bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tragmodelle zur Bestimmung der Längsschubtragfähigkeit des Kronendübels als neuartiges Verbindungsmittel im Verbundbau
Authors: Fink Josef , Petraschek Thomas 
Published: October 2007

AbstractDie geometrische Gestaltung des Kronendübels stellt eine neue Formgebung für eine Betondübelleiste dar und ist eine Entwicklung des Instituts für Tragkonstruktionen – Stahlbau der TU Wien. Ausgehend davon werden in diesem Beitrag zwei Tragmodelle zur Beschreibung des Tragvermögens einer solchen Schubverbindung mit allgemeiner Geometrie vorgestellt, deren Aufgabe die Sicherstellung der gemeinsamen Tragwirkung von Stahl‐ und Betonbauteil durch die Aufnahme des Schubflusses in der Kontaktfuge ist. Grundkonzept dieser Modelle ist, dass die Längsschubtragfähigkeit durch das Tragvermögen der vollkommen plastizierten Stahlkrone definiert wird. Der Vergleich mit einem experimentell erzielten Ergebnis zeigt, dass mittels der angeführten Modelle die Längsschubtragfähigkeit richtig prognostiziert werden kann. Zur Verifizierung des Tragmodells werden Ergebnisse einer nichtlinearen FE‐Analyse mit dem Programm ABAQUS angeführt.
Clinical improvement and shrinkage of uterine fibroids after thermal ablation by magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound surgery
Authors: Rabinovici J. , Inbar Y. , Revel A. , Zalel Y. , Gomori J. M. , Itzchak Y. , Schiff E. , Yagel S. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveHysterectomy or myomectomy are the accepted treatments for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Heat ablation of uterine fibroids has been shown to be an effective alternative treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical efficacy of non‐invasive thermal ablation by transcutaneous magnetic resonance‐guided high‐intensity focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids.MethodsIn this prospective study, MRgFUS ablation of uterine fibroids was performed in 35 symptomatic women scheduled for hysterectomy. Clinical symptoms, patient satisfaction and uterine size were determined at 1 month and 6 months after the procedure.ResultsThis outpatient procedure was very well tolerated by all women. Sixty‐nine percent (24/35) of the treated patients reported either significant or partial improvement in symptoms. Treated fibroids decreased in volume by 12% and 15% at 1 and 6 months, respectively. Minor transient side‐effects were observed in two women. Six women underwent hysterectomy during the follow‐up period.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the clinical efficacy of MRgFUS ablation of uterine fibroids. This novel, non‐invasive surgical approach may offer an alternative therapy for women with uterine fibroids. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Progesterone vaginal gel for the reduction of recurrent preterm birth: primary results from a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: O'Brien J. M. , Adair C. D. , Lewis D. F. , Hall D. R. , DEfranco E. A. , Fusey S. , Soma‐Pillay P. , Porter K. , How H. , Schackis R. , Eller D. , Trivedi Y. , Vanburen G. , Khandelwal M. , Trofatter K. , Vidyadhari D. , Vijayaraghavan J. , Weeks J. , Dattel B. , Newton E. , Chazotte C. , Valenzuela G. , Calda P. , Bsharat M. , Creasy G. W. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectivePreterm birth is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Treatment of preterm labor with tocolysis has not been successful in improving infant outcome. The administration of progesterone and related compounds has been proposed as a strategy to prevent preterm birth. The objective of this trial was to determine whether prophylactic administration of vaginal progesterone reduces the risk of preterm birth in women with a history of spontaneous preterm birth.MethodsThis randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐ controlled, multinational trial enrolled and randomized 659 pregnant women with a history of spontaneous preterm birth. Between 18 + 0 and 22 + 6 weeks of gestation, patients were assigned randomly to once‐daily treatment with either progesterone vaginal gel or placebo until either delivery, 37 weeks' gestation or development of preterm rupture of membranes. The primary outcome was preterm birth at ≤ 32 weeks of gestation. The trial was analyzed using an intent‐to‐treat strategy.ResultsBaseline characteristics were similar in the two treatment groups. Progesterone did not decrease the frequency of preterm birth at ≤ 32 weeks. There was no difference between the groups with respect to the mean gestational age at delivery, infant morbidity or mortality or other maternal or neonatal outcome measures. Adverse events during the course of treatment were similar for the two groups.ConclusionProphylactic treatment with vaginal progesterone did not reduce the frequency of recurrent preterm birth (≤ 32 weeks) in women with a history of spontaneous preterm birth. The effect of progesterone administration in patients at high risk for preterm delivery as determined by methods other than history alone (e.g. sonographic cervical length) requires further investigation. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fatty acid compositions of corn oils in relation to oil contents of the kernels
