradiol level was observed.Results  The –Ex5 mRNA was found in lymphocytes of the P450aro deficient girl and her father, who was a carrier of the mutation. Mutant minigene expression resulted in complete exon 5 skipping. As expected from 3D protein modelling, –Ex5 cDNA expression in Y1 cells resulted in loss of P450aro activity. In addition, the –Ex5 mRNA was present in placenta, prepubertal testis and adrenal tissues.Conclusions  Alternative splicing of exon 5 of the CYP19 gene occurs in the wild type (WT) as well as in the c655G>A mutant. We speculate that for the WT it might function as a regulatory mechanism for aromatization, whereas for the mutant a relative prevalence of the shorter over the full‐length protein might explain the phenotype of partial aromatase deficiency.
Persisting benefits 12–18 months after discontinuation of pubertal metformin therapy in low birthweight girls
Authors: Ong Ken , De Zegher Francis , Valls Carme , Dunger David B. , Ibáñez Lourdes 
Published: July 2007

SummaryBackground  Discontinuation of metformin therapy, if started beyond menarche in adolescents or young women with hyperinsulinaemia following low birthweight, is rapidly followed by rebound deteriorations in body fat, insulin resistance and blood lipid profile.Objective  We hypothesized that early commencement of metformin and its continuation throughout puberty might have more persisting benefits.Patients and measurements  We followed up on a previously reported randomized study cohort at 12 months and 18 months after treatment discontinuation, including body composition by absorptiometry, fasting insulin, glucose and blood lipids. In that open‐labelled, prospective study, 22 low birthweight girls with early normal puberty (Stage 2 breast development at age 8–9 years) were randomized to remain untreated (N = 12] or to receive metformin (850 mg/day; N = 10) for 36 months (between time –36 months to 0 month).Results  The significant improvements previously reported at the end of the 36‐month active treatment period in per cent body fat, abdominal fat mass, fasting insulin sensitivity, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels all persisted at follow‐up 12 months after treatment discontinuation. Further anthropometry at 18 months off therapy confirmed the persistence of benefits in height, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference in the previously metformin‐exposed girls.Conclusion  In low birth weight girls with early normal onset of puberty, metformin treatment for 3 years across puberty resulted in auxological, endocrine and metabolic benefits that persisted for at least 1 year after metformin withdrawal. Further follow‐up and longer‐term studies are needed to explore the possibility that insulin sensitization therapy during puberty might reprogramme predisposition to metabolic disease.
Magnesium intake and risk of type 2 diabetes: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Larsson S. C. , Wolk A. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract.Objective.  To assess the association between magnesium intake and risk of type 2 diabetes.Design.  Meta‐analysis of prospective cohort studies.Data Sources.  We retrieved studies published in any language by systematically searching MEDLINE from 1966 to February 2007 and by manually examining the references of the original articles.Study Selection.  We included prospective cohort studies reporting relative risks with 95% confidence intervals for the association between magnesium intake and incidence of type 2 diabetes.Results.  The seven identified cohort studies of magnesium intake [from foods only (n = 4) or from foods and supplements combined (n = 3)] and incidence of type 2 diabetes included 286 668 participants and 10 912 cases. All but one study found an inverse relation between magnesium intake and risk of type 2 diabetes, and in four studies the association was statistically significant. The overall relative risk for a 100 mg day−1 increase in magnesium intake was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.79–0.92). Results were similar for intake of dietary magnesium (RR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.77–0.95) and total magnesium (RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.77–0.89). There was no evidence of publication bias (P = 0.99).Conclusions.  Magnesium intake was inversely associated with incidence of type 2 diabetes. This finding suggests that increased consumption of magnesium‐rich foods such as whole grains, beans, nuts, and green leafy vegetables may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Tests of phenotypic and genetic concordance and their application to the conservation of Panamanian golden frogs (Anura, Bufonidae)
Authors: RICHARDS CORINNE L. , KNOWLES L. LACEY 
Published: July 2007

AbstractEvolutionarily significant units (ESUs) differ in the extent to which they capture, or even consider, adaptive variation, and most such designations are based solely on neutral genetic differences that may not capture variation relevant to species’ adaptabilities to changing environmental conditions. While concordant patterns of divergence among data sets (i.e. neutral and potentially non‐neutral characters) can strengthen ESU designations, determining whether such criteria are met for highly variable taxa is especially challenging. This study tests whether previously defined ESUs for endangered Panamanian golden frogs (Atelopus varius and Atelopus zeteki) exhibit concordant variation among multiple phenotypic traits and mitochondrial DNA sequences, and the extent to which such divergence corresponds to environmental differences. Multivariate analyses identify phenotypic and genetic differentiation consistent with proposed ESUs and support the status of A. varius and A. zeteki as separate species. Moreover, the significant association detected between ESU co‐membership and genetic similarity, which remained strong after removing the effect of geographic distance, also indicates that genetic differences are not simply due to isolation by distance. Two phenotypic characters (body size and the extent of dorsal black patterning) that differ among ESUs also co‐vary with environmental differences, suggesting that to the extent that these phenotypic differences are heritable, variation may be associated with adaptive divergence. Lastly, discriminant function analyses show that the frogs can be correctly assigned to ESUs based on simultaneous analysis of multiple characters. The study confirms the merit of conserving the previously proposed golden frog ESUs as well as demonstrates the utility and feasibility of combined analyses of ecological, morphological and genetic variation in evaluating ESUs, especially for highly variable taxa.
