bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dipole matrix for the 2D inclusions close to circular
Authors: Rylko N. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe macroscopic conductivity properties of 2D dilute composites are theoretically studied by using the dipole matrix. We estimate the influence of perturbations of the shape of the circular inclusion to the dipole matrix. Applying the method of complex potentials we solve a corresponding boundary value problem up to O(ε2), where εdenotes the ratio of the perturbations to the radius of the circular inclusion.
Magnetohydrodynamic experiments on cosmic magnetic fields
Authors: Stefani F. , Gailitis A. , Gerbeth G. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIt is widely known that cosmic magnetic fields, i.e. the fields of planets, stars, and galaxies, are produced by the hydromagnetic dynamo effect in moving electrically conducting fluids. It is less well known that cosmic magnetic fields play also an active role in cosmic structure formation by enabling outward transport of angular momentum in accretion disks via the magnetorotational instability (MRI). Considerable theoretical and computational progress has been made in understanding both processes. In addition to this, the last ten years have seen tremendous efforts in studying both effects in liquid metal experiments. In 1999, magnetic field self‐excitation was observed in the large scale liquid sodium facilities in Riga and Karlsruhe. Recently, self‐excitation was also obtained in the French “von Kármán sodium” (VKS) experiment. An MRI‐like mode was found on the background of a turbulent spherical Couette flow at the University of Maryland. Evidence for MRI as the first instability of an hydrodynamically stable flow was obtained in the “Potsdam Rossendorf Magnetic Instability Experiment” (PROMISE). In this review, the history of dynamo and MRI related experiments is delineated, and some directions of future work are discussed.
Self‐efficacy and academic achievement in Australian high school students: The mediating effects of academic aspirations and delinquency
Authors: Carroll Annemaree , Houghton Stephen , Wood Robert , Unsworth Kerrie , Hattie John , Gordon Lisa , Bower Julie 
Published: November 2008