Authors: Sniegowski M. S. , Baldwin A. R. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryThe fatty acid compositions of 13 oils from corns having oil contents over the range of 1.6 to 11.5% oil, d.b., were determined either by a spectrophotometric technique applied to the whole oil or by the methyl ester fractional distillation technique. Linear relationships between iodine values and fatty acid compositions, between oil contents of the corns and iodine values, and between oil contents and fatty acid compositions were determined. An increase in oil content of the corn is accompanied by a decrease in iodine value and linoleic acid content of the oil and by an increase in oleic acid and saturated acids.
The Significance of Employment for Chronic Stress and Psychological Distress among Rural Single Mothers
Authors: Turner Heather A. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractConsiderable research has found elevated levels of stress and psychological distress among single mothers. However, little research has addressed the relevance of employment for stress processes in this population, and few studies have focused on links between employment, stress, and mental health among single mothers living inruralareas. Based on a probability sample of 508 single mothers age 18–39 living in rural Northern New England, this study: (1) documents variations in chronic stress and psychological distress for employed and unemployed single mothers, (2) considers the extent to which different forms of chronic stress mediate or explain the employment‐distress relationship, and (3) examines whether employment status modifies associations between chronic stress and psychological distress. Findings indicated that rural single mothers who were employed reported significantly less financial stress, childcare stress, and rural residence stress, relative to mothers who were not employed, independent of variety of other factors. Employed mothers also experienced significantly less psychological distress which was partially mediating by their lower financial stress. However, there was also a statistical interaction between employment status and financial stress such that the harmful effect of financial stress on well‐being wasgreaterfor employed women. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Work Barriers in the Context of Pathways to the Employment of Welfare‐to‐Work Clients
Authors: Lee Shawna J. , Vinokur Amiram D. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe ability of welfare‐to‐work clients to leave the welfare rolls and stay in the labor force is often limited by the work barriers they face. Using a sample of 1,404 female welfare‐to‐work clients we first examined the structure of work barriers and then tested their contribution to current work status in the context of a structural equation model that incorporated other central pathways to employment. Whereas work barriers included diverse factors ranging from lack of transportation to low quality jobs, they were shown to constitute a uni‐dimensional construct. Furthermore, work barriers had a net adverse effect on employment outcomes, controlling for job search self‐efficacy and employment intention. We conclude with discussion of implications for the development of welfare‐to‐work programs and interventions that target low‐income women.
Dorsolateral prefrontal N-acetyl-aspartate concentration in male patients with chronic schizophrenia and with chronic bipolar disorder
Authors: Molina V. , Sánchez J. , Sanz J. , Reig S. , Benito C. , Leal I. , Sarramea F. , Rebolledo R. , Palomo T. , Desco M. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjectivesA study of N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) can provide data of interest about cortical alterations in psychotic illnesses. Although a decreased NAA level in the cerebral cortex is a replicated finding in chronic schizophrenia, the data are less consistent for bipolar disease. On the other hand, it is likely that NAA values in schizophrenia may differ in men and women.MethodsWe used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) to examine NAA levels in the prefrontal cortex in two groups of male patients, one with schizophrenia (n = 11) and the other with bipolar disorder (n = 13) of similar duration, and compared them to a sample of healthy control males (n = 10). Additionally, we compared the degree of structural deviations from normal volumes of gray matter (GM) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.ResultsCompared to controls, schizophrenia and bipolar patients presented decreased NAA to creatine ratios, while only the schizophrenia group showed an increase in CSF in the dorsolateral prefrontal region. There were no differences in choline to creatine ratios among the groups.ConclusionsThese data suggest that the decrease in NAA in the prefrontal region may be similar in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, at least in the chronic state. However, cortical CSF may be markedly increased in schizophrenia patients.
