bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Baikalian and Vendian sequences in the Lower Angara area (southwestern Siberian Platform)
Authors: Kochnev B.B. , Nagovitsin K.E. , Faizullin M.Sh. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
In the section of Agaleevskaya BH-4 drilled in the lower reaches of the Angara River, Vendian and Baikalian sediment sequences have been recognized within Neoproterozoic strata. The Vendian sequence is formed by terrigenous-carbonate deposits of the Tetere, Soba, and Katanga Formations of the Danilovo Horizon, referred to as the Upper Vendian Nemakit-Daldyn Stage, as well as by terrigenous deposits of the Taseeva Group. The Baikalian Horizon is composed of the Brus Formation, earlier recognized only on the Chadobets uplift, and is separated from the Vendian deposits by a stratigraphic gap. In the Brus Formation, a microfossil complex similar to earlier described biotas of the Siberian Baikalian strata was found. The underlying deposits of the Terina Formation contain microfossils lacking below the basement of the Lakhanda Horizon (Neoproterozoic).
Lower Cretaceous biostratigraphy of Northern Siberia: palynological units and their correlation significance
Authors: Pestchevitskaya E.B. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The Berriasian-Barremian biostratigraphy based on spores and pollen of terrestrial plants found in sections from northern Siberia shows a succession of eight units. The ages of the units are proved by calibration against the Boreal zonal standard and their stratigraphic position is controlled by faunal and dinocyst records. The sections of the study are depth-stacked over one another, with partial overlap, and include several isochronous levels marked by the same palynological features. The levels are defined by changes in the taxonomic composition of spore-pollen assemblages found in the sections and recognized using published evidence from northern Siberia. Most of the identified boundaries of the palynostratigraphic units provide a good potential for northern Siberian regional correlation.
Dietary flaxseed lignan extract lowers plasma cholesterol and glucose concentrations in hypercholesterolaemic subjects
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Xiaobing , Liu Yi , Tian Haimei , Flickinger Brent , Empie Mark W. , Sun Sam Z. 
Published: December 2007

Lignans, derived from flaxseed, are phyto-oestrogens being increasingly studied for their health benefits. An 8-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in fifty-five hypercholesterolaemic subjects, using treatments of 0 (placebo), 300 or 600 mg/d of dietary secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) from flaxseed extract to determine the effect on plasma lipids and fasting glucose levels. Significant treatment effects were achieved (P < 0·05 to < 0·001) for the decrease of total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and glucose concentrations, as well as their percentage decrease from baseline. At weeks 6 and 8 in the 600 mg SDG group, the decreases of TC and LDL-C concentrations were in the range from 22·0 to 24·38 % respectively (allP < 0·005 compared with placebo). For the 300 mg SDG group, only significant differences from baseline were observed for decreases of TC and LDL-C. A substantial effect on lowering concentrations of fasting plasma glucose was also noted in the 600 mg SDG group at weeks 6 and 8, especially in the subjects with baseline glucose concentrations ≥ 5·83 mmol/l (lowered 25·56 and 24·96 %;P = 0·015 andP = 0·012 compared with placebo, respectively). Plasma concentrations of secoisolariciresinol (SECO), enterodiol (ED) and enterolactone were all significantly raised in the groups supplemented with flaxseed lignan. The observed cholesterol-lowering values were correlated with the concentrations of plasma SECO and ED (r0·128–0·302;P < 0·05 to < 0·001). In conclusion, dietary flaxseed lignan extract decreased plasma cholesterol and glucose concentrations in a dose-dependent manner.
Diet restriction and ageing in the dog: major observations over two decades
Authors: Lawler Dennis F. , Larson Brian T. , Ballam Joan M. , Smith Gail K. , Biery Darryl N. , Evans Richard H. , Greeley Elizabeth H. , Segre Mariangela , Stowe Howard D. , Kealy Richard D. 