AbstractStudies have shown that self‐efficacy, aspirational, and other psychosocial influences account for considerable variance in academic achievement through a range of mediational pathways, although no research to date has tested the mediational relationships identified. The present research investigated the structural relations among self‐efficacy, academic aspirations, and delinquency, on the academic achievement of 935 students aged 11–18 years from ten schools in two Australian cities. The Children's Self‐Efficacy Scale, Adapted Self‐Report Delinquency Scale (Revised), and Children's Academic Aspirations Scale were administered to participants prior to academic achievement being assessed using mid‐year school grades. Structural equation modeling was employed to test three alternative models for the relationships from academic, social, and self‐regulatory efficacy on academic achievement. A partial mediation model showed the best overall fit to the data. Academic and self‐regulatory efficacy had an indirect negative effect through delinquency and a direct positive effect on academic achievement. Academic and social self‐efficacy had positive and negative relationships, respectively, with academic aspiration and academic achievement; however, the relationship between academic aspiration and academic achievement was not significant in the final model.
Effect of NeuroD2 expression on neuronal differentiation in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Sugimoto Yasutaka , Furuno Tadahide , Nakanishi Mamoru 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA basic helix‐loop‐helix transcriptional factor, NeuroD2, plays important roles in neuronal differentiation and survival. We introduced the tetracycline‐dependent NeuroD2 expression system to embryonic stem (ES) cells and studied the role of NeuroD2 in the neuronal differentiation. The addition of doxycycline induced the expression of NeuroD2 after 24 h and the differentiation to neurons after 3 days in ES cells, which are transfected with vectors composed of reverse tetracycline‐controlled transactivator with cytomegarovirus promoter and NeuroD2 with tetracycline response element. Treatment with doxycycline for 3 days induced neuronal differentiation, but not within 1 day; furthermore NeuroD2 was detected in the nucleus 3 days after treatment, but also not within 1 day. The results suggest that the expression of NeuroD2 requires an appropriate period of about 3 days to elicit neuronal differentiation in ES cells.
Co‐clustering of Golgi complex and other cytoplasmic organelles to crescentic region of half‐moon nuclei during apoptosis
Authors: Nozawa Kazuhisa , Fritzler Marvin J. , Takasaki Yoshinari , Wood Malcolm R. , Chan Edward K.L. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractEarly apoptosis is defined by stereotypic morphological changes, especially evident in the nucleus, where chromatin condenses and compacts, and assumes a globular, half‐moon or crescent‐shaped morphology. Accumulating evidence suggests that cytoplasmic organelles such as mitochondria and the Golgi complex are major sites of integration of pro‐apoptotic signaling. In this study, cytoplasmic organelles including Golgi complex, mitochondria, endosomes, lysosomes, and peroxisomes were shown to condense at the same unique region adjacent to the crescentic nucleus during a relatively early stage of apoptosis induced by staurosporine or other agents. The co‐clustering phenomenon may be caused by shrinkage of cytoplasm during apoptosis although cytoskeletal markers actin and tubulin were not condensed and appeared excluded. These data suggest the co‐clustering of cytoplasmic organelles plays an interesting role during the progression of the apoptotic process. It is possible that modification of pro‐apoptotic proteins may arise as a result of the interplay of these cytoplasmic organelles.
Plasma and placental nitric oxide levels in women with and without pre‐eclampsia living at different altitudes
Authors: Teran Enrique , Chedraui Peter , Vivero Sandra , Villena Francisco , Duchicela Fabian , Nacevilla Luis 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the nitric oxide (NO) levels in the plasma and the placentas of pregnant women with pre‐eclampsia and women without pre‐eclampsia, and to determine the effect of high or low altitude of residence.MethodsNO was determined by chemoluminescence and group comparisons were performed.ResultsWomen with pre‐eclampsia (n = 63) had higher plasma NO levels (38.6 ± 17.44 vs 30.6 ± 12.44 µmol/L, P = 0.004) and higher placental NO levels (38.5 ± 17.0 vs 24.3 ± 7.16 ng/mg protein, P < 0.05) compared with women without pre‐eclampsia. A similar trend was found when comparisons were made according to altitude of residence. NO levels were significantly higher in the plasma of pre‐eclamptic women living at sea level (41.11 ±18.78 vs 28.96 ± 9.57 µmol/L, P = 0.003), and in the placentas of women living at high altitude (39.51 ± 16.98 vs 21.91 ± 6.64 ng/mg protein, P < 0.0001).ConclusionWomen with pre‐eclampsia had higher plasma and placental NO levels and the differences were associated with altitude of residence.
Obstetric fistula in low‐income countries
Authors: Zheng Alice X. , Anderson Frank W.J. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo identify, survey, and systematically review the current knowledge regarding obstetric fistula as a public health problem in low‐income countries from the peer‐reviewed literature.MethodsThe Medline and Science Citation Index databases were searched to identify public health articles on obstetric fistula in low‐income countries. Quantitative evidence‐based papers were reviewed.ResultsThirty‐three articles met the criteria for inclusion: 18 hospital‐based reviews; 6 on risk factors/prevention; 4 on prevalence/incidence measurement; 3 on consequences of obstetric fistula; and 2 on community‐based assessments.ConclusionObstetric fistula has received increased international attention as a public health problem, but reliable research on the burden of disease and interventions is lacking.
Maternal deaths due to eclampsia and HELLP syndrome
Authors: Vigil‐De Gracia Paulino 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate maternal deaths associated with eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and the concurrence of these conditions.MethodA review of Medline studies reporting maternal deaths associated with eclampsia or HELLP syndrome published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese between 1995 and June 2008.ResultsA total of 304 deaths were identified: 100 due to eclampsia, 117 due to eclampsia/HELLP, and 87 associated with HELLP syndrome. Of the total deaths, 71.3% of women had seizures and 67.1% developed HELLP syndrome. In high‐income countries 3.9% of deaths were due to eclampsia without HELLP syndrome, while in low‐income countries this figure was 42.5% (P < 0.0001). The presence of HELLP syndrome in the women who died of eclampsia was 90.6% (29/32) in high‐income countries compared with 47.6% (88/185) in low‐income countries (P < 0.001).ConclusionConcurrent eclampsia and HELLP syndrome was diagnosed in 5–6 out of 10 deaths associated with eclampsia or HELLP syndrome in this review.
Increasing adiposity in normal ovulatory women affects adipocytokine expression in subcutaneous and visceral abdominal fat
Authors: Vardhana Pratibhasri A. , Dicken Cary , Tortoriello Drew V. , Chu Michelene , Carmina Enrico , Lobo Rogerio A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo determine which adipocytokines are differentially expressed as a function of body mass index (BMI), to compare expression of adipocytokines in abdominal subcutaneous and omental fat, and to correlate these findings with serum levels, BMI, and parameters of insulin resistance.MethodsSerum and subcutaneous (sc) and omental (om) tissue were obtained from lean and obese ovulatory women undergoing gynecologic surgery. We determined adipocytokine expression in sc versus om abdominal fat and related this to increasing BMI.ResultsSerum leptin was higher and adiponectin lower in overweight subjects. Adipocytokines had higher expression in sc abdominal versus om adipose tissue with the most significant difference observed for leptin (P = 0.01). As BMI increased, sc leptin expression increased and adiponectin expression decreased. The leptin/adiponectin ratio correlated significantly with BMI (R = 0.84, P = 0.0001).ConclusionIncreased adipocytokine expression correlates with BMI. Abdominal sc tissue has greater adipocytokine expression overall. The serum leptin/adiponectin ratio is highly correlated with BMI. These data may help in our understanding of how obesity affects women in a variety of ways.
Outcomes of pregnancies affected by hemoglobin H disease
Authors: Tongsong Theera , Srisupundit Kasemsri , Luewan Suchaya 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the outcomes of pregnancies affected by hemoglobin H (HbH) disease.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted with 120 women with singleton pregnancies complicated by HbH disease only. The controls‐to‐cases ratio was 2:1.ResultsMaternal outcomes were similar in the 2 groups. The incidences of fetal growth restriction (relative risk [RR], 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.60–3.50), preterm birth (RR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.03–1.96), and low birth weight (RR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.46–2.56) were significantly higher in the study than in the control group. The perinatal mortality rate was slightly higher in the study group.ConclusionIn spite of attempts to keep hemoglobin levels sufficiently high (> 7.0 g/dL), pregnancies with HbH disease were significantly associated with increased risks of fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and low birth weight.
The association between dietary vitamin K intake and serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin is modulated by vitamin K epoxide reductase genotype
Authors: Nimptsch Katharina , Nieters Alexandra , Hailer Susanne , Wolfram Günther , Linseisen Jakob 
Published: November 2008

