bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE YALAHAU REGION: A STUDY OF ANCIENT MAYA SOCIOPOLITICAL ORGANIZATION
Authors: Glover Jeffrey B. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe Yalahau Regional Settlement Pattern Survey (YRSPS) addresses the complex negotiations that constituted ancient Maya society through an investigation of the distribution of settlement across the Yalahau region of northern Quintana Roo, Mexico. This paper begins with a brief culture-historical background of the Yalahau region where occupation ranges from the Middle Preclassic period (700–200b.c.) to the Postclassic period (a.d.1100–1521). The region had its peak occupation during the Terminal Preclassic period (75b.c./a.d.100–a.d.400), and this paper explores how monumental architecture, through its size and the rituals conducted in and around it, materialized an enduring sense of community identity during this time period. In so doing, this paper examines the tensions within and between communities as sociopolitical strategies are negotiated and contested in the continually messy process of constituting society.
SOIL GEOCHEMICAL ANALYSES AT THE PRECLASSIC SITE OF XTOBO, YUCATAN, MEXICO
Authors: Anderson David S. , Bair Daniel A. , Terry Richard E. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe geochemical analysis of soil samples collected in association with archaeological remains has proven to be an effective tool in the identification of past human behaviors. These methodologies are here applied to the study of notable features from the site of Xtobo, Yucatan, Mexico. Xtobo is a Preclassic Maya regional center in northwest Yucatan exhibiting a complex settlement pattern, including a well-defined plaza, multiple raised causeways, and a ballcourt. In addition, the site includes a large defined open area, which was initially thought to be a potential marketplace. The results of the geochemical soil analyses identified several areas of food production and consumption throughout the site, along with potential craft production zones. The results in association with the potential marketplace were intriguing, but inconclusive.
LAS ETAPAS MÁS TEMPRANAS DE LA ALFARERÍA MAYA EN EL NOROESTE DE LA PENÍNSULA DE YUCATAN
Authors: Gallareta Teresa Ceballos , Castellanos Fernando Robles 
Published: December 2012

AbstractExcavaciones de salvamento arqueológico en varios sitios aledaños a la ciudad de Mérida han aportado nueva información sobre las características y la ubicación cronológica de las etapas más antiguas de la alfarería maya del noroeste de Yucatan. Un reciente cotejo de previas y nuevas evidencias estratigráficas y la calibración 1–2 sigma de 16 fechas de 14C provenientes de contextos preclásicos, nos sugiere que la producción del repertorio cerámico Nabanche temprano, el más antiguo hallado hasta ahora en el norte de Yucatan, comenzó en una fecha anterior al año 1000 a.C. Después del año 400 a.C. la alfarería Nabanche temprano empezó a ser reemplazada paulatinamente por nuevos grupos cerámicos, principalmente por el Xanaba rojo, hasta su virtual desaparición al inicio de la era cristiana.
Interferon-γ mediates chemokine-dependent recruitment of natural killer cells during viral infection
Authors: Pak-Wittel Melissa A. , Yang Liping , Sojka Dorothy K. , Rivenbark Joshua G. , Yokoyama Wayne M. 
Published: December 2012

SignificanceThe innate immune system, including natural killer (NK) cells, is responsible for limiting virus spread during the initial phases of an infection. Here, we show in mice that NK cells are recruited to lymph nodes that drain the site of infection with cowpox virus, which is endemic in wild rodents. Full NK-cell recruitment was dependent on their expression of a specific receptor for soluble attractants termed chemokines, a hormone-like substance called IFN-γ, and subcapsular sinus macrophages. Therefore, this study provides a framework for how NK cells are recruited to a site of infection.
Clostridium difficileInfection and Limitations of Markers for Severity in Patients with Hematologic Malignancy
Authors: Wang Michael S. , Evans Charlesnika T. , Rodriguez Tulio , Gerding Dale N. , Johnson Stuart 
Published: December 2012