Published: December 2007

This report reviews decade two of the lifetime diet restriction study of the dog. Labrador retrievers (n48) were paired at age 6 weeks by sex and weight within each of seven litters, and assigned randomly within the pair to control-feeding (CF) or 25 % diet restriction (DR). Feeding began at age 8 weeks. The same diet was fed to all dogs; only the quantity differed. Major lifetime observations included 1·8 years longer median lifespan among diet-restricted dogs, with delayed onset of late life diseases, especially osteoarthritis. Long-term DR did not negatively affect skeletal maturation, structure or metabolism. Among all dogs, high static fat mass and declining lean body mass predicted death, most strongly at 1 year prior. Fat mass above 25 % was associated with increasing insulin resistance, which independently predicted lifespan and chronic diseases. Metabolizable energy requirement/lean body mass most accurately explained energy metabolism due to diet restriction; diet-restricted dogs required 17 % less energy to maintain each lean kilogram. Metabonomics-based urine metabolite trajectories reflected DR-related differences, suggesting that signals from gut microbiota may be involved in the DR longevity and health responses. Independent of feeding group, increased hazard of earlier death was associated with lower lymphoproliferative responses to phytohaemagglutinin, concanavalin A, and pokeweed mitogen; lower total lymphocytes, T-cells, CD4 and CD8 cells; lower CD8 percentages and higher B-cell percentages. When diet group was taken into account, PWM responses and cell counts and percentages remained predictive of earlier death.
Kinetic disposition of albendazole in goats subclinically infected with gastrointestinal nematodes vis-à-vis naive animals following oral and intraruminal administration
Authors: Dubey A.K. , Sanyal P.K. , Koley K.M. , Chaudhary P.L. , Mukherjee K. , Mandal S.C. , Pal S. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe influence of subclinical nematodosis on the kinetic disposition of albendazole was evaluated in goats following oral and intraruminal administration. The disposition curves of its metabolites indicated increased uptake of the drug in parasitized goats following intraruminal compared to oral dosing (P < 0.05). The midpoint for the pharmacologically active metabolite, albendazole sulphoxide, in the circulatory compartment was around 0.6 μg ml− 1both in parasitized and naïve goats. The period of exposure to this concentration was around 14 h (oral route), 18 h (intraruminal route) and 16 h (oral route), 17 h (intraruminal route) in parasitized and naïve goats, respectively. As the duration of exposure of parasites to the toxic concentration of the anthelmintically active metabolite was prolonged, it could be assumed that intraruminal delivery of the drug would improve the efficacy of albendazole in parasitized goats.
Development ofFasciola hepaticainLymnaea columellainfected with miracidia derived from cattle and marmoset infections
Authors: Mendes E.A. , Lima W.S. , de Melo A.L. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe development ofFasciola hepaticafrom two species of definitive hosts, i.e. cattle (Bos taurus) and a marmoset (Callithrix penicillata) in the snailLymnaea columellawas determined based on the production of rediae and cercariae and snail survival rate. More rediae and cercariae at 60–74 days post-infection were produced by snails infected by cattle-derived miracidia (cattle group) than by those infected by marmoset-derived miracidia (marmoset group). Among theL. columellaparasitized by the marmoset group, the survival rate and the percentage of positive snails were higher than among those parasitized by the cattle group. Eggs ofF. hepaticareleased in cattle faeces were significantly bigger than those released in marmoset faeces. Miracidia originating from parasites that completed their development in cattle were more efficient in infecting the intermediate host. These results suggest that vertebrate-host origin influences the eggs produced by the parasite and the infection rates in the snail hostL. columella.
Epidemiology of intestinal helminth parasites of dogs in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Sowemimo O.A. , Asaolu S.O. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractAn epidemiological study of gastrointestinal helminths of dogs (Canis familiaris) in two veterinary clinics in Ibadan, Nigeria, was conducted between January 2001 and December 2002. Faecal samples collected from 959 dogs were processed by modified Kato–Katz technique and then examined for helminth eggs. The results of the study showed that 237 (24.7%) of the dogs examined were infected with different types of helminths. The prevalences for the various helminth eggs observed were:Toxocara canis9.0%,Ancylostomaspp. 17.9%,Toxascaris leonina0.6%,Trichuris vulpis0.5%,Uncinaria stenocephala0.4% andDipylidium caninum0.2%. The faecal egg intensities, determined as mean egg count/gram of faeces ( ± SEM), were:T. canis462.0 ± 100.5,Ancylostomaspp. 54.1 ± 8.6,T. leonina0.8 ± 0.4,T. vulpis0.1 ± 0.0,U. stenocephala1.0 ± 0.7 andD. caninum0.2 ± 0.1. Host age was found to be a significant factor with respect to the prevalence and intensity ofT. canisandAncylostomaspp. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of intestinal helminth parasites between male (27.0%) and female (22.5%) dogs (P>0.05). The prevalence of helminth parasites was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the local breed (African shepherd) (41.2%) than in Alsatian dogs (16.2%) or in other exotic breeds (21.0%). Single parasite infections (85.7%) were more common than mixed infections (3.5%).
