bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased Soluble ST2 Predicts Long-term Mortality in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease: Results from the Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Dieplinger Benjamin , Egger Margot , Haltmayer Meinhard , Kleber Marcus E , Scharnagl Hubert , Silbernagel Guenther , de Boer Rudolf A , Maerz Winfried , Mueller Thomas 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) has emerged as a strong prognostic biomarker in patients with heart failure and myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term prognostic value of sST2 in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS
sST2 plasma concentrations were measured in 1345 patients with stable CAD referred for coronary angiography at a single tertiary care center. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality.

RESULTS
During a median follow-up time of 9.8 years, 477 (36%) patients died. The median sST2 plasma concentration at baseline was significantly higher among decedents than survivors (21.4 vs 18.5 ng/mL; P &lt; 0.001). In multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, sST2 was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (risk ratio 1.16 per 1-SD increase in log-transformed values; 95% CI 1.05–1.29; P = 0.004). In the same multivariate analysis, amino-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) were also independent predictors, whereas galectin-3 was not. Patients with sST2 in the highest quartile (&gt;24.6 ng/mL) displayed a 2-fold increased risk of death in univariate analysis, which was attenuated but remained significant in a fully adjusted model (risk ratio 1.39; 95% CI 1.10–1.76; P = 0.006). Further analysis showed that the prognostic impact of sST2 was additive to NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT. Using a multibiomarker approach combining these 3 complementary makers, we demonstrated that patients with all 3 biomarkers in the highest quartiles had the poorest outcome.

CONCLUSIONS
In this cohort of patients with stable CAD, increased sST2 was an independent predictor of long-term all-cause mortality and provided complementary prognostic information to hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP.
The Heart of Wrath: Calvin, Barth, and Reformed Theories of Atonement
Authors: Hay Andrew R. 
Published: January 2014

Summary
This paper seeks to be a systematic reflection on the difficulties raised by the sixteenth century Reformed notion of the atonement, rather than a repetitio of centuries-old methods of conceptualization. I will therefore look beyond the somewhat imprecise confessions of the period, and instead focus on the dogmatic work of John Calvin to find a more robust Reformed notion of the atonement. Yet, as we shall see, Calvin’s account of the atonement is not without its inconsistencies. Namely, if it is the wrath of God that is satisfied on the cross of Christ, as Calvin states, then the divine love becomes obscured from view. In reply, Karl Barth’s theology of the atonement will be surveyed in order to uphold that the holy love of God is effective at every moment in the accomplishment of our redemption. Thus, this paper seeks to found a theology of the atonement guided by the Reformed theology of the sixteenth century, yet at the same time considers it possible to decisively bend the Reformed tradition without breaking with it.
Photo-modulated dynamic competition between metallic and insulating phases in a layered manganite
Authors: Li Yuelin , Walko Donald , Li Qing’an , Liu Yaohua , Rosenkranz Stephan , Zheng Hong , Mitchell J. F , Wen Haidan , Dufresne Eric , Adams Bernhard 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTWe show evidence that the competition between the antiferromagnetic metallic phase and the charge- and orbital-ordered insulating phase at the reentrant phase boundary of a layered manganite, LaSr2Mn2O7, can be manipulated using ultrafast optical excitation. The time-dependent evolution of the Jahn-Teller superlattice reflection, the indicator of the formation of charge and orbital order, was measured at different laser fluences. The laser-induced change in the Jahn-Teller reflection intensity shows a reversal of sign between earlier (∼10 ns) and later (∼150 ns) times during the relaxation of the sample. This is consistent with a physics picture whereby the laser excitation modulates the local competition between the metallic and the insulating phases.