Objective.To describe characteristics ofClostridium difficileinfection (CDI) and markers of severe CDI among patients with hematologic malignancies.Design.Case-control study.Setting.Tertiary care teaching hospital.Patients and Methods.Inpatients with hematologic malignancies and CDI were age and time matched with 2 control inpatients without hematologic malignancies. Chart reviews were performed, andC. difficileisolates were strain typed.Results.Case patients (n= 41) and control patients (n= 82) patients were different in respect to receipt of immunosuppressive agents within 2 months (92.7% vs 25.6%;P< .0001); neutropenia within 2 months (75.6% vs 3.7%;P< .0001) and mean (± standard deviation) white blood cell (WBC) count at diagnosis (4.9 ± 14.1 vs 11.8 ± 6.8 × 103cells/mL;P= .0002); baseline mean creatinine level (0.89 ± 0.1 vs 1.6 ± 2.4 mg/dL;P= .003), mean creatinine level at diagnosis (0.83 ± 0.4 vs 1.85 ± 1.9 mg/dL;P= .004), and creatinine increases of 1.5 times over baseline (2.4% vs 15.1%;P= .02). Immunosuppressive agents and creatinine level remained significant in multivariable analysis (P= .03 for both variables). Severity correlated with mortality when measured by alternate severity criteria but not when measured by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America/Infectious Diseases Society of America criteria, which are based solely on WBC count and creatinine elevation. The prevalence of the epidemic BI/NAP1/027 strain was similar in both groups.Conclusions.Patients with hematologic malignancies had lower creatinine levels at the time of CDI diagnosis compared with control patients. WBC counts also tended to be lower in case patients. CDI severity criteria based on WBC count and creatinine level may not be applicable to patients with hematologic malignancies.
Resting heart rate and incident heart failure and cardiovascular mortality in older adults: role of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction: the PROSPER study
Authors: Nanchen David , Stott David J. , Gussekloo Jacobijn , Mooijaart Simon P. , Westendorp Rudi G.J. , Jukema J. Wouter , Macfarlane Peter W. , Cornuz Jacques , Rodondi Nicolas , Buckley Brendan M. , Ford Ian , Sattar Naveed , de Craen Anton J.M. ,   on behalf of the PROSPER Group
Published: December 2012

AimsResting heart rate is a promising modifiable cardiovascular risk marker in older adults, but the mechanisms linking heart rate to cardiovascular disease are not fully understood. We aimed to assess the association between resting heart rate and incident heart failure (HF) and cardiovascular mortality, and to examine whether these associations might be attributable to systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.Methods and resultsWe studied 4084 older adults aged 70–82 years with known cardiovascular risk factors or previous cardiovascular disease, without pre‐existing HF or beta‐blockers in the PROSPER study. Over a 3.2‐year follow‐up period, we examined incident HF hospitalization and cardiovascular mortality according to resting heart rate, along with C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), and von Willebrand factor (vWf). Mean heart rate was 67 b.p.m. for men and 70 b.p.m. for women. CRP, IL‐6, tPA, and vWf levels were all positively correlated with heart rate. After multivariate adjustment, heart rate was associated with HF hospitalization [hazard ratio (HR) 1.78 for highest vs. lowest distribution third, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21–2.63, P= 0.003] and cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.23–2.47, P= 0.002). Further adjustment for both IL‐6 and vWf levels decreased HR to 1.60 (95% CI 1.08–2.38, P= 0.020) for HF and to 1.50 (95% CI 1.04–2.15, P= 0.028) for cardiovascular mortality.ConclusionIncreased heart rate is associated with increased systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. These factors are likely to contribute to, but do not fully explain, the risk of HF and cardiovascular death associated with increased heart rate in older age.
Real-time Two-dimensional Ultrasound Guidance for Central Venous Cannulation
Authors: Wu Shao-yong , Ling Quan , Cao Long-hui , Wang Jian , Xu Mei-xi , Zeng Wei-an 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background:
Use of ultrasound-guided techniques to facilitate central venous cannulation (CVC) may reduce the risk of misplacement and complications. A meta-analysis was conducted to compare real-time two-dimensional ultrasound (RTUS) guidance technique with anatomical landmark technique for CVC to determine whether RTUS has any advantages.

Methods:
Randomized studies comparing outcomes in patients undergoing CVC with either RTUS or landmark technique were retrieved from PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, EMBASE, and OVID EBM Reviews from their inception to March 2012.

Results:
Twenty-six studies involving 4,185 CVC procedures met the inclusion criteria. Compared with landmark technique, patients with RTUS had a pooled relative risk (RR) of 0.18 (95% CI: 0.10–0.32) for cannulation failure, 0.25 (95% CI: 0.15–0.42) for arterial puncture, 0.30 (95% CI: 0.19–0.46) for hematoma, 0.21 (95% CI: 0.06–0.73) for pneumothorax, and 0.10 (95% CI: 0.02–0.54) for hemothorax from random-effects models. However, RTUS did not show a reduction in the risk of cannulation failure (RR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.03–2.55), arterial puncture (RR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.05–2.60), hematoma (RR = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.01–2.42), pneumothorax (RR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.02–9.61), and hemothorax (RR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.02–9.61) in children or infants when the limited data were analyzed.