Global analysis of tolerance to secretin‐induced stress in Yersinia enterocolitica suggests that the phage‐shock‐protein system may be a remarkably self‐contained stress response
Authors: Seo Jin , Savitzky Diana C. , Ford Emily , Darwin Andrew J. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe phage‐shock‐protein (Psp) system is essential for Yersinia enterocolitica virulence. Mislocalized secretins induce psp gene expression, and kill psp null strains. We used transposon mutagenesis to investigate whether other genes are required to tolerate secretin‐induced stress. Our motivation included the possibility of identifying signal transducers required to activate psp gene expression. Besides Psp, only defects in the RpoE system and the TrkA potassium transporter caused secretin sensitivity. These mutations did not cause the same specific/severe sensitivity as defects in the Psp system, nor did they affect psp gene expression. The Escherichia coli Psp system was reported to be induced via the ArcB redox sensor and to activate anaerobic metabolism. Our screen did not identify arcB, or any genes involved in anaerobic metabolism/regulation. Therefore, we investigated the role of ArcB in Y. enterocolitica and E. coli. ArcB was not required for secretin‐dependent induction of psp gene expression. Furthermore, microarray analysis uncovered a restricted transcriptional response to prolonged secretin stress in Y. enterocolitica. Taken together, these data do not support the proposal that the Psp system is induced via ArcB and activates anaerobic metabolism. Rather, they suggest that Psp proteins may sense an inducing trigger and mediate their physiological output(s) directly.
Rupture, creep, lamellae and crocodiles: happenings in the continental crust
Authors: Meissner R. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTFrom the observation of certain seismic reflectivity patterns in Phanerozoic continental crusts a relationship is suggested between:(1) rupture and seismicity, generally restricted to the upper crust;(2) crocodile tectonics, a kind of vertical indentation, observed by diverging plane reflectors, preferably in the middle crust;(3) creep and the formation of reflecting lamellae in the lower crust.Based on these observations and on viscosity depth estimates a conceptual model for the above‐mentioned structures is presented, which is also compatible with observations in older crusts. Boundary conditions are given for rupture as well as for lamellae‐forming creep.
The inexact catalogue: the study of more than 1700 earthquakes from the XI to the XX century in Italy*
Authors: Guidoboni Emanuela , Ferrari Graziano 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThe relevant results of the study of more than 1700 Italian historical earthquakes from the year 1000 to 1982 are presented here. The research was carried out from 1983 to 1987 as part of a study promoted by ENEL (the National Electricity Board) for the seismic siting of nuclear power plants. A single coherent project has been developed, that involved 111 historical researchers who operated in 813 research centres in Italy and abroad. Problems such as the methods, research, analysis and interpretation of the numerous and various effects caused both by destructive and non‐destructive earthquakes recorded in the historical sources, have been considered on a large scale for the first time.The earthquake records, collected in a data bank and interpreted according to a multi‐disciplinary historical and seismological approach, have allowed the detailed reconstruction of the location and chronology of both individual and repeated events.This major research study has allowed us to evaluate the inexactness of the present Catalogue of Italian earthquakes in relation to the parameters of intensity, location and dating.From the synthesis of the results of the revision emerged sufficient information to value the reliability of the present Catalogue. TERRA Nova (1989) 1, 151–162.
Climate change: possible influence of ocean upwelling and nutrient concentration
Authors: Roger T. , Wilson S. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThe relaxation time of the ocean phosphate system is close to 105Yr. The behaviour of this system is here explored using a simple box model. This approach illustrates that changes in upwelling in low‐ to mid‐ latitudes might exert a significant influence on the atmospheric pCO2, and that the long‐term relaxation behaviour of the ocean phosphate system would rend to enhance the importance of the 100 kyr frequency component in the climatic record.