Modeling of a MEMS Floating Element Shear Sensor
Authors: Kastor Nikolas , Zhao Zhengxin , White Robert D. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTA MEMS floating element shear stress sensor has been developed for flow testing applications, targeted primarily in ground and flight testing of aerospace vehicle and components. However, concerns remain about the interaction of the flow with the mechanical elements of the structure at the micro-scale. In particular, there are concerns about the validity of laminar flow cell calibration to measurement in turbulent flows, and the extent to which pressure gradients may introduce errors into the shear stress measurement. In order to address these concerns, a numerical model of the sensor has been constructed.In this paper, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is described. The CFD model directly models a laminar flow cell experiment that is used to calibrate the shear sensor. The computational model allows us to quantify the contributions (e.g. pressure gradient vs. shear, top surface vs. lateral surfaces) to the sensor output in a manner that is difficult by purely experimental means. The results are compared to experimental data, validating the model and resulting in the following: Surface shear stress contributes approximately 40% of the total flow direction force; pressure gradient effects contribute nearly 45% for the textured shuttle described here; lift forces and pitching moments are non-zero. Thus, it is found that flow interactions are complex and that it is insufficient to simply assume that flow forces on the sensor are the top area multiplied by wall shear, as is sometimes done. Pressure gradient effects, at least, must be included for accurate calibration.
WaMu's Option-ARM Strategy
Authors: Bowen Robert M. , Jollineau S. Jane , Lougee Barbara A. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT
At the end of 2007, Washington Mutual, Inc. (generally known as “WaMu”) was the largest savings and loan bank in the U.S., based on assets ($328 billion) and revenue ($25.5 billion). Less than nine months later, WaMu was seized by federal regulators and sold to JPMorgan Chase for $1.9 billion in a transaction facilitated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). During the worst recession since the Great Depression, WaMu became the largest U.S. bank failure in history.
This case illustrates how a financial institution's business strategy affects risk and how these characteristics are revealed in the financial statements. Students assume the role of a financial analyst examining WaMu's 2007 10-K after its release in March 2008. In particular, they evaluate the quality of WaMu's loans and the adequacy of WaMu's estimates for loan losses, one of the most important discretionary accruals for financial institutions. Students gain insights into the consequences of WaMu's business strategy to emphasize high-margin loan products by comparing WaMu to (1) the relatively conservative Wells Fargo Bank and (2) the average large FDIC bank. This case has been used successfully in graduate-level financial statement analysis courses.
Application of the partitioning method to specific Toeplitz matrices
Authors: Stanimirović Predrag , Miladinović Marko , Stojanović Igor , Miljković Sladjana 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
We propose an adaptation of the partitioning method for determination of theMoore-Penrose inverse of a matrix augmented by a block-column matrix. A simplified implementation of the partitioning method on specific Toeplitz matrices is obtained. The idea for observing this type of Toeplitz matrices lies in the fact that they appear in the linear motion blur models in which blurring matrices (representing the convolution kernels) are known in advance. The advantage of the introduced method is a significant reduction in the computational time required to calculate the Moore-Penrose inverse of specific Toeplitz matrices of an arbitrary size. The method is implemented in MATLAB, and illustrative examples are presented.
ASSESSMENT OF FREEZING PRE-TREATMENTS FOR THE FREEZE DRIED OF APPLE SLICES
Authors: Antal Tamás , Sikolya László , Kerekes Benedek 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The effect of freezing rate on the quality of dried Jonagold and Idared was studied. Apple slices underwent various pre-treatments, i.e. freezing in household freezer (freezing rate: 0,5 °C/min), contact plate freezing (2 °C/min) and vacuum-freezing (3 °C/min). The quality of the freeze dried product was then evaluated in terms of water activity, hardness, color and rehydration. The freezing in household freezer (slow freezing rate) significantly reduces the duration of the freeze drying process and consequently the process costs. The slow freezing rate allows the growth of large ice crystals at the beginning of the freeze-drying process, this fact should consequently lead to larger pores and injured cell walls and thus to shorter freeze drying time. Quality of the freezing in household freezer product was assessed as higher than the quality of the other freezing pre-treated material. Slow freezing rate resulted softer texture and higher rehydration capacity, than that of other pre-treated samples. In all cases, slow freezing lead to lower final moisture content, total color difference and water activity.