Conclusions:
Among adults receiving CVC, RTUS was associated with decreased risks of cannulation failure, arterial puncture, hematoma, and hemothorax. Additional data of randomized studies are necessary to evaluate these outcomes in pediatric patients.
A portrait of building services engineers in Hong Kong
Authors: Yik Francis W.H. , Lai Joseph H.K. , Chan K.T. , Chau C.K. , Lee W.L. 
Published: December 2012

PurposeAs part of a study that aimed at enhancing the future roles and functions of building services (BS) engineers in Hong Kong, a survey was carried out to obtain demographic information about BS practitioners as well as their views and opinions on a range of issues which affect professional practices of BS engineers and recognition of their contributions by others. The purpose of this paper is to give a portrait of BS engineers in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approachA series of statistical analyses were conducted based on the responses given by the BS practitioners, which included their qualifications, experience, job field, annual income and the number of trades of BS systems that they are competent in and responsible for.FindingsThe statistics show that: competence gap exists in that BS engineers are required to handle more trades of BS systems than those they are competent in; and the academic and professional qualifications, years of experience and job position are the key influential factors to the annual income of BS engineers but little differences exist in the average annual income of engineers in different job fields.Originality/valueThe competence gap is a concern that needs to be addressed to ensure BS engineers are competent in handling the common trades of BS systems, which is increasingly important for them to perform effectively in integrated professional teams for turning out holistic solutions for sustainable building developments.
Interleukin‐17A‐producing T lymphocytes in chronic active Epstein–Barr virus infection
Authors: Ohta Rieko , Imai Masaki , Kawada Jun‐ichi , Kimura Hiroshi , Ito Yoshinori 
Published: December 2012