Effects of water flow on the infection dynamics ofMyxobolus cerebralis
Authors: HALLETT S. L. , BARTHOLOMEW J. L. 
Published: December 2007

SUMMARYMyxobolus cerebralis, the myxozoan parasite responsible for whirling disease in salmonid fishes, has a complex life-cycle involving an invertebrate host and 2 spore stages. Water flow rate is an environmental variable thought to affect the establishment and propagation ofM. cerebralis; however, experimental data that separates flow effects from those of other variables are scarce. To compare how this parameter affected parasite infection dynamics and the invertebrate and vertebrate hosts, dead, infected fish were introduced into a naïve habitat with susceptible hosts under 2 experimental flow regimes: slow (0·02 cm/s) and fast (2·0 cm/s). Throughout the 1-year study, uninfected fry were held in both systems, the outflows were screened weekly for spores and the annelid populations were monitored. We found clear differences in prevalence of infection in the worms, prevalence and severity of infection in the fish, and host survival. Both flows provided environments in whichM. cerebraliscould complete its life-cycle; however, both the parasite and its invertebrate host proliferated to a greater extent in the slow flow environment over the 1-year study period. This finding is of significance for aquatic systems where the flow rate can be manipulated, and should be incorporated into risk analysis assessments.
Automatic generation of weather forecast texts using comprehensive probabilistic generation-space models
Authors: BELZ ANJA 
Published: December 2007

AbstractTwo important recent trends in natural language generation are (i) probabilistic techniques and (ii) comprehensive approaches that move away from traditional strictly modular and sequential models. This paper reports experiments in whichpcru– a generation framework that combines probabilistic generation methodology with a comprehensive model of the generation space – was used to semi-automatically create five different versions of a weather forecast generator. The generators were evaluated in terms of output quality, development time and computational efficiency against (i) human forecasters, (ii) a traditional handcrafted pipelinednlgsystem and (iii) ahalogen-style statistical generator. The most striking result is that despite acquiring all decision-making abilities automatically, the bestpcrugenerators produce outputs of high enough quality to be scored more highly by human judges than forecasts written by experts.
Dietary intake and different types of physical activity: full-day
energy expenditure, occupational and leisure-time
Authors: Camões Miguel , Lopes Carla 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the relationship between dietary intake and different levels and
types of physical activity (PA).DesignCross-sectional evaluation of the EPIPorto study. Energy expenditure
(metabolic energy equivalent tasks) and dietary intake during the past year
were assessed using a PA questionnaire and a semi-quantitative
food-frequency questionnaire, respectively.SettingRepresentative sample of adults in Porto, Portugal.SubjectsData were analysed for 2404 Portuguese Caucasian adults, aged between 18 and
92 years.ResultsFor total PA, males who were active had significantly higher mean intake of
energy (10·76 (2570·7) vs. 9·78
(2336·9) MJ/d (kcal/d), P
< 0·001) and lower level of protein consumption
(16·9 vs. 17·6 % of energy, P < 0·001) compared with sedentary males.
In males, the association between total PA and energy intake remained after
adjustment for age, education and body mass index. Similar results were
observed when occupational activity was analysed. Concerning the energy
expended in leisure time, in both genders, after adjustment for the
previously described variables, a significant positive association was found
between PA and intake of vitamin C (g/d): β = 0·12, 99 % confidence interval
(CI) 0·02, 0·21 for females and β = 0·13, 99 % CI
0·03, 0·22 for males. Leisure-time activity in females
was also positively associated with intakes of fibre, vitamin E, folate,
calcium and magnesium, and negatively associated with saturated fat.ConclusionsHigher levels of PA in leisure time were associated with higher intakes of
micronutrients and lower intakes of saturated fat, particularly in females.