Glycaemic index of common foods tested in the UK and India
Authors: Henry C. J. K. , Lightowler H. J. , Newens K. , Sudha V. , Radhika G. , Sathya R. M. , Mohan V. 
Published: October 2007

The aim of this study was to ascertain whether international glycaemic index (GI) values, predominantly developed using peoples living in Europe, North America or Australia, are applicable to Asian Indians resident in their own country. Thirty-four Caucasian subjects were recruited in Oxford, UK and thirteen Asian Indian subjects in Chennai, India. Two types of sweet biscuits and three breakfast cereals were tested for glycaemic response in each group. Subjects were served equivalent available carbohydrate amounts (50 g) of test foods and a reference food (glucose), on separate occasions. Capillary blood glucose was measured from finger-prick samples in fasted subjects ( − 5 and 0 min) and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 min after starting to eat. For each test food, the incremental area under the curve (IAUC) and GI values were determined. Although the glycaemic response to the reference food was higher in Asian Indian subjects compared with UK Caucasian subjects (IAUC 219 mmol/min per litre v. 157 mmol/min per litre, respectively; P < 0·01), there was no significant difference in GI values of the five test foods between the two groups. This is the first study known to the authors to examine the role of ethnicity on GI when the subjects are resident in their own countries. The findings from this study have important implications for the use of the GI concept worldwide and support the application of international values to different ethnic groups. The higher glycaemic response to all foods in Asian Indians may represent another mechanism for increased diabetes susceptibility among Asian Indians.
Orally administeredLactobacillus plantarumreduces pro-inflammatory interleukin secretion in sera fromListeria monocytogenesinfected mice
Authors: Puertollano Elena , Puertollano María A. , Cruz-Chamorro Lidia , Álvarez de Cienfuegos Gerardo , Ruiz-Bravo Alfonso , de Pablo Manuel A. 
Published: September 2007

Lactic acid bacteria have traditionally been thought to have immunomodulating effects. To verify this property,Lactobacillus plantarumwas orally administered to mice (5 × 107colony forming units (c.f.u.)), prior to infection withListeria monocytogenesin order to evaluate the host resistance against an infectious micro-organism and to better define the influence ofL. plantarumon such responses. Balb/c mice were treated daily withL. plantarumor received PBS (sham-treated mice as controls) for 4 weeks. Subsequently, mice were intravenously infected with a clinical isolate ofL. monocytogenes. Our study revealed that the administration ofL. plantarumdid not significantly increase the survival (P = 0·13) of mice (fifteen in each group) afterL. monocytogenesinfection (106 c.f.u./ml), whereas a sub-lethal dose ofL. monocytogenes(105 c.f.u./ml) was eliminated from liver and spleen 5 d after the challenge in bothL. plantarum- and sham-treated mice (n5). Nevertheless, the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 from sera of orally administeredL. plantarumwere drastically reduced at 0, 4 (P < 0·01) and 6 d afterL. monocytogenesinfection, whereas TNF-α production was unaltered. In conclusion, administration ofL. plantarumreduced pro-inflammatory IL production after challenge withL. monocytogenes, although it did not significantly impact the survival of mice. We speculate thatL. plantarumcould exert anti-inflammatory effects, which may represent an important model to reduce inflammatory disorders. Therefore, further studies in human subjects should determine the role ofL. plantarumas an immunomodulatory micro-organism and its relationship in the host protection to pathogens.
