bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A systematic analysis of the feasibility of four‐dimensional ultrasound imaging using spatiotemporal image correlation in routine fetal echocardiography
Authors: Uittenbogaard L. B. , Haak M. C. , Spreeuwenberg M. D. , Van Vugt J. M. G. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the feasibility of incorporating spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) into a tertiary fetal echocardiography program.MethodsDuring the study period all pregnant women fitting our inclusion criteria were enrolled consecutively. Four sonographers participated in the study, one of whom had substantial previous experience of STIC volume acquisition and three of whom did not. STIC volumes were acquired within the time slot allocated for the usual examination and all attempts were recorded. STIC volumes were assessed on acquisition conditions, the quality (as defined by a checklist of cardiac structures that could be visualized), and the rendering abilities. Furthermore, possible learning effects and the influence of experience with STIC on volume acquisition were studied.ResultsSTIC volume acquisition was successful in 75.7% (112/148) of cases in which it was attempted. The more experienced sonographer had a higher success rate in STIC volume acquisition (experienced vs. less experienced, 88.4% vs. 70.5%, P = 0.02). Of all analyzed STIC volumes, 64.8% were of high or sufficient quality. STIC volume quality and rendering ability correlated strongly with the acquisition conditions. High‐quality STIC volumes successfully rendered the intracardiac septa in 84.6% of cases. The coronal atrioventricular plane was rendered in 12/26 cases (46.2%).ConclusionsThis study shows that incorporation of STIC volume acquisition into the daily practice of a tertiary fetal echocardiography program is feasible. Sonographers do not have to be specifically experienced in three‐ or four‐dimensional ultrasound imaging to acquire high‐quality STIC volumes. For successful STIC acquisition and subsequent successful analysis, correct acquisition conditions are of major importance. Finally, our results demonstrate that STIC is as susceptible as conventional two‐dimensional ultrasound imaging to individual variations and limitations in scanning windows. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Common industrial sake yeast strains have three copies of the AQY1–ARR3 region of chromosome XVI in their genomes
Authors: Ogihara Fukashi , Kitagaki Hiroshi , Wang Qian , Shimoi Hitoshi 
Published: May 2008

AbstractGenomic analysis of industrial yeast strains is important for exploitation of their potential. We analysed the genomic structure of the most widely used sake yeast strain, Kyokai no. 7 (K7), by DNA microarray. Since the analysis suggested that the copy number of the AQY1–ARR3 region in the right arm of chromosome XVI was amplified, we performed Southern blot analysis using the AQY1 gene as a probe. The probe hybridized to three bands in the widely used sake strains derived from K7, but only to one band of 1.4 kb in the laboratory strains. Since the extra two bands were not observed in old sake strains, or in other industrial strains, the amplification of this region appeared to be specific for the widely used sake strains. The copy number of the AQY1–ARR3 region appeared to have increased by chromosomal translocation, since chromosomal Southern blot analysis revealed that the AQY1 probe hybridized to chromosomes IV and XIII, in addition to chromosome XVI, in which AQY1 of the laboratory strain is encoded. The chromosomal translocation was also confirmed by PCR analysis using primers that amplify the region containing the breakpoint. Cloning and sequencing of cosmids that encode the AQY1–ARR3 region revealed that this region is flanked by TG1–3 repeats on the centromere‐proximal side in chromosomes IV and XIII, suggesting that amplification of this region occurred by homologous recombination through TG1–3 repeats. These results demonstrate the genomic characteristics of the modern widely used sake strains that discriminate them from other strains. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chromosome instability and unusual features of some widely used strains of Candida albicans
Authors: Ahmad Ausaf , Kabir M. Anaul , Kravets Anatoliy , Andaluz Encarnación , Larriba German , Rustchenko Elena 
Published: May 2008