Vitamin K acts as a cofactor during the γ-carboxylation of vitamin K-dependent proteins. Undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) is a suggested biomarker of vitamin K status. The +2255 polymorphism of the vitamin K epoxide reductase gene (VKORC1) was shown to be associated with the recycling rate of the active form of vitamin K. We investigated the association between dietary vitamin K intake and serum ucOC and hypothesized that this association might vary byVKORC1genotype. ucOC and total intact osteocalcin (iOC) concentrations were quantified using specific ELISA tests in serum samples of 548 male and female participants (aged 18–81 years) of the Bavarian Food Consumption Survey II. ucOC was expressed relative to iOC (ucOC/iOC ratio). Dietary intake of vitamin K (phylloquinone and menaquinones) was estimated from three 24 h dietary recalls using previously published food composition data. The association between dietary vitamin K intake and ucOC/iOC ratio was analysed using linear and non-linear regression models. Median intakes of phylloquinone/menaquinones were 83·4/37·6 μg/d in men and 79·6/29·8 μg/d in women, respectively. As expected, vitamin K intake was significantly inversely associated with the ucOC/iOC ratio. The ucOC/iOC ratio differed significantly across variants of the +2255 polymorphism in theVKORC1gene. Stratification byVKORC1+2255 genotype revealed that only in carriers of the GG genotype (39 % of all participants) did the ucOC/iOC ratio significantly decrease with increasing intake of vitamin K. Thus, the results show that the inverse association between dietary vitamin K intake and serum ucOC depends on a functionally relevant allelic variant of theVKORC1gene.
Brisk walking offsets the increase in postprandial TAG concentrations found when changing to a diet with increased carbohydrate
Authors: Burns Stephen F. , Hardman Adrianne E. , Stensel David J. 
Published: November 2008