THE STUDY OF THE BAKING OVENS BY COMPUTER SIMULATION
Authors: Litovchenko Igor 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Configuring ovens for baking bread is a complex scientific and industrial problems. Find the best modes of operation allows computer simulation of aerodynamic and thermal processes in the heating ducts and the baking chamber. Shows an example of a motion study of heating gases in areas of attention, shows the typical problems and methods their solutions.
Evaluation of Strategies in the Process of China’s City Informatization Using the AHP Method
Authors: Xinsheng Ke , Sun Qi 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Informatization is the new power for urban management innovation -- the tools to enhance the quality of life for citizens and the new ways to improve government services. However, there are many problems in the informatization construction process of the Chinese cities, such as poor level design, hard effects than to soft, the lack of features, poor e-government function and information collaboration. This paper analyzes the problems in the informatization construction of Chinese cities, combined with advances in information network technology, social needs, and some city informatization instances, proposes development tactics of Chinese city informatization. Ultimately, AHP and ISM has been used to analyze the numerical value of different plans, carrying out the best plan under the criterion.
On Square-Free Numbers
Authors: Grabowski Adam 
Published: January 2014

Summary
In the article the formal characterization of square-free numbers is shown; in this manner the paper is the continuation of [19]. Essentially, we prepared some lemmas for convenient work with numbers (including the proof that the sequence of prime reciprocals diverges [1]) according to [18] which were absent in the Mizar Mathematical Library. Some of them were expressed in terms of clusters’ registrations, enabling automatization machinery available in the Mizar system. Our main result of the article is in the final section; we proved that the lattice of positive divisors of a positive integer n is Boolean if and only if n is square-free.
GENETIC DIVERSITY OF XANTHOMONAS CITRI SUBSP. CITRI, CAUSAL AGENT OF CITRUS CANKER
Authors: Arshadi Farimah , Sijam Kamaruzaman , Awang Yahya Bin 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
A total of 25 samples of canker disease from different part of West Malaysia were isolated from three different hosts. After various diagnostic tests, the samples were identified as Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc), and were also pathogenic to four tested citrus species. Molecular characterization using rep-PCR fingerprinting was carried out on the isolates. Cluster analysis using the combined banding patterns of ERIC and BOX-PCR clearly divided the isolates into different clusters according to their geographical origin, but not to their host species. A relatively high amount of genetic diversity was observed among isolates, as a group of isolates from a more restricted part of Malaysia separated from the rest with relatively low similarity, indicating that there might be distinct pathotypes of the bacterium present in Malaysia.
A QUARANTINE PROTOCOL AGAINST RED PALM WEEVIL RHYNCHOPHORUS FERRUGINEUS (OLIVIER) (COLEPTERA: CURCULIONDAE) IN DATE PALM
Authors: Al-Shawaf Abdul Moneim , Al-Shagag Abdullah , Al-Bagshi Mansour , Al-Saroj Sami , Al-Bather Salim , Al-Dandan Abdel Moneim , Abdallah Abdallah Ben , Faleiro Jose Romeno 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The red palm weevil (RPW) Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier), (Coleptera: Curculiondae) is a key pest of date palm in the Middle East. This weevil is currently being reported from over 50% of the date growing countries of the world. The date palm Phoenix dactylifera cropped area in the Middle East, has significantly increased during the last two decades where date palm is mainly propagated through offshoots. The red palm weevil larvae are often found in the offshoots, resulting in the spread of the pest and also its re-inoculation where RPW is already controlled. Currently, there are no quarantine protocols to ensure that date palm offshoots which are transported for planting, are free of RPW larvae. In this study, date palm offshoots were sprayed while still attached to the mother palm and also dipped separately with Fipronil 3.5% (Thripguard 35 SCTM) and Imidacloprid 35% (Confidor 350 SCTM) a day after detachment from the mother palm. Fipronil and Imidacloprid were tested at 0.008 % and 0.01%, respectively. Results revealed that dipping gave complete mortality of the larvae. Dipping was significantly better than spraying since spraying resulted in only partial mortality of the larvae. It was also seen that dipping offshoots in Fipronil 0.004% and 0.002% for 30 and 60 min, respectively, resulted in 100% mortality of the larvae tested. Further, toxicity studies resulted in complete mortality of larvae and adults that were exposed to offshoot tissue that was dipped in Fipronil at the above concentrations. For this reason, it is recommended to dip date palm offshoots in 0.004% Fipronil for 30 min before transporting to ensure complete mortality of the hidden larval stages, if any and complete certification and transport of the treated offshoots to the new planting site within 72 h of treatment.