AbstractElectrophoretic karyotyping of the Candida albicans revealed a different migration pattern of ChR in three different stocks of the sequencing strain SC5314. In one stock, the high instability of ChR size prevented the migration of ChR as a compact band; ChR appeared, instead, as a smear. In some stocks, ChR and/or Ch1 ploidy diminished, suggesting mixed populations of disomic and monosomic cells. Similarly, some stocks of widely used derivatives CAI4 and BWP17 contained smearing of ChR. In addition, the most manipulated strain in the lineage of SC5314, the last derivative, BWP17, acquired an increase in the size of Ch7b and revealed an unusual property. BWP17 did not tolerate a well‐established procedure of telomere‐mediated fragmentation of a chromosome; the remaining intact homologue always duplicated. We suggest that some stocks of SC5314 are unstable and that BWP17 may not be appropriate for general studies. Instead of BWP17 or CAI4, we recommend using for general research CAF4‐2, which is a relatively stable Ura− derivative, and which has been successfully used for more than a decade in our laboratory. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tree growth and competition in a post‐logging Quercus mongolica forest on Mt. Sobaek, South Korea
Authors: Dolezal Jiri , Song Jong‐Suk , Altman Jan , Janecek Stepan , Cerny Tomas , Srutek Miroslav , Kolbek Jiri 
Published: May 2008

AbstractSecondary woodlands in South Korea cover most mountains from low to middle elevations. While general patterns of forest succession are well understood, little is known about mechanisms of stand recovery after disturbance. We examined the spatio‐temporal variations in establishment, growth, size inequality, and mode of competition among trees in a 50‐year‐old post‐logging Quercus mongolica‐dominated stand. We further compared the growth and stem allometry of single trees, presumably of seed origin, with multi‐stemmed trees resprouting from stumps. Q. mongolica formed the upper canopy 16–22 m tall, 88.3% of total stand basal area, and 36.2% of total stem density, with most trees established during the first post‐logging decade (51.2% were resprouts). During the first three decades, the Q. mongolica recruits grew exponentially, and disproportionately more in diameter than few older reserved trees left after the last cutting. This substantially decreased size inequality. The reverse trend was observed from 1994 to 2004: larger trees grow more, indicating an increasing asymmetry of competition for light. Neighborhood analysis revealed that when target trees had more or larger neighbors, their exponential phase of growth was reduced and maximum size was decreased. After the 50 years of stand development, more than 70% of Q. mongolica showed growth decline as a result of competitive stress, and mortality was about 30%, concentrated in smaller size classes. Compared to single stems, resprouts within clones do not seem to compete less asymmetric as might be expected based on studies of clonal herbaceous plants and physiological integration within genets. As Q. mongolica was also negatively affected by competition from woody species currently prevailing in the lower tree stratum (Tilia amurensis, Acer mono, Fraxinus rhynchophylla, Acer pseudosieboldianum), we predict the stand will become increasingly dominated by these more shade‐tolerant trees.
Influence of Rare Earth Doping on the Structural and Catalytic Properties of Nanostructured Tin Oxide
Authors: Fajardo Humberto V , Longo Elson , Probst LuizFD , Valentini Antoninho , Carreño NeftalíLV , Nunes Michael R , Maciel Adeilton P , Leite Edson R 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Nanoparticles of tin oxide, doped with Ce and Y, were prepared using the polymeric precursor method. The structural variations of the tin oxide nanoparticles were characterized by means of nitrogen physisorption, carbon dioxide chemisorption, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The synthesized samples, undoped and doped with the rare earths, were used to promote the ethanol steam reforming reaction. The SnO2-based nanoparticles were shown to be active catalysts for the ethanol steam reforming. The surface properties, such as surface area, basicity/base strength distribution, and catalytic activity/selectivity, were influenced by the rare earth doping of SnO2and also by the annealing temperatures. Doping led to chemical and micro-structural variations at the surface of the SnO2particles. Changes in the catalytic properties of the samples, such as selectivity toward ethylene, may be ascribed to different dopings and annealing temperatures.