We tested the hypothesis that 30 min of brisk walking daily would offset the increase in plasma TAG concentrations associated with substituting dietary fat for carbohydrate. Fourteen subjects (six males) aged 57 (sd5) years underwent three 4 d trials in a counterbalanced order: (i) 4 d on a typical UK diet (40 % energy from fat, 45 % carbohydrate and 15 % protein); (ii) 4 d on an isoenergetic diet but substituting fat for carbohydrate in line with the present recommendations (30 % fat, 55 % carbohydrate and 15 % protein); (iii) 4 d on the same recommended diet with 30 min of brisk walking each day. The food provided for the first 3 d of each trial was isoenergetic with each volunteer's previously determined daily energy intake. On day 4, the subjects consumed breakfast, lunch and an early evening meal, equivalent in total to 90 % of their daily energy intake. Blood samples were collected and substrate utilisation and energy expenditure were determined in the fasted state and for 9 h postprandially. Substrate utilisation differed significantly among trials (P = 0·003); RER was higher on the recommended diet trial than during either of the other two trials (P = 0·012 and 0·021 for the UK diet and recommended diet with walking, respectively). The rise in plasma TAG concentrations over the day was steeper on the recommended diet trial than on the other two trials (trial × time interaction,P = 0·040). The increase in postprandial TAG concentrations associated with substituting dietary fat for carbohydrate was offset by 30 min of brisk walking daily.
Diagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis using immunoblotting with plural low molecular weight antigens
Authors: Yamano K. , Goto A. , Miyoshi M. , Furuya K. , Sawada Y. , Sato N. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAlveolar echinococcosis (AE) is endemic to Hokkaido, Japan. For the past 20 years, detection of AE among inhabitants has involved serological screening using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) followed by Western blotting (WB). Between the years 1987 and 2000, antigens targeted on 66, 55 and 30–35 kDa bands were routinely used in the WB step of AE diagnosis. However, since 2001 diagnosis has been dependent on three smaller molecular weight antigens (26–28, 18 and 7–8 kDa). Due to its higher sensitivity, this improved WB approach has been used as a confirmation step in the screening process and also for the testing of suspected AE cases in hospital outpatients. Using the improved WB technique, a total of 1745 serum samples were examined in 2001–2006 with 81 patients detected and registered with AE. Interestingly, sera from 76 of the 81 diagnosed AE patients (93.8%) demonstrated reactivity with all three antigens. However, sera from the remaining five patients (6.2%) demonstrated no reactivity with the 18 kDa antigen, even though they exhibited clearly detectable levels of reactivity with the 26–28 and 7–8 kDa bands. These results suggest that medical practitioners need to pay particular attention to the specific reactions to some different diagnostic antigens to minimize the risk of misdiagnosing AE patients. In turn, these results may also provide important diagnostic information for cystic echinococcosis (CE).
A good-quality breakfast is associated with better mental health in adolescence
Authors: O’Sullivan Therese A , Robinson Monique , Kendall Garth E , Miller Margaret , Jacoby Peter , Silburn Sven R , Oddy Wendy H 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjectiveBreakfast consumption has been associated with better mental health in adulthood, but the relationship between breakfast and mental health in adolescence is less well known. The aims of the present study were to evaluate breakfast quality in a cohort of adolescents and to investigate associations with mental health.DesignCross-sectional population-based study. Breakfast quality was assessed by intake of core food groups at breakfast, as determined from 3 d food diaries. Mental health was assessed using the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL), with higher scores representing poorer behaviour.SettingThe Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study, Perth, Western Australia.SubjectsEight hundred and thirty-six males and females aged between 13 and 15 years.ResultsMean mental health score as assessed by the CBCL was 45·24 (sd11·29). A high-quality breakfast consisting of at least three food groups was consumed by 11 % of adolescents, while 7 % of adolescents did not consume any items from core food groups on average over the 3 d period. The two most common core food groups consumed at breakfast in this population were dairy products followed by breads and cereals. For every additional food group eaten at breakfast, the associated total mental health score decreased by 1·66 (95 % CI −2·74, −0·59) after adjustment for potential confounding factors, representing an improvement in mental health score.ConclusionThese findings support the concept that breakfast quality is an important component in the complex interaction between lifestyle factors and mental health in early adolescence.
A multilevel analysis of diet and socio-economic status in Scotland: investigating the ‘Glasgow effect’
Authors: Gray Linsay , Leyland Alastair H 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate differences between dietary habits in Glasgow and those in the rest of Scotland and the role that socio-economic factors have in explaining these.DesignData on age, sex, area deprivation, social class, educational qualifications, economic activity, health board region, postcode sector area and informants’ usual intake of foods covering sugary foods, snacks, fibre, starch, meat, fish, spreading fats, dairy products, salt, dietary supplements, fruit and vegetables were available from the 1995, 1998 and 2003 Scottish Health Surveys. Multilevel logistic regression was used to model the relationship between diet and living in Greater Glasgow compared with elsewhere in Scotland, unadjusted and adjusted for age, survey year and socio-economic factors, accounting for the clustering within postcode sector area.SettingScotland.SubjectsSubjects comprised 11 075 male and 14 052 female respondents.ResultsLower consumption of high-fibre bread and potatoes/pasta/rice (among men and women), of cakes (men) and of cereals, meat, skimmed/semi-skimmed milk and green vegetables (women) in Glasgow was explained by socio-economic factors, as was higher consumption of non-diet soft drinks among women; lower consumption of ice cream, bread, cereals, meat and green vegetables (men) and high butter and salt consumption (women) in Greater Glasgow were not.ConclusionAssociations between unhealthy eating and deprivation accounted for much of the tendency of people in Glasgow to have poor diets. Policies are needed to encourage improvements in diet in Glasgow and more effort is required to reduce social inequalities in eating habits. Glasgow’s poor diet will remain unless problems associated with poverty are tackled.
Efficient regioselective synthesis of 3′‐O‐crotonylfloxuridine catalysed byPseudomonas cepacialipase
Authors: Zhao Zhilei , Zong Minhua , Li Ning 
Published: November 2008

