bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tragstruktur und Installation der Offshore‐Windenergieanlage Repower 5M
Authors: Seidel Marc 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIm Sommer 2006 wurde in Schottland erstmals eine 5‐Megawatt‐Offshore‐Windenergieanlage (WEA) vom Typ REpower 5M in 45 m Wassertiefe errichtet. Die Tiefe des Wassers und weitere Standortbedingungen, die sich durch hohe Wellenbelastung und ungünstige Bodenverhältnisse auszeichnen, erforderten innovative Ansätze für die Tragstruktur und die Installation der REpower 5M. In diesem Beitrag wird über Entwurf, Fertigung und Montage der Jacket‐Strukturen für diese Windenergieanlage berichtet. Außerdem wird eine neuartige Montagemethode für die WEA beschrieben, bei der von einem Schwimmkran gearbeitet wurde. Die gewonnenen Erkenntnisse schaffen Grundlagen für die Errichtung größerer Stückzahlen von 5‐MW‐Windenergieanlagen in bislang nicht erschlossenen Wassertiefen größer als 20 m.
Alterations in IGF-I affect elderly: role of physical activity
Authors: Moran Sagiv , Chen Yamin , Ruthie Amir , Nir Yenon 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe growth hormone–insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) axis is an important physiological regulator muscle for development. Although there is evidence that aging muscle retains the ability to synthesize IGF-I, there is also evidence that aging may be associated with attenuation of the ability of exercise to induce an isoform of IGF-I that promotes satellite cell proliferation. However, it is clear that overexpression of IGF-I in the muscle can protect against age-related sarcopenia. Strength training appears to be the intervention of choice for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. IGF-I has been implicated in the loss of the muscle with age, and IGF-I expression levels change as a consequence of strength training in older adults. However, it seems that advancing age, rather than declining serum levels of IGF-I, appears to be a major determinant of life-time changes in body composition in women and men. We concluded that resistive exercise is a significant determinant of muscle mass and function. Elevated levels of IGF-I have been found in physically active compared to sedentary individuals. Recent work suggests that IGF-I as a mediator plays an important role in muscle hypertrophy and angiogenesis, both of which characterize the anabolic adaptation of muscles to exercise.
Neuroprotective effects of (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) on paraquat‐induced apoptosis in PC12 cells
Authors: Hou Rong‐Rong , Chen Jian‐Zong , Chen Hong , Kang Xiao‐Gang , Li Min‐Ge , Wang Bai‐Ren 
Published: September 2007

AbstractGreen tea, owing to its beneficial effect on health, is becoming more and more popular worldwide. (−)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), the main ingredient of green tea polyphenols, is a known protective effect on injured neurons in neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Paraquat (PQ) is a widely used herbicide that possesses a similar structure to MPP+ and is toxic to mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons. In the present study, PQ‐injured PC12 cells were chosen as an in vitro cell model of Parkinson's disease and the neuroprotective effects of EGCG were investigated. The results showed that EGCG attenuated apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by PQ. The possible mechanism may be associated with maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential, inhibiting caspase‐3 activity and downregulating the expression of pro‐apoptotic protein Smac in cytosol. The present study supports the notion that EGCG could be used as a neuroprotective agent for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Novel anti‐apoptotic effect of Bcl‐2: Prevention of polyamine depletion‐induced cell death
Authors: Holst C. Martina , Johansson Veronica M. , Alm Kersti , Oredsson Stina M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe spermine analogue N1,N11‐diethylnorspermine (DENSPM) efficiently depletes the polyamine pools in the breast cancer cell line L56Br‐C1 and induces apoptotic cell death via the mitochondrial pathway. In this study, we have over‐expressed the anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐2 in L56Br‐C1 cells and investigated the effect of DENSPM treatment. DENSPM‐induced cell death was significantly reduced in Bcl‐2 over‐expressing cells. Bcl‐2 over‐expression reduced DENSPM‐induced release of the pro‐apoptotic proteins AIF, cytochrome c, and Smac/DIABLO from the mitochondria. Bcl‐2 over‐expression reduced the DENSPM‐induced activation of caspase‐3. Bcl‐2 over‐expression also prevented DENSPM‐induced Bax cleavage and reduction of Bcl‐XL and survivin levels. The DENSPM‐induced activation of the polyamine catabolic enzyme spermidine/spermine N1‐acetyltransferase was reduced by Bcl‐2 over‐expression, partly preventing polyamine depletion. Thus, Bcl‐2 over‐expression prevented a number of DENSPM‐induced apoptotic effects.