Increase of Serum Cholesterol Levels by Heat‐Moisture‐Treated High‐Amylose Cornstarch in Rats Fed a High‐Cholesterol Diet
Authors: Udagawa Haruhide , Kitaoka Chika , Sakamoto Tatsuaki , Kobayashi‐Hattori Kazuo , Oishi Yuichi , Arai Soichi , Takita Toshichika 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe effects of four cornstarches containing various contents of resistant starch on serum and liver cholesterol levels in rats fed a high‐cholesterol diet were investigated. Male Sprague Dawley rats (aged 4 weeks) were divided into four groups (n = 7) and fed high‐cholesterol diets containing 15% of cornstarch (CS), heat‐moisture‐treated CS (HCS), high‐amylose CS (HA), or heat‐moisture‐treated HA (HHA) for 21 days. The results showed that the serum and hepatic level of total cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol, and triglyceride in rats of the HHA group and their arteriosclerosis index were significantly higher, suggesting that HHA increases the risk of arteriosclerosis under a high‐cholesterol dietary condition. No significant between‐group differences were noted in the levels of plasma mevalonic acid and hepatic HMG‐CoA reductase mRNA, whereas fecal cholesterol excretion was significantly higher in the HHA group, indicating that the elevation of the serum and liver cholesterol levels was not due to the promotion of liver cholesterol synthesis and cholesterol absorption in the intestine.
Effect of FFA of Crude Rice Bran Oil on the Properties of Diesel Blends
Authors: Saravanan Subramani , Nagarajan G. , Lakshmi Narayana Rao G. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractCrude rice bran oil (CRBO) with high free fatty acid (FFA) content is not suitable for eating purposes, however, it can be used as a fuel to partially replace or fully replace No.2 diesel. The main objective of the present work was to analyse the effect of FFA content of CRBO on the combustion properties such as viscosity, calorific value, volatility and aniline point. CRBO with different FFAs were collected and mixed with No.2 diesel to prepare CRBO‐diesel blends. It was observed that the viscosity of the blends increased with increase in FFA while the calorific value decreased. Significant variations were observed in the distillation curve for the CRBO blends with different FFA. Aniline point of the blends was 10–15% lower than that of diesel and it is indirectly proportional to the FFA of CRBO in the blend. Experimental results showed that the combustion properties of CRBO are the function of the FFA in the oil. As a dilute blend with diesel, CRBO with high FFA content showed comparable combustion properties to that of diesel. The properties differed in magnitude by 10–15% when compared with diesel. From the present investigation it is concluded that in blended form, CRBO with high FFA can be a potential resource to utilize it as an alternative fuel for CI (compression ignition) engines.
Supplementation with orange and blackcurrant juice, but not vitamin E, improves inflammatory markers in patients with peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Dalgård Christine , Nielsen Flemming , Morrow Jason D. , Enghusen-Poulsen Henrik , Jonung Torbjörn , Hørder Mogens , de Maat Moniek P. M. 
Published: May 2008

Inflammation and endothelial activation are associated with an increased risk of CVD and epidemiological evidence suggests an association between levels of markers of inflammation or endothelial activation and the intake of fruit. Also, vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, has anti-inflammatory properties. We performed a randomised 2 × 2 factorial, crossover trial to determine the effect of orange and blackcurrant juice (500 ml/d) and vitamin E (15 mg RRR-α-tocopherol/d) supplementation on markers of inflammation and endothelial activation in forty-eight patients with peripheral arterial disease. Patients were randomly allocated to two dietary supplements from the four possible combinations of juice and vitamin E: juice+vitamin E; juice+placebo; reference beverage (sugar drink)+vitamin E; and reference beverage+placebo. The supplementations were given for 28 d, separated by a 4-week wash-out period. Analysis of main effects showed that juice decreased C-reactive protein (CRP) by 11 % and fibrinogen by 3 % while the reference drink increased CRP by 13 % and fibrinogen by 2 % (P < 0·008 and P < 0·002, respectively). No significant differences were measured for IL-6 and the endothelial activation markers von Willebrand factor, tissue-plasminogen activator and plasmin activator inhibitor-1. Vitamin E supplementation had no significant effects on the various markers. We observed no significant interaction between juice and vitamin E. In this study, orange and blackcurrant juice reduced markers of inflammation, but not markers of endothelial activation, in patients with peripheral arterial disease, relative to sugar drinks.
Mental disorders in young adulthood
Authors: Suvisaari J. , Aalto-Setälä T. , Tuulio-Henriksson A. , Härkänen T. , Saarni S. I. , Perälä J. , Schreck M. , Castaneda A. , Hintikka J. , Kestilä L. , Lähteenmäki S. , Latvala A. , Koskinen S. , Marttunen M. , Aro H. , Lönnqvist J. 
