bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
State-of-the-Art Vitamin D Assays: A Comparison of Automated Immunoassays with Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry Methods
Authors: Farrell Christopher-John L , Martin Steven , McWhinney Brett , Straub Isabella , Williams Paul , Herrmann Markus 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Vitamin D testing is increasing worldwide. Recently several diagnostic manufacturers including Abbott and Siemens have launched automated 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OH-D) immunoassays. Furthermore, preexisting assays from DiaSorin and Roche have recently been modified. We compared the performance of 5 automated immunoassays, an RIA and 2 liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods.

METHODS
Aliquots of 170 randomly selected patient samples were prepared and 25OH-D was measured by 2 LC-MS/MS methods, an RIA (DiaSorin), and automated immunoassays from Abbott (Architect), DiaSorin (LIAISON), IDS (ISYS), Roche (E170, monoclonal 25OH-D3 assay), and Siemens (Centaur). Within-run and between-run imprecision were evaluated by measurement of 5 replicates of 2 serum pools on 5 consecutive days.

RESULTS
The LC-MS/MS methods agreed, with a concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) of 0.99 and bias of 0.56 μg/L (1.4 nmol/L). The RIA assay showed a performance comparable to LC-MS/MS, with a CCC of 0.97 and a mean bias of 1.1 μg/L (2.7 nmo/L). All immunoassays measured total 25OH-D (including D3 and D2), with the exception of the Roche assay (D3 only). Among the immunoassays detecting total 25OH-D, the CCCs varied between 0.85 (Abbott) to 0.95 (LIAISON). The mean bias ranged between 0.2 μg/L (0.5 nmol/L) (LIAISON) and 4.56 μg/L (11.4 nmol/L) (Abbott). The Roche 25OH-D3 assay demonstrated small mean bias [−2.7 μg/L (−6.7 nmol/L)] [−2.7 μg/L (−6.7 nmol/L)] but a low CCC of just 0.66. Most assays demonstrated good intra- and interassay precision, with CV &lt;10%.

CONCLUSIONS
Automated immunoassays demonstrated variable performance and not all tests met our minimum performance goals. It is important that laboratories be aware of the limitations of their assay.
Drosophila Reporter Vectors Compatible with ΦC31 Integrase Transgenesis Techniques and Their Use to Generate New Notch Reporter Fly Lines
Authors: Housden Ben E , Millen Kat , Bray Sarah J 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Complex spatial and temporal regulation of gene activity is fundamental to development and homeostasis. The ability to decipher the DNA sequences that accurately coordinate gene expression is, therefore, of primary importance. One way to assess the functions of DNA elements entails their fusion to fluorescent reporter genes. This powerful approach makes it possible to visualize their regulatory capabilities when reintroduced into the developing animal. Transgenic studies in Drosophila have recently advanced with the introduction of site-specific, ΦC31 integrase–mediated approaches. However, most existing Drosophila reporter vectors are not compatible with this new approach and have become obsolete. Here we describe a new series of fluorescent reporter vectors optimized for use with ΦC31 transgenesis. By using these vectors to generate a set of Notch reporter fly lines, we demonstrate their efficacy in reporting the function of gene regulatory elements.
Pathology induced by Pomporhynchus kashmiriensis (Acanthocephala) in the alimentary canal of naturally infected Chirruh snow trout, Schizothorax esocinus (Heckel)
Authors: Irshadullah M. , Mustafa Y. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Histopathology of the alimentary canal of Chirruh snowtrout, Scizothorax esocinus (Heckel), naturally infected with the acanthocephalan parasite, Pomphorhynchus kashmiriensis was studied by light microscopy. The proboscis and bulb was found to be deeply penetrated into the host tissues. Macroscopic examination revealed over secretion of mucous and shedding of host tissues at the host parasite interface and white fibrous nodules on the external surface of infected intestine, which was an indication for the presence of parasite. The major changes in parasite induced histopathology were at the site of attachment to the host’s intestine which includes destruction of villi and epithelial linings. Increased cellular infiltrations at the site of attachment may be a consequence of host’s defence involving cell mediated immunity. In the areas of trunk contact with the host tissue, compression/absence of intestinal folds and loss of columnar appearance of epithelial cells were evident.
Introduction of Gyrodactylus perccotti (Monogenea) into Europe on its invasive fish host, Amur sleeper (Perccottus glenii, Dybowski 1877)
Authors: Ondračková M. , Matějusová I. , Grabowska J. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Monogenean parasites of Amur sleeper Perccottus glenii introduced to Europe during the last century were studied during two seasons in the Wloclawski Reservoir (Poland). Introduction of a single species Gyrodactylus perccotti with its host was confirmed in both seasons: autumn 2006 and spring 2008. Occurrence of G. perccotti in Europe was reported for the first time. Intensity of infection decreased from 2006 to 2008, but the prevalence did not differ between the seasons. G. perccotti sampled in autumn 2006 showed low morphometrical variability and high morphological similarity with parasites collected in host native range, Amur River. In contrary, high morphological and metrical variability was found within the samples collected in spring 2008. Nucleic acid sequencing of the partial ITS rDNA confirmed that despite the variation in morphology or size of haptoral hard parts, all studied Gyrodactylus specimens belonged to the same species (G. percotti) and no intraspecific variation was detected.
Trematodes of herons (Aves: Ciconiiformes