The relationship between impulsivity and Internet addiction in a sample of Chinese adolescents
Authors: Cao Fenglin , Su Linyan , Liu TieQiao , Gao Xueping 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectivePrevious studies regarding internet addiction have investigated associated psychological variables such as shyness, loneliness, self-consciousness, anxiety, depression and interpersonal relations. Few studies about the relationship between internet Addiction and impulsivity have been done. This study aimed to assess whether internet addiction is related to impulsivity among Chinese adolescents.MethodThis study was performed in two stages. We screened for the presence of internet Addiction among 2620 high school students(age ranging from 12 years to 18 years) from four high schools of Changsha City using Diagnostic Questionnaire for internet Addiction (YDQ). According to the modified YDQ criteria by Beard, 64 students were diagnosed as internet addiction. Excluding current psychiatric comorbidity, 50 students who were diagnosed as internet Addiction (mean age, 14.8 ± 1.4 years) and 50 normal students in internet usage(mean age, 14.5 ± 1.8 years) were included in a case control study. The two groups were assessed using Barratt Impulsiveness Scale 11 (BIS-11) and behavioral measure of impulsivity (GoStop Impulsivity Paradigm).ResultsSixty-four students met the modified YDQ criteria by Beard, of whom 14 students suffered from comorbid psychiatric disorders, especially comorbid ADHD. The internet Addiction group had significantly higher scores on the BIS-11 subscales of Attentional key, Motor key, and Total scores than the control group (P < 0.05). The internet Addiction group scored higher than the control group on the failure to inhibit responses of GoStop Impulsivity Paradigm (P < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between YDQ scores and BIS-11subscales and the number of failure to inhibit responses of GoStop Impulsivity Paradigm.ConclusionThis study suggests that adolescents with internet addiction exhibit more impulsivity than controls and have various comorbid psychiatric disorders, which could be associated with the psychopathology of internet addiction.
Induction of lipid peroxidation and decrease of antioxidant defenses in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Deon Marion , Sitta Angela , Barschak Alethea G. , Coelho Daniela M. , Pigatto Maiara , Schmitt Graziela O. , Jardim Laura B. , Giugliani Roberto , Wajner Moacir , Vargas Carmen R. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractPatients affected by X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD) present a progressive brain and peripheral demyelination and adrenal cortex insufficiency, associated with accumulation of the very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) hexacosanoic acid (C26:0) and tetracosanoic acid (C24:0) in different tissues and biological fluids. X‐ALD is characterized by heterogeneous clinical phenotypes. Seven clinical variants have been described for this genetic disorder, being the childhood cerebral form (CCER), adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) and asymptomatic the most common clinical forms. In a previous work, we showed evidence that oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of X‐ALD symptomatic patients. In the present study, we compared oxidative stress parameters, namely thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBA‐RS) and total antioxidant status (TAS), in plasma from patients with CCER, AMN and in asymptomatic X‐ALD patients. It was observed that symptomatic and asymptomatic X‐ALD patients presented a significant increase of plasma TBA‐RS measurement, indicating a stimulation of lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, lipid peroxidation was higher in AMN, as compared to CCER and asymptomatic patients. We also observed that the total antioxidant defenses (TAS) were decreased in symptomatic but not in asymptomatic X‐ALD patients. Therefore, it may be presumed that asymptomatic patients seem to be protected against oxidative stress because of their normal antioxidant defenses and that other factors besides oxidative damage may be responsible for the severity of the symptoms in X‐ALD and need to be investigated.
Variation in harvest index of modern spring barley, oat and wheat cultivars adapted to northern growing conditions
Authors: PELTONEN-SAINIO P. , MUURINEN S. , RAJALA A. , JAUHIAINEN L. 