AbstractT helper (Th) 17 cells are reportedly effector T cells that produce interleukin (IL)‐17A and play a significant role in the development of autoimmune diseases and immune responses for antimicrobial host defense. Production of IL‐17A in chronic active Epstein–Barr virus infection (CAEBV) was studied to investigate its contribution to pathogenesis of this disease. Significantly more IL‐17A‐producing cells were detected in the peripheral blood of CAEBV patients than in that of healthy controls, although a significant difference in serum IL‐17A production was not confirmed. Of the IL‐17A‐producing cells, 91.8% were cluster of differentiation (CD)4‐positive Th17 cells. Moreover, there were significantly more IL‐17A‐producing cells among CD4+ cells in peripheral blood of CAEBV patients than in that of controls (1.97 ± 0.69% vs. 1.09 ± 0.53%, P = 0.0073). These data suggest that IL‐17A‐producing cells may influence the pathophysiology of CAEBV.
Specific mutations of basal core promoter are associated with chronic liver disease in hepatitis B virus subgenotype D1 prevalent in Turkey
Authors: Sunbul Mustafa , Sugiyama Masaya , Kurbanov Fuat , Leblebicioglu Hakan , Khan Anis , Elkady Abeer , Tanaka Yasuhito , Mizokami Masashi 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe role of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genetics in the clinical manifestations of infection is being increasingly recognized. Genotype D is one of eight currently recognized major HBV genotypes. The virus is ubiquitous worldwide, but shows different features in different regions. One hundred and ninety‐eight patients with chronic HBV infection were enrolled in this study, 38 of whom had been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV DNA was isolated from the patients' blood samples and the entire genome and/or the basal core promoter/core promoter region sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete genomes revealed that subgenotype D1 is the most prevalent subgenotype in Turkey, but there was no definite phylogenetic grouping according to geography for isolates from different regions within Turkey, or for isolates in Turkey relative to other parts of the world. Turkish isolates tended to be genetically similar to European and central Asian isolates. Overall, HBV‐infection in Turkey appears to be characterized by early HBeAg seroconversion, a high incidence of the A1896 core promoter mutation and a small viral load. Genotype D characteristic mutations A1757 and T1764/G1766 were found in the BCP region. T1773 was associated with T1764/G1766 and a larger viral load. In conclusion, infection with HBV genotype D in Turkey has a similar clinical outcome to that of Europe and central Asia. Genotypic mutations in genotype D may be linked with disease prognosis in Turkey, but further studies with higher sample numbers and balanced clinical groups are needed to confirm this.
A cat's tale: the impact of genetic restoration on Florida panther population dynamics and persistence
Authors: Hostetler Jeffrey A. , Onorato David P. , Jansen Deborah , Oli Madan K. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryGenetic restoration has been suggested as a management tool for mitigating detrimental effects of inbreeding depression in small, inbred populations, but the demographic mechanisms underlying population‐level responses to genetic restoration remain poorly understood.We studied the dynamics and persistence of the endangered Florida pantherPuma concolor coryipopulation and evaluated the potential influence of genetic restoration on population growth and persistence parameters. As part of the genetic restoration programme, eight female Texas pumasP. c. stanleyanawere released into Florida panther habitat in southern Florida in 1995.The overall asymptotic population growth rate (λ) was 1·04 (5th and 95th percentiles: 0·95–1·14), suggesting an increase in the panther population of approximately 4% per year. Considering the effects of environmental and demographic stochasticities and density‐dependence, the probability that the population will fall below 10 panthers within 100 years was 0·072 (0–0·606).Our results suggest that the population would have declined at 5% per year (λ = 0·95; 0·83–1·08) in the absence of genetic restoration. Retrospective life table response experiment analysis revealed that the positive effect of genetic restoration on survival of kittens was primarily responsible for the substantial growth of the panther population that would otherwise have been declining.For comparative purposes, we also estimated probability of quasi‐extinction under two scenarios – implementation of genetic restoration and no genetic restoration initiative – using the estimated abundance of panthers in 1995, the year genetic restoration was initiated. Assuming no density‐dependence, the probability that the panther population would fall below 10 panthers by 2010 was 0·098 (0·002–0·332) for the restoration scenario and 0·445 (0·032–0·944) for the no restoration scenario, providing further evidence that the panther population would have faced a substantially higher risk of extinction if the genetic restoration initiative had not been implemented.Our results, along with those reporting increases in population size and improvements in biomedical correlates of inbreeding depression, provide strong evidence that genetic restoration substantially contributed to the observed increases in the Florida panther population.
Microcystin production revisited: conjugate formation makes a major contribution
Authors: Meissner Sven , Fastner Jutta , Dittmann Elke 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThe impact of environmental stimuli on the production of the widespread cyanobacterial hepatotoxin microcystin (MC) is under debate. Whereas transcriptional studies of the biosynthetic genes suggest a clear influence of light conditions on toxin production the data for the metabolite itself are inconsistent and highly strain‐specific. Here, we have reassessed the MC content by using two immunological detection techniques that allow a parallel quantification of MC in the methanolic extracts and the residual pellet fraction that contains high molecular weight proteins. Our results show a significant proportion of MC in the protein bound fraction in strains of Microcystis and Planktothrix and of the related toxin nodularin (NOD) in Nodularia. Moreover, we could show a very strong increase of MC after high light illumination in the protein fraction contributing to a significant overall increase in MC production under these conditions that is not seen in extracts analysed by LC‐MS and ELISA. The fact that a considerable portion of MC is neglected with current analysis techniques was also confirmed for selected field samples. Immunofluorescence studies suggest strain‐specific differences in the amount of MC conjugate formation.