For total and occupational PA, similar nutrient intake was observed between
active and sedentary individuals.
The cost and value of UK defined benefit pension provision
Authors: SWEETING PAUL 
Published: December 2007

SUMMARYThe purposes of this paper are to consider the effect on remuneration of defined benefit pension accrual and the factors that have resulted in changes to the cost and value of this accrual. In this paper, I look at the effect of the change in the cost to an employer of providing a defined benefit pension on the overall cost of remunerating an employee and compare that with the cost of remunerating an employee with no such pension benefits. I allow for the additional cost to the employer of national insurance contributions (‘NICs’). I also look at the change in value of an employee's remuneration, taking into account the value of defined benefit pension accrual and compare this with the change in remuneration for an employee with no such benefits. Here, I allow for employee national insurance contributions and income tax. These assessments look at the cost and value of pension accrual rather than any surplus or deficit relating to previously accrued pension entitlements. I find that costs of employment have risen significantly more for members of defined benefit pension schemes compared with other employees, and that this has largely been as a result of falling long-term interest rates and their effect on the cost of defined benefit pension accrual. The increase in the value of remuneration to employees has shown a similar pattern.
Lifecycle derivatives and retirement income assurance using long-term debt
Authors: BOWDEN ROGER J. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractAs life tables continue to lengthen, a world-wide paradigm shift to defined contribution – but undefined rewards – has left pensioners exposed to performance, credit, and longevity risk. However, relatively risk-free defined benefit schemes can be designed off the back of high-grade debt issuance programmes by public long-term asset vehicles, as an infrastructure–retirement double play. Derivatives can be used to enhance coupons and to correctly align risk preferences as between income while still alive and bequests. Variable lifetime reinvested coupon options and annuity swaps utilize market pricing to provide unambiguous pricing benchmarks and a necessary underpinning of lifecycle planning certainty. The result is a flexible mix of private and public provision of old age income assurance, one that exploits the externalities of a well-designed system of public debt.
The importance of asset allocation in Spanish equity pension plans
Authors: ANDREU LAURA , FERRUZ LUIS , VICENTE LUIS 
Published: December 2007

AbstractFollowing the methodological approach taken by Ibbotson and Kaplan (2000), we provide evidence of a major contribution of strategic asset allocation to Spanish equity personal pension plan performance, finding that on average more than 90% of variability of returns over time, and about 70% of the variation of returns among plans, are explained by strategic policy.Furthermore, we also have evidence that survivor and look-ahead bias detected in previous research have very little impact on the conclusions about the importance of asset allocation on the variability of returns over time.The importance of asset allocation to explain the variability of returns over time is quite similar for the different investment vocations considered in our study, Euro zone and global equity. Very similar results are also found when we consider the size of the Spanish plans as an explanatory factor for the contribution of asset allocation to performance.Finally, the value that active management adds to the mere passive tracking of the strategic policy is not statistically different to the management costs of the plans.
Presence of two Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotic strains in the neonatal ileum
Authors: Wall Rebecca , Hussey Seamus Gerard , Ryan C Anthony , O'Neill Martin , Fitzgerald Gerald , Stanton Catherine , Ross R Paul 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The overall purpose of this study was to examine the lactobacilli and bifidobacteria microbiota in the human ileum at a very early stage of life. Ileostomy effluents from two infants, taken at different time points, were plated on Lactobacillus selective agar and cys-MRS containing mupirocin to select for bifidobacteria. In one case, a stool sample following ileostomy reversal was subsequently analyzed microbiologically. Pulse-field gel electrophoresis and 16S rRNA sequencing was used to investigate the cultivable population of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) to examine the non-cultivable population. The probiotic strain, Lactobacillus paracasei NFBC 338, was recovered at both time points from one of the infants and dominated in the small intestine for a period of over 3 weeks. Moreover, the probiotic strain, B. animalis subsp. lactis Bb12, was obtained from the other infant. This study shows the presence of two known probiotic strains in the upper intestinal tract at an early stage of human life and thus provides some evidence for their ability to colonize the infant small intestine.