Lumbar L4-L5 ganglion cyst with hemicauda equina syndrome. Report of a case and review of the literature
Authors: Iacob Gabriel , Rotund Bogdan 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Mostly associated with degenerative facet joints and spondylolisthesis, symptomatic lumbar juxta facet cysts - ganglion and synovial cysts are uncommon lesions of the spine. They can mimic herniated discs, causing low back pain, radiculopathy or even cauda equina syndrome; also some of them are associated with spinal instability. Referring to a case with hemicauda equina syndrome where microsurgical decompression was performed with very good result; alternative treatment solutions are discussed: conservative therapy for symptomatic lesions is often unsuccessful, spinal fusion should be made for those cases with spinal instability, although there are reports of spontaneous resolution of these cysts as well as the symptoms associated with them.
Analyses in regulatory practice
Authors: Blömeling F. , Schaffrath A. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The application of numerical codes is well established in the regulatory practice for nuclear power plants. Therefore, requirements for computer-aided analyses can be found in different places of the nuclear technical rules and standards. These requirements also apply for CFD analyses which reached more and more the spot light of research activities and component design, because computing capacities increased significantly in the past years. Hence, the actual status of CFD as a possible design and analysis tool in the supervising process of nuclear power plants will be discussed in this paper. The focus is set on the prerequisites which have to be fulfilled by codes and in particular by the user who wants to use CFD methods. The prerequisites will be derived directly from the existing German technical rules and standards. Finally, two examples for typical CFD applications for nuclear safety analyses are given.
Cancer screening in the United States, 2014: A review of current American Cancer Society guidelines and current issues in cancer screening
Authors: Smith Robert A. , Manassaram-Baptiste Deana , Brooks Durado , Cokkinides Vilma , Doroshenk Mary , Saslow Debbie , Wender Richard C. , Brawley Otis W. 
Published: January 2014

Answer questions and earn CME/CNEEach year the American Cancer Society publishes a summary of its guidelines for early cancer detection, a report on data and trends in cancer screening rates, and select issues related to cancer screening. In this issue of the journal, we summarize current American Cancer Society cancer screening guidelines. In addition, the latest data on the use of cancer screening from the National Health Interview Survey is described, as are several issues related to screening coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, including the expansion of the Medicaid program. CA Cancer J Clin 2014;64:30–51. © 2014 American Cancer Society, Inc.