Published: May 2008

BackgroundThe effect of mental disorders may be particularly detrimental in early adulthood, and information on mental disorders and their correlates in this age group is important.MethodA questionnaire focusing on mental health was sent to a nationally representative two-stage cluster sample of 1863 Finns aged 19 to 34 years. Based on a mental health screen, all screen-positives and a random sample of screen-negatives were asked to participate in a mental health assessment, consisting of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I) interview and neuropsychological assessment. We also obtained case-notes from all lifetime mental health treatments. This paper presents prevalences, sociodemographic associations and treatment contacts for current and lifetime mental disorders.ResultsForty percent of these young Finnish adults had at least one lifetime DSM-IV Axis I disorder, and 15% had a current disorder. The most common lifetime disorders were depressive disorders (17.7%) followed by substance abuse or dependence (14.2%) and anxiety disorders (12.6%). Of persons with any lifetime Axis I disorder, 59.2% had more than one disorder. Lower education and unemployment were strongly associated with current and lifetime disorders, particularly involving substance use. Although 58.3% of persons with a current Axis I disorder had received treatment at some point, only 24.2% had current treatment contact. However, 77.1% of persons with a current Axis I disorder who felt in need of treatment for mental health problems had current treatment contact.ConclusionsMental disorders in young adulthood are common and often co-morbid, and they may be particularly harmful for education and employment in this age group.
Increasing seroprevalence ofClostridium difficilein an adult Danish general population
Authors: FENGER R. V. , LINNEBERG A. , TVEDE M. , ØSTERGAARD C. 
Published: May 2008

SUMMARYThe incidence ofClostridium difficile-associated infections is increasing, but it remains to be defined whether any change in the seroprevalence ofC. difficilehas also occurred. In a population-based study of the general adult population, 734 subjects, aged 15–69 years, were examined on two occasions 8 years apart (1990 and 1998) for the presence of antibodies againstC. difficilein serum. The overall seroprevalence ofC. difficileincreased significantly from 19% in 1990 to 27% in 1998 (P<0·0001). The seroprevalence increased with increasing age in both 1990 and 1998, but the increase was about four times higher in 1998 than in 1990. In conclusion, the observed increase in seroprevalence suggests a higher exposure toC. difficilein the general Danish adult population.
Genetic relatedness of multidrug-resistantAcinetobacter baumanniiendemic to New York City
Authors: LANDMAN D. , BUTNARIU M. , BRATU S. , QUALE J. 
Published: May 2008

SUMMARYMultidrug-resistant isolates ofAcinetobacter baumanniifrom New York City generally belong to one of three ribotypes. To assess the accuracy of ribotyping, the relatedness of representative isolates was further assessed by rep-PCR, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and DNA sequencing of five genes potentially associated with antimicrobial resistance (ampC,ompA,adeB,adeR, andabeM). The isolates fell into several major groups. The first group shared the same ribotype and had common mutations affecting OmpA, AdeR, and AbeM, but consisted of two subtypes with distinctive rep-PCR and PFGE patterns andampCmutations. The second and third groups shared common alterations in OmpA, AdeR, and AbeM, but had distinct ribotype, rep-PCR, and PFGE patterns. The resistant isolates were unrelated to the β-lactam susceptible isolates. Many of the resistant strains shared OmpA and AdeB patterns observed in several European clonal groups. Further development of a multilocus sequencing typing scheme will help determine if multidrug-resistant isolates from diverse geographic areas are indeed ancestrally related.
Response of antioxidant defence systems to thermal stress in the Antarctic clamLaternula elliptica
Authors: Park Hyun , Ahn In-Young , Park Kyung-Il , Hyun Seunghun 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe effects of thermal stress on antioxidant defences in tissues of the Antarctic clamLaternula ellipticawere evaluated and the activities of some antioxidant enzymes, and levels of total glutathione (GSH) and protein carbonyl (PC) in digestive gland and gill over 0–4 days under extreme thermal stress (10°C) were measured. Superoxide dismutase activity was slightly higher after one day of thermal stress, although catalase activity was not altered significantly in either digestive gland or gill tissues. Thermal stress was associated with a significant increase in the activity of GSH-related antioxidant enzymes. Glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities increased up to 1.8- and 2.0-fold, respectively, after two days of thermal stress. Glutathione S-transferase activity drastically increased, to over 3.4- and 4.2-fold in digestive gland and gill, respectively, and remained high on day four. GSH levels also increased in both tissues and remained high on day four. PC content, a marker of protein oxidation, increased after two days of thermal stress. There is evidence that GSH-related antioxidant defence plays a significant role in relation to potential toxicity from reactive oxygen species during thermal stress.