Is there still a role for empiric first‐line triple therapy using proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin and clarithromycin for Helicobacter pylori infection in Singapore? Results of a time trend analysis
Authors: Ang Tiing Leong , Wang Luokai , Ang Daphne , Chiam Priscilla , Fock Kwong Ming , Teo Eng Kiong 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveThis study was aimed to assess whether the efficacy of one‐week triple therapy comprising of proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin and clarithromycin (PPI/A/C) on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in Singapore has decreased over the duration from 2005 to 2010.MethodsThe clinical data of H. pylori‐positive patients treated with one‐week PPI/A/C in 2005 and 2010 were reviewed retrospectively using a registry database. The primary endpoint was the difference in treatment success rate.ResultsA total of 465 patients (n = 174 in 2005 and n = 291 in 2010) were analyzed. In 2010, compared with 2005, the mean age of patients was younger (47 vs 56 years, P < 0.001) and the proportion of foreigners was higher (19.9% vs 5.7%, P < 0.001). The success rate of H. pylori eradication remained similar over the two time periods (90.2% in 2005 vs 88.7% in 2010, P = 0.597). Multinomial logistic regression revealed that mean age, gender, diagnosis and nationality had no impact on the success of H. pylori eradication.ConclusionsFrom 2005 to 2010, there was no significant decrease in the efficacy of one‐week PPI/A/C for the treatment of H. pylori infection. This treatment regime remained an effective first‐line therapy for H. pylori infection in Singapore.
Discovery and characterization of novel genetic markers for use in the management of Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi)
Authors: Pritchard Victoria L. , Campbell Nathan R. , Narum Shawn R. , Peacock Mary M. , Garza John CARLOS 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi) is threatened by habitat destruction, over‐harvest and hybridization with nonnative trout. Currently, three Geographic Management Units (GMUs) are recognized within the taxon. Here, we describe a suite of 68 single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genetic markers for use in the study and management of Lahontan cutthroat trout and a closely related subspecies, the Paiute cutthroat trout (O. c. seleneris). These include markers variable within the two subspecies (n = 35), diagnostic for the two subspecies (n = 23) and diagnostic for Yellowstone cutthroat trout (O. c. bouvieri) and other closely related subspecies (n = 10). Sixty‐three markers were discovered by Sanger sequencing of 171 EST loci in an ascertainment panel including Lahontan cutthroat trout from four populations representing all GMUs. Five markers were identified in a secondary sequencing effort with a single population of Lahontan cutthroat trout. TaqMan assays were validated on six Lahontan cutthroat trout populations and a diverse panel of other trout. Over 90% of the markers variable in Lahontan cutthroat trout were polymorphic in at least two populations, and 66% were variable within all three GMUs. All Lahontan diagnostic markers were also fixed for the Lahontan allele in Paiute cutthroat trout. Most of the Yellowstone diagnostic markers can also be used for this purpose in other cutthroat trout subspecies. This is the first set of SNP markers to be developed for Lahontan cutthroat trout, and will be an important tool for conservation and management.
Disease patterns of rheumatology outpatients seen in a tertiary hospital serving a multi‐ethnic, urban Asian population in Singapore
Authors: Ng Xinyi , Low Andrea Hsiu Ling , Chew Li‐Ching , Chong Yong Yeow , Fong Kok Yong , Lui Nai Lee , Sim Eugene , Tan York Kiat , Yoong Jon , Thumboo Julian 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimsTo describe the spectrum of diseases seen in an outpatient setting in the Singapore General Hospital, the largest tertiary referral centre in Singapore.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, medical records of patients scheduled for an appointment at the rheumatology specialist outpatient clinics over a 4‐month period (10 August 2010–31 December 2010) were reviewed. Primary diagnoses documented by the attending physician at the latest visit were recorded.ResultsAmong 4180 patients (29.5% male; mean [SD] age: 53.5 [15.1] years; 77.0% Chinese, 8.0% Malay, 8.8% Indian and 6.2% others), the spectrum of diseases seen was as follows [disease – definite n (%), probable n (%)]: Arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis – 958 (22.9%), 68 (1.6%); osteoarthritis – 452 (10.8%), 39 (0.9%); crystal arthritis – 417 (10.0%), 18 (0.4%); spondyloarthritis – 227 (5.4%), 61 (1.5%); psoriatic arthritis – 158 (3.8%), 9 (0.2%); other inflammatory arthritis – 153 (3.7%), 94 (2.2%); Connective tissues diseases: systemic lupus erythematosus – 412 (9.9%), 26 (0.6%); vasculitis – 105 (2.5%), 22 (0.5%); Sjögren's syndrome – 81 (1.9%), 32 (0.8%); overlap syndromes – 73 (1.8%); scleroderma – 50 (1.2%), 4 (0.1%); undifferentiated connective tissue diseases – 45 (1.1%), 106 (2.5%); myositis – 41 (1.0%), 12 (0.3%); antiphospholipid syndrome – 22 (0.5%), 7 (0.2%); polymyalgia rheumatica – 16 (0.4%); Others: soft tissue rheumatism – 155 (3.7%); osteoporosis – 61 (1.5%); other non‐rheumatologic conditions – 189 (4.5%); other rheumatologic conditions – 67 (1.6%).ConclusionRheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and crystal arthritis were the three most common rheumatological diseases seen in a tertiary referral centre serving a multi‐ethnic urban Asian population in Singapore.