Published: September 2007

SUMMARYIncreased harvest index (HI) has been one of the principal factors contributing to genetic yield improvements in spring barley (Hordeum vulgareL.), oat (Avena sativaL.) and wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) cultivars. Although high HI demonstrates high-yielding ability when cultivars are compared, it can also indicate challenges to yield formation when comparisons are made across differing growing conditions. The present study was designed to investigate variation in HI among modern cereal cultivars relative to that brought about by a northern environment, to assess whether HI still explains the majority of the differences in grain yield when only modern cereal cultivars are compared, and to monitor key traits contributing to HI. Stability of HI was also investigated with reference to the role of tillers. Twelve experiments (3 years, two locations, two nitrogen fertilizer regimes) were carried out in southern Finland to evaluate 12 two-row spring barley, 10 six-row barley, 10 oat and 11 wheat cultivars. In addition to HI, days to heading and maturity, length of grain filling period, grain yield, test weight and 13 traits characterizing plant stand structure were measured and analysed with principal component analysis (PCA) to detect traits associated with HI and those contributing to stability of HI. Although only modern cereals were studied, differences among cultivars were significant both in mean HI and stability of HI, and HI was associated with short plant stature in all modern cereal species. Also, single grain weight was associated with HI in all species. Differences between, but not within, species in HI were partly attributable to differences in tiller performance. Grain yield was associated closely with HI except in two-row barley. It may be possible to further increase HI of wheat, as it still was relatively low. High HI did, however, not indicate the degree of success in yield determination when environments are compared.
URBAN–RURAL CONTRASTS IN EXPLANATORY MODELS AND TREATMENT-SEEKING BEHAVIOURS FOR STROKE IN TANZANIA
Authors: MSHANA G. , HAMPSHIRE K. , PANTER-BRICK C. , WALKER R. ,   THE TANZANIAN STROKE INCIDENCE PROJECT TEAM
Published: September 2007

SummaryStroke is an emerging problem in sub-Saharan Africa, about which little is known since most research to date has been based on retrospective, hospital-based studies. This anthropological work, designed to complement a large community-based project on stroke incidence, focuses on local understandings and treatment-seeking behaviours in urban (Dar-es-Salaam) and rural (Hai) areas of Tanzania. Semi-structured interviews (n=80) were conducted with 20 stroke patients, 20 relatives of stroke patients, ten traditional healers, and 30 other local residents. In contrast to common expectations, and literature that finds witchcraft beliefs to be most common in rural areas, stroke in urban Dar was widely believed to emanate from supernatural causes (demons and witchcraft), while in rural Hai, explanations drew mostly on ‘natural’ causes (hypertension, fatty foods, stress). These different beliefs and explanatory models fed into treatment-seeking behaviours. The first option in Hai was hospital treatment, while in Dar-es-Salaam, where belief in demons led to hospital avoidance, it was traditional healers. In both sites, multiple treatment options (serially or simultaneously) were the norm. Analysis of patient and carer narratives suggested that causation beliefs outweighed other factors, such as cost and distance, in shaping effective treatment. Three policy implications are drawn. First, as other studies have also shown, it is important to engage with, rather than dismiss, local explanations and interpretations of stroke. Stroke awareness messages need to take into account the geographical and belief systems differences. Developing an understanding of explanatory models that recognizes that local beliefs arise from dynamic processes of social interaction will be critical to designing effective interventions. Second, there is a clear role for multiple healing systems with possibility of cross-reference in the case of a chronic, disabling condition like stroke, since biomedical treatment cannot offer a ‘quick fix’ while traditional healers can help people come to terms with their condition. Third, issues of communication between health services and their patients are particularly critical.
Toxoplasma gondiiinduces changes in intracellular calcium in macrophages
Authors: MASEK K. S. , ZHU P. , FREEDMAN B. D. , HUNTER C. A. 
Published: September 2007

SUMMARYToxoplasma gondiiis an obligate intracellular parasite that interacts with calcium storage organelles and induces calcium-dependent signalling in macrophages. This study was performed to determine whetherToxoplasmainduces changes in intracellular calcium in these cells. Ratiometric imaging of live, Fura-2 loaded macrophages challenged withT. gondiirevealed robust elevations in intracellular calcium. These elevations were late in onset, beginning 15–20 min after addition of parasites and occurred in up to 20% of macrophages in an imaging field. Further characterization of these events revealed that they follow from challenge with liveT. gondii, but not heat-killed parasites or solubleToxoplasmaantigen (STAg). Parasite-induced calcium elevations derived from extracellular sources, and were independent of host recognition factors MyD88 and CCR5. These findings indicate thatToxoplasma gondiialters calcium homeostasis in macrophages and this activity is independent of known pathways involved in the innate recognition of this organism.