Preliminary Findings from the National Register of Antipsychotic Medication in Pregnancy
Authors: Kulkarni Jayashri , McCauley-Elsom Kay , Marston Natasha , Gilbert Heather , Gurvich Caroline , de Castella Anthony , Fitzgerald Paul 
Published: December 2007

Objective: Following the presentation of a case study and an overview of current data highlighting the need for further research into the use of antipsychotic medication during pregnancy, the aim of the present paper was to outline the establishment of, and present preliminary data from, the National Register of Antipsychotic Medication in Pregnancy (NRAMP). Method: Australian women with a history of psychosis, including schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder with psychosis, schizoaffective disorder and first-episode psychosis, who are pregnant, are currently being invited to participate. The confluence of speculated national pregnancy rates and epidemiological data regarding child-bearing-age women with psychosis suggested an enrolment target of 100 women over a 24 month period. Details of antipsychotic medication are recorded throughout the pregnancy and for 1 year postnatally. Interviews with the mother are conducted 6 weekly antenatally, and then at 6 and 12 weeks, and 6 and 12 months postnatally, to assess symptoms of psychosis and depression, and attitudes towards parenting. In addition, consultations are conducted with the women's health-care providers to collate information regarding pharmacology and related side-effects, obstetric outcomes, psychiatric diagnoses and symptoms during pregnancy and for 1 year after delivery, and the provision of details on the baby's health and well-being. Results: NRAMP was launched in 2005. Ethics approvals have been gained at 14 sites nationally. Thirty women have consented, and 11 have completed. Data including demographics, health-care provision and medication for the first 30 participants are presented. Conclusions: The establishment of NRAMP is an important strategy in improving the management of serious mental illness such as schizophrenia and related disorders, in women who are pregnant. This project involves extensive collaboration between many different clinical groups and industry, and shall culminate in an important resource to improve the quality of life for both patients and future generations.
Postnatal Mental Health of Women Giving Birth in Australia 2002–2004: Findings from the Beyondblue National Postnatal Depression Program
Authors: Buist Anne E. , Austin Marie-Paule V. , Hayes Barbara A. , Speelman Craig , Bilszta Justin L.C. , Gemmill Alan W. , Brooks Janette , Ellwood David , Milgrom Jeannette 
Published: December 2007

Objectives: To describe the postnatal mental health status of women giving birth in Australia 2002–2004 at 6–8 weeks postpartum. Method: Women were recruited from 43 health services across Australia. Women completed a demographic questionnaire and an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) in pregnancy; the latter was repeated at 6–8 weeks following childbirth. Results: A total of 12 361 postnatal women (53.8% of all postnatal women surveyed) completed questionnaires as part of a depression screening programme; 15.5% of women screened had a postnatal EPDS>9 and 7.5% of women had an EPDS>12 at 6–8 weeks following childbirth. There was significant variation between States in the percentage of women scoring as being potentially depressed. The highest percentage of women scoring EPDS>12 were in Queensland and South Australia (both 10.2%) while Western Australia had the lowest point prevalence (5.6%). Women recruited from private health services in Western Australia had a significantly lower prevalence of elevated EPDS scores than those women recruited from the public health service (EPDS >12: 3.6% vs 6.4%, p=0.026); differences in the prevalence of elevated EPDS scores were not significant between public and private in Australian Capital Territory (EPDS>12: 7.6% vs 5.8%, p=0.48), where income and education was significantly higher than other States for both groups. Conclusions: Postnatal depressive symptoms affect a significant number of women giving birth in Australia, and the point prevalence on the EPDS may be higher for women in the public sector, associated with lower incomes and educational levels. Maternity services – particularly those serving women with these risk factors – need to consider how they identify and manage the emotional health needs of women in their care. Specific State-related issues, such as availability of specialist perinatal mental health services and liaison between treating health professionals, also need to be considered.