Phenotypic and genetic variations and correlations in multitrait developmental instability: a multivariate Bayesian model applied to Speckled Wood butterfly (Pararge aegeria) wing measurements
Authors: VAN DONGEN STEFAN , TALLOEN WILLEM 
Published: September 2007

SummaryPhenotypic and genetic variation and covariation in developmental instability (DI) have been the subject of many debates. In this paper we develop and apply a statistical model in a Bayesian context to analyse different traits simultaneously in a multivariate model of DI. We apply the model to measurements of yellow spots on the front wing of the Speckled Wood butterfly (Pararge aegeriaL.) in a full-sib breeding experiment. We estimated the posterior distribution of the broad-sense heritability of DI averaged across the five yellow spots, which had a median of 0·19 and a 95% credibility interval ranging between 0·04 and 0·64. Phenotypic and genetic correlations in DI could not be estimated accurately with the present sample size. Yellow spots 4 and 5 appeared to show some degree of developmental integration. The importance of this model and its possible extensions are discussed.
Putative markers of infective life stages in Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis
Authors: GAMBOA D. , VAN EYS G. , VICTOIR K. , TORRES K. , ADAUI V. , AREVALO J. , DUJARDIN J.-C. 
Published: September 2007

SUMMARYGene expression is known to vary significantly during the Leishmania life-cycle. Its monitoring might allow identification of molecular changes associated with the infective stages (metacyclics and amastigotes) and contribute to the understanding of the complex host-parasite relationships. So far, very few studies have been done on Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, one of the most pathogenic species. Such studies require, first of all, reference molecular markers. In the present work, we applied differential display analysis (DD analysis) in order to identify transcripts that might be (i) candidate markers of metacyclics and intracellular amastigotes of L. (V.) braziliensis or (ii) potential controls, i.e. constitutively expressed. In total, 48 DNA fragments gave reliable sequencing data, 29 of them being potential markers of infective stages and 12 potential controls. Eight sequences could be identified with reported genes. Validation of the results of DD analysis was done for 4 genes (2 differentially expressed and 2 controls) by quantitative real-time PCR. The infective insect stage-specific protein (meta 1) was more expressed in metacyclic-enriched preparations. The oligopeptidase b showed a higher expression in amastigotes. Two genes, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and a serine/threonine protein kinase, were found to be similarly expressed in the different biological samples.
Olfactory identification dysfunction, aggression and impulsivity in war veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Dileo J. F. , Brewer W. J. , Hopwood M. , Anderson V. , Creamer M. 
Published: October 2007

BackgroundDue to neuropsychological conceptualizations of orbitoprefrontal cortex (OFC) dysfunction underpinning impulsive aggression and the incidence of such behaviour in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this study aimed to explore olfactory identification (OI) ability in war veterans with PTSD as a probe of putative OFC dysfunction; and to explore the utility of OI ability in predicting aggressive and impulsive behavior in this clinical population.MethodParticipants comprised 31 out-patient male war veterans with PTSD (mean=58.23 years, s.d.=2.56) recruited from a Melbourne Veterans Psychiatry Unit, and 31 healthy age- and gender-matched controls (mean=56.84 years, s.d.=7.24). All participants were assessed on clinical measures of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and alcohol misuse; olfactory identification; neurocognitive measures of dorsolateral prefrontal, lateral prefrontal and mesial temporal functioning; and self-report measures of aggression and impulsivity.ResultsWar veterans with PTSD exhibited significant OI deficits (OIDs) compared to controls, despite uncompromised performance on cognitive measures. OIDs remained after covaring for IQ, anxiety, depression and alcohol misuse, and were significant predictors of aggression and impulsivity.ConclusionsThis research contributes to emerging evidence of orbitoprefrontal dysfunction in the pathophysiology underlying PTSD. This is the first study to report OIDs as a predictor of aggression and impulsivity in this clinical population. It prompts further exploration of the potential diagnostic utility of OIDs in the assessment of PTSD. Such measures may help delineate the clinical complexity of PTSD, and support more targeted interventions for individuals with a greater susceptibility to aggressive and impulsive behaviors.