Molecular evidence of prevalent dual piroplasma infections in North American raccoons (Procyon lotor)
Authors: BIRKENHEUER A. J. , MARR H. S. , HLADIO N. , ACTON A. E. 
Published: September 2007

SUMMARYBased on 18S rRNA sequence analyses 2 distinct genotypes of piroplasms have been described in raccoons. One genotype resides in the Babesia sensu stricto clade and the other in the Babesia microti-like clade. Since these organisms appear morphologically indistinguishable, it is unclear which strain is responsible for the majority of the infections in raccoons. In order to overcome these limitations we performed a molecular survey of raccoons using polymerase chain reaction assays specific for each genotype. We tested blood samples from 41 wild raccoons trapped in eastern North Carolina using PCR assays and found that 95% (39/41) had detectable piroplasm DNA. Ninety percent (37/41) of the samples contained Babesia sensu stricto DNA and 83% (34/41) samples contained Babesia microti-like DNA. DNA from both genotypes was present in 76% (31/41) samples suggesting a very high rate of co-infections. The presence of dual piroplasma infections in carnivores appears to be an uncommon finding. This study highlights the need for molecular assays for the accurate identification of piroplasma. Further studies are indicated to investigate the ability of these parasites to infect domestic animals as well as their zoonotic potential.
The rising impact of mathematical modelling in epidemiology: antibiotic resistance research as a case study
Authors: TEMIME L. , HEJBLUM G. , SETBON M. , VALLERON A. J. 
Published: September 2007

SUMMARYMathematical modelling of infectious diseases has gradually become part of public health decision-making in recent years. However, the developing status of modelling in epidemiology and its relationship with other relevant scientific approaches have never been assessed quantitatively. Herein, using antibiotic resistance as a case study, 60 published models were analysed. Their interactions with other scientific fields are reported and their citation impact evaluated, as well as temporal trends. The yearly number of antibiotic resistance modelling publications increased significantly between 1990 and 2006. This rise cannot be explained by the surge of interest in resistance phenomena alone. Moreover, modelling articles are, on average, among the most frequently cited third of articles from the journal in which they were published. The results of this analysis, which might be applicable to other emerging public health problems, demonstrate the growing interest in mathematical modelling approaches to evaluate antibiotic resistance.
The impact of climate on Japanese encephalitis
Authors: HSU S. M. , YEN A. M. F. , CHEN T. H. H. 
Published: September 2007

SUMMARYThe aim of this study was to assess the change of seasonal pattern of Japanese encephalitis (JE) cases in the post-vaccination period and to elucidate whether the lagged climate variables (precipitation and temperature) were associated with occurrence of JE after adjustment for seasonal pattern, time trend, geographic areas, pig density, vaccination coverage rate for humans, and time dependence of time-series numbers of JE cases. A total of 287 confirmed JE cases between 1991 and 2005 were collected, together with monthly data on socio-ecological archival data including climate, pig density and vaccination. A time-series generalized autoregressive Poisson regression model was used to achieve the objectives. The rate of JE increased from 1998 onwards. The seasonal pattern on occurrence of JE cases clustered between May and August during the period from 1991 to 2005 in Taiwan. In each geographic area, monitoring temperature and precipitation, two possible proxy variables for mosquito density, in conjunction with seasonal factors and pig density is of assistance in forecasting JE epidemics.