Pseudomonas cepacialipase‐catalysed preferential acylation of the secondary hydroxy group of FUdR (floxuridine) with vinyl crotonate was carried out in spite of the presence of the primary hydroxy group, and 3′‐O‐crotonylfloxuridine was prepared successfully for the first time. The isomerization of the double bond of crotonate, which occurs in conventional organic synthesis, could be effectively avoided during the enzymatic acylation. The effects of some key factors such as reaction medium, initialaw(water activity), molar ratio of vinyl crotonate to FUdR, FUdR concentration and reaction temperature on the reaction were examined. Under the optimized reaction conditions, the initial reaction rate, substrate conversion and 3′‐regioselectivity of the reaction were as high as 24 mM/h, 98% and 85% respectively.
To Get Hold of the Wrong End of the Stick: Reasons for Poor Idiom Understanding in Children With Reading Comprehension Difficulties
Authors: Cain Kate , Towse Andrea S. 
Published: November 2008

Purpose
The aim was to identify the source of idiom understanding difficulties in children with specific reading comprehension failure.

Method

Two groups (
n
s = 15) of 9- to 10-year-olds participated. One group had age-appropriate word reading and reading comprehension; the other group had age-appropriate word reading but poor reading comprehension. Each child completed an independent assessment of semantic analysis skills and 2 multiple-choice assessments of idiom comprehension. In 1 assessment, idiomatic phrases were embedded in supportive story contexts; in the other assessment, they were presented out of context. Performance on transparent idioms (which are amenable to interpretation by semantic analysis) and opaque idioms (which can only be interpreted by inference from context if the meaning is not known) was compared.

Results
The groups demonstrated comparable semantic analysis skills and understanding of transparent idioms. Children with poor comprehension were impaired in the use of supportive context to aid their understanding of the opaque idioms.

Conclusions
The study identifies poor inference from context as a source of the idiom understanding difficulties in children with poor reading comprehension; there was no evidence that poor semantic analysis skills contributed to their difficulties. Children with poor comprehension should be supported in the use of context to understand unfamiliar figurative language.