Long‐term clinical experience with amplatzer ductal occluder II for closure of the persistent arterial duct in children
Authors: Kang Sok‐Leng , Morgan Gareth , Forsey Jonathan , Tometzki Andrew , Martin Robin 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesTo describe the long‐term clinical experience and follow‐up with the Amplatzer Ductal Occluder II (ADO II) in children.MethodsAll patients undergoing attempted transcatheter closure of patent arterial duct (PDA) with the ADO II were included. Data collected included demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic parameters.ResultsFrom March 2008 until March 2013, 62 patients with a median age of 1.2 years (range 0.43–11.1 years) and median weight of 9 kg (range 4.7–31.4 kg) underwent the procedure. The median measurement for minimal ductal diameter was 2.7 mm (range 1.3–5 mm). An ADO II was implanted in 60 patients (96.8%). Two patients had significant residual shunting following deployment of the ADO II and underwent closure with the Amplatzer ductal occluder I (ADO I) during the same procedure. In six patients, the initial ADO II was unsatisfactory, and after recapture a different size ADO II was deployed. Device embolization of the ADO II to the pulmonary artery occurred in 6.7% of patients. Of these, one underwent surgical closure and three were closed with an ADO I. Complete occlusion on echocardiography was noted prior to discharge in 87.5% of the deployed occluders and 100% at first follow‐up. Five year follow‐up (n = 25) revealed a 100% occlusion rate. There were three cases of persistent mild left pulmonary artery stenosis at long‐term follow‐up.ConclusionsThe ADO II is effective for occlusion of PDA with variable anatomy from either arterial or venous approaches with a low profile delivery system. Stable occluder position is highly dependent on accurate device sizing, good quality imaging to visualize device configuration after deployment and operator experience. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanisms for regulating deubiquitinating enzymes
Authors: Wolberger Cynthia 
Published: January 2014

AbstractUbiquitination is a reversible post‐translational modification that plays a dynamic role in regulating most eukaryotic processes. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), which hydrolyze the isopeptide or peptide linkages joining ubiquitin to substrate lysines or N‐termini, therefore play a key role in ubiquitin signaling. Cells employ multiple mechanisms to regulate DUB activity and thus ensure the appropriate biological response. Recent structural studies have shed light on several different mechanisms by which DUB activity and specificity is regulated.
Accumulation and decay dynamics of coarse woody debris in a Japanese old‐growth subalpine coniferous forest
Authors: Fukasawa Yu , Katsumata Shingo , Mori Akira S. , Osono Takashi , Takeda Hiroshi 
Published: January 2014

AbstractFar less is known about the coarse woody debris (CWD) stock and decay process in temperate Asia compared with that in boreal and temperate Europe and North America. We estimated coniferous CWD stock (logs and snags), decay rate and process, and fungal species responsible for the decay process in a Japanese subalpine coniferous forest. The CWD mass was 42.4 Mg ha−1, which was the greatest among the previous data recorded in temperate Asia. The decay rate calculated using the annual input of CWD divided by CWD accumulation was 0.036 year−1, whereas the decay rate when measured chronosequentially was 0.020–0.023 year−1. The decay process was divided into two phases characterized by different dominant organic chemical constituents. In the first phase, both acid‐unhydrolyzable residue and holocellulose decayed simultaneously, suggestive of the white‐rot process. In the second phase, holocellulose was selectively decomposed and AUR accumulated, suggestive of the brown‐rot process. Nutrients (N, P, K, Na, Mg, and Ca) were mineralized in the first phase but immobilized in the second phase. The fruiting bodies of 26 taxa of fungi were recorded as occurring on CWD in the study area.Trichaptum abietinumandT. fuscoviolaceum, which dominated in the first phase and are known as white‐rot fungi, were assumed to be the main decomposers of lignocellulose in the first phase. Although no known strong wood decomposers dominated the second phase,Laetiporus sulphureusandOligoporus caesius, known as brown‐rot fungi, were expected to participate in the selective decomposition of holocellulose in the second phase.
Subjunctive pleasure: the odd hour in the boeremusiek museum
Authors: Froneman Willemien 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis paper introduces the subjunctive as a modality of engaging in musical life, in this instance the contemporary white folk music scene of boeremusiek in South Africa. The genre has repeatedly been portrayed as forever vanishing – a discourse that still characterises contemporary events put up by the largest boeremusiek organisation in South Africa, the Boeremusiekgilde (Boeremusiek Guild). The aim of the paper is to analyse the effects of discourses of nostalgia and salvage on participants' experiences of liveness in the present. It is shown how a deep dissatisfaction for live performance developed throughout the genre's 20th-century history. The repeated framing of present enjoyment in terms of past models of nationalist duty cast the actual actions of participants in the mode of subjunctive possibility, it is argued. As rituals of mourning, boeremusiek events bemoan personal histories fundamentally tainted by political transgression: the loss of intimate spaces of white innocence.