Generalised and abdominal obesity and risk of diabetes, hypertension and hypertension–diabetes co-morbidity in England
Authors: Hirani Vasant , Zaninotto Paola , Primatesta Paola 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo look at trends in generalised (body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg m–2) and abdominal (waist circumference (WC) >102 cm in men, >88 cm in women) obesity among adults between 1993 and 2003, and to evaluate their association with diabetes, hypertension and hypertension–diabetes co-morbidity (HDC) in England.DesignAnalyses of nationally representative cross-sectional population surveys, the Health Survey for England (HSE).SubjectsNon-institutionalised men and women aged ≥35 years.MeasurementsInterviewer-administered questionnaire (sociodemographic information, risk factors, doctor-diagnosed diabetes), measurements of height and weight to calculate BMI. WC and blood pressure measurements were taken by trained nurses.ResultsGeneralised obesity increased among men from 15.8% in 1993 to 26.3% in 2003, and among women from 19.3% to 25.8%. Abdominal obesity also increased in both sexes (men: 26.2% in 1993 to 39.0% in 2003; women: 32.4% to 47.0%). In 1994, 1998 and 2003, generalised and abdominal obesity were independently associated with risk of hypertension, diabetes and HDC. The odds of diabetes associated with generalised obesity in 1994, 1998 and 2003 were 1.62, 2.26 and 2.62, respectively, in women and 1.24, 1.82 and 2.10, respectively, in men. Similar differences were observed for hypertension and HDC. Men and women with abdominal obesity also showed a higher risk for diabetes, hypertension and HDC than those with a normal WC.ConclusionsIf current trends in obesity continue then the risk of related morbidities may also increase. This will impact on cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality, with cost implications for the health service. Therefore there is an urgent need to control the epidemic of obesity.
The lack of effect of isoflavones on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations in adolescent boys: a 6-week randomised trial
Authors: Dwyer Terence , Hynes Kristen L , Fryer Jayne L , Blizzard C Leigh , Dalais Fabien S 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackgroundA substantial fall in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) during puberty in boys, but not girls, has been reported in Western populations. The fall in boys is believed to be due to hormonal changes – androgens have been shown to be associated with lower HDL-C, whereas oestrogens are associated with higher HDL-C. The fall in HDL-C during puberty was not observed, however, in a study of Moslem boys in Israel, nor in a group of Japanese boys. A diet high in phyto-oestrogens may account for the lack of a fall in HDL-C in these populations.ObjectiveTo examine the effect of dietary supplementation with phyto-oestrogens on the HDL-C concentration of adolescent boys from a Western population. We hypothesised that dietary supplementation of 50 mg of the isoflavones daidzein and genistein would produce a 12% higher HDL-C concentration than in controls at the end of a 6-week intervention period.DesignA randomised controlled trial.SettingHellyer College in Burnie (Tasmania, Australia).SubjectsAdolescent boys (aged 16–18 years) were recruited through a letter sent to parents. A total of 132 eligible participants enrolled and five subjects withdrew from the trial.ResultsNo significant increase in HDL-C was observed in the treatment group (–0.02 mmol l–1, standard error (SE)=0.03, P = 0.53) or the placebo group (0.05 mmol l–1, SE = 0.03, P = 0.11).ConclusionsFactors other than isolated dietary isoflavones may be responsible for the lack of fall in HDL-C during puberty in Japanese and Moslem boys.
Breast-feeding and maternal mental well-being among Bangladeshi and Pakistani women in north-east England
Authors: Noor Sayeda Z , Rousham Emily K 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo explore the relationship between infant feeding and maternal mental well-being among women of Bangladeshi and Pakistani ethnicity; and to explore the sources of advice, information and support available to women before and after childbirth.DesignA cross-sectional survey of infant feeding and maternal well-being via structured interviews conducted in the home.SettingHome visits within two inner-city wards of Newcastle upon Tyne.SubjectsEighty-six women of South Asian ethnicity.ResultsEnjoyment of everyday activities was higher among women who breast-fed only (P = 0.028); whereas feeling sad or crying during pregnancy was lower among breast-feeding women (P = 0.005), as was not sleeping well (P = 0.003) and feeling that everything was too much (P = 0.039), compared with women who used formula or mixed feeding. Women who breast-fed only had better mean mood scores than those who formula-fed or those who both breast-fed and formula-fed (P < 0.001). Mean mood responses were also significantly associated with the mother’s level of understanding of English and number of years in education (P = 0.005 and P = 0.003, respectively). The association between method of feeding and maternal mood remained strong after controlling for the effects of English language and maternal education.ConclusionsThe study suggests that breast-feeding may be an important mediator of maternal mental well-being after childbirth. Community-based programmes tailored to the needs of Bangladeshi and Pakistani women which support breast-feeding and encourage exclusive breast-feeding may be of benefit.