Comparison of estimates of under-nutrition for pre-school rural Pakistani children based on the WHO standard and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reference
Authors: Nuruddin Rozina , Lim Meng Kin , Hadden Wilbur C , Azam Iqbal 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo compare estimates of under-nutrition among pre-school Pakistani children using the WHO growth standard and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reference.DesignPrevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight as defined by WHO and NCHS standards are calculated and compared.SettingThe data are from two cross-sectional surveys conducted in the early 1990s, the time frame for setting the baseline for the Millennium Development Goals: (i) National Health Survey of Pakistan (NHSP) assessed the health status of a nationally representative sample and (ii) Thatta Health System Research Project (THSRP) was a survey in Thatta, a rural district of Sindh Province.SubjectsIn all, 1533 and 1051 children aged 0–35 months from national and Thatta surveys, respectively.ResultsWHO standard gave a significantly higher prevalence ofstuntingfor both national [36·7 (95 % CI 33·2, 40·2)] and Thatta surveys [52·9 (95 % CI 48·9, 56·9)] compared to the NCHS reference [national: 29·1 (95 % CI 25·9, 32·2) and Thatta: 44·8 (95 % CI 41·1, 48·5), respectively]. It also gave significantly higher prevalence ofwastingfor the Thatta survey [22·9 (95 % CI 20·3, 25·5)] compared to the NCHS reference [15·7 (95 % CI 13·5, 17·8)]. Differences due to choice of standard were pronounced during infancy and for severely wasted and severely stunted children.ConclusionsPakistan should switch to the robustly constructed and up-to-date WHO growth standard for assessing under-nutrition. New growth charts should be introduced along with training of health workers. This has implications for nutritional intervention programmes, for resetting the country’s targets for Millennium Development Goal 1 and for monitoring nutritional trends.
Socio-spatial disparities of obesity among adults in the urban setting of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Authors: Ouédraogo Hermann Z , Fournet Florence , Martin-Prével Yves , Gary Jean , Henry Marie C , Salem Gérard 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo document the prevalence and the socio-spatial variations of obesity and to identify individual and household characteristics, lifestyles and dietary practices contributing to obesity and its socio-spatial distribution.DesignPopulation-based cross-sectional survey. We selected 1570 households from four strata characterised as unstructured and low building-density (ULBD), unstructured and high building-density (UHBD), structured and low building-density (SLBD) and structured and high building-density (SHBD) areas. Structured areas are those that were allotted by the township authority (cadastral services), with public services; unstructured areas refer to those developed with no cadastral organisation.SettingOuagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso.SubjectsBMI was calculated in 2022 adults aged 35 years and above who were classified as obese when their BMI was ≥30 kg/m2. Obesity was investigated in relation to household and individual characteristics, lifestyles and dietary practices; adjusted odds ratios with 95 % confidence intervals were derived from a logistic regression model.ResultsThe overall prevalence of obesity was 14·7 % (males 5·5 % and females 21·9 %). Age, gender, household equipment index, usual transport with motor vehicles and micronutrient-rich food consumption were associated with obesity. After adjustment for these factors, obesity remained associated with the area of residence: residents from SHBD areas were more likely to be obese than those from ULBD areas (OR = 1·41; 95 % CI 2·59,4·76).ConclusionsObesity in Ouagadougou is a preoccupant problem that calls for more consideration. Thorough investigation is needed to assess the environmental factors that contribute to the socio-spatial disparity of obesity.
THE SYMMETRIC GROUP REPRESENTATION ON COHOMOLOGY OF THE REGULAR ELEMENTS OF A MAXIMAL TORUS OF THE SPECIAL LINEAR GROUP
Authors: HENDERSON ANTHONY 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe give a formula for the character of the representation of the symmetric groupSnon each isotypic component of the cohomology of the set of regular elements of a maximal torus ofSLn, with respect to the action of the centre.