Origin of the Lower Cambrian phosphatic bed at Vassbo, Sweden
Authors: Wallin Bill 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTAn extensive phosphatic bed characterized by a black apatite‐cemented sandstone is developed in the uppermost part of the Lower Cambrian formation over the entire Vassbo area, Sweden. The thickness of the layer is generally 0.1 m, increasing in places to 0.2 m. The lower boundary of the bed is transitional to a sandstone; the upper boundary displays a contact that is both sharp and irregular with a Middle Cambrian bituminous black shale.The phosphatic bed was diagenetically formed by inorganic in situ precipitation of apatite in a sandstone at a depth of about 0.2 m below the sediment‐water interface, where reducing conditions were developed, as a result of oxygen consumption during the degradation of organic matter. Sulphur isotope data from associated pyrite suggest that organic processes, such as bacterial sulphate reduction, were also involved in the formation of the phosphatic bed. The depositional environment of the bed was a marine shelf with a zero to very low sedimentation rate. The upper part of the apatite‐cemented sandstone was partly reworked by bottom currents as demonstrated by a board containing numerous pebbles. Sedimentological as well as chemical data confirm a southern hemisphere position of the Baltic Shield in the early Cambrian in which an oceanic upwelling and high organic productivity was the probable source of the phosphorus along the palaeo‐west‐coast.
Evidence for pre‐seismic crustal movement in China and Japan
Authors: Cao Lide , Fujii Yoichiro 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTSome recent Chinese observations on precursory crustal movements detected by geodetic measurements such as short‐range levelling or base‐line survey across the active fault corroborate the three gamma phases model of Fujita and Fujii: Gamma 1 phase is pre‐slip along the imminent faulting, gamma 2 is coseismic slip and gamma 3 is post‐slip along the main or subsidiary faulting after an earthquake. Typical of these are the results of short‐range levelling across the earthquake fault that ruptured during the 1976 Tangshan earthquake (Ms= 7.8). Associated with the occurrence of the Tangshan earthquake or the subsequent Ninghe earthquake (Ms= 6.9), remarkable gamma 2 phases were observed. At this same location abnormal gamma 1 or gamma 3 phases were detected from the Lulong 1982 earthquake (Ms= 6.2) that originated from the north end of the Tangshan Fault and was one of the aftershocks of the Tangshan earthquake. These phases are interpreted by analogy with the recent experimental results of stick‐slip motion of the frictional sliding of rock.
‘Clean’ spectral analysis of long‐term sea‐level changes
Authors: Negi J.G. , Tiwari R.K. , Rao K.N.N. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTA new ‘clean’ spectral technique has been applied, for the first time, to analyse a record of long‐term sea‐level fluctuation during the last 200 million year (Myr). The technique is based on a one dimensional complex deconvolution algorithm and removes the effects of the data sampling as well as the artifacts arising from the choice of data window. The analysis reveals a dominant periodicity of 33 Myr in the sea‐level variations. This periodicity compares well with the known half‐period of the Sun's oscillation perpendicular to the galactic plane. Interestingly, a 33 Myr periodicity can also be correlated with the reported mass extinction cycles and other geological periodicities. The results suggest galactic forcing as a possible driving mechanism for quasi‐periodic terrestrial processes.
The Wilga base‐precious metals deposit, Benambra, Victoria, Australia
Authors: Cox R. , Ebsworth G.B. , Forsythe D.L. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTWilga is one of several Au‐bearing volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits localized within Silurian felsic volcanics of the Lachlan Fold Belt of NE Victoria. Exploration has delineated a resource of 3.7 Mt averaging 3.4% Cu, 5.5% Zn, 0.4% Pb, 31 g/t Ag and 0.5 g/t Au within a lensoid‐shaped sulphide body which strikes NE, dips NW and occurs at a depth of 50–160 m below surface. This body has maximum dimensions of 470 m strike, 350 m down‐dip and 37 m true width delineated by 59 surface diamond drill holes and an exploration adit with 40 underground diamond drill holes.There are two main types of mineralization: Stratiform massive sulphides, (mainly pyrite, low‐Fe sphalerite, variable chalcopyrite and minor galena with very minor silica/dolomite gangue) and Stratiform chloritic sulphides (mainly chalcopyrite, with subordinate pyrite and sphalerite, in a gangue of chlorite and minor dolomite).The deposit is layered with at least 6 distinct stratigraphic horizons/cycles of mineralization each characterized by a Cu‐rich base and Pb‐(Zn)‐Au‐As‐rich top. Facies variations are locally rapid.Economically the deposit consists of 3 sub‐lenses of roughly equal tonnage: a Cu‐rich central lens of Chloritic Sulphides (av. 5.9% Cu, 3.6% Zn, 0.3% Pb, 32 g/t Ag and 0.2 g/t Au) between upper and lower lenses of Zn‐rich Massive Sulphides (av. 1.8% Cu, 6.7% Zn, 0.5% Pb, 31 g/t Ag and 0.7 g/t Au).Gold mineralization, locally up to 7 g/t over 6 m, shows a strong spatial association with Pb, (Zn) and As in pyritic massive sulphides.