Nutritional status of the Andean population of Puna and Quebrada of Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina
Authors: Romaguera D , Samman N , Farfán N , Lobo M , Pons A , Tur JA 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the nutritional status of the Andean population of Puna and Quebrada of Humahuaca, Jujuy, using anthropometric measurements.Design and subjectsA cross-sectional nutritional survey was carried out in a representative sample (n = 1236) of individuals from these regions. Children aged 2–9 years, adolescents (10–17 years) and adults (≥18 years; pregnant and lactating women excluded) were considered. Height-for-age, weight-for-height and body mass index (BMI) were calculated in children and adolescents and compared with World Health Organization/National Center for Health Statistics/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reference standards using Z-scores or percentiles, in order to assess the prevalence of stunting, wasting/thinness and excess weight. In adults, BMI, waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip (WHR) ratio were used to identify obesity and central adiposity.ResultsStunting (height-for-age Z-score <–2 standard deviations) and obesity (BMI ≥ 95th percentile) were found to be major nutritional problems in children and adolescents. Stunting was prevalent in 10.7% of children and 12.4% of adolescents; 8.2% of children and 3.5% of adolescents were obese. Adults were short (mean: 155.8 cm) and values of overweight (32.3%), obesity (18.3%) and central adiposity (mean WC: 86.5 cm) were high. Older adults and those with higher economic development showed higher prevalence of obesity and central adiposity.ConclusionsThe present population may be at the early stages of nutritional transition as symptoms of undernutrition and overnutrition coexist at the population level. These results suggest that rates of growth retardation may be decreasing owing to improved nutritional conditions; however, this could be accompanied by a sharp increase in the prevalence of other diet-related chronic diseases.
Iron and zinc deficiencies in China: what is a feasible and cost-effective strategy?
Authors: Ma Guansheng , Jin Ying , Li Yanping , Zhai Fengying , Kok Frans J , Jacobsen Evert , Yang Xiaoguang 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIn order to prioritise interventions for micronutrient deficiencies in China, the populations affected by iron and zinc deficiencies were assessed based on data from the 2002 China National Nutrition and Health Survey. The costs and cost-effectiveness of supplementation, food diversification and food fortification were estimated using the standard World Health Organization ingredients approach. Results indicated that 30% of children (<2 years), adults (>60 years), pregnant and lactating women, and 20% of women of reproductive age were anaemic, some 245 million people. Approximately 100 million people were affected by zinc deficiency (zinc intake inadequacy and stunting), the majority living in rural areas. Among interventions on iron and zinc deficiency, biofortification showed the lowest costs per capita, I$0.01 (international dollars), while dietary diversification through health education represented the highest costs at I$1148. The cost-effectiveness of supplementation, food fortification and dietary diversification for iron deficiency alone was I$179, I$66 and I$103 per disability-adjusted life-year (DALY), respectively. Data for biofortification were not available. For zinc deficiency, the corresponding figures were I$399, I$153 and I$103 per DALY, respectively. In conclusion, iron and zinc deficiencies are of great public health concern in China. Of the two long-term intervention strategies, i.e. dietary diversification and biofortification with improved varieties, the latter is especially feasible and cost-effective for rural populations. Supplementation and fortification can be used as short-term strategies for specific groups.
Interventional Nephrology and Dialysis: The Role of Sonography in the Planning of Arteriovenous Fistulas for Hemodialysis
Authors: Malovrh Marko 
Published: October 2007

AbstractPatients presenting for initial access evaluation in contemporary practice are less likely to have arteries and veins suitable for native fistula (AVF) formation in the classic location. Physical examination of the upper extremity alone may be inadequate for selection of arteries and veins that will mature into a functioning AF. The purpose of this paper is to determine how duplex ultrasonography can be used as an effective modality for the preoperative evaluation of vessels before construction of arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis. The author have used duplex ultrasound (DU) to assess upper‐extremity vasculature for planning of dialysis access procedures. Criteria for selection of arteries and veins and a detailed description of DU examination protocol are reviewed. Routine use of upper‐extremity DU has identified many patients with veins that are suitable for use and determined arteries with optimal arterial inflow for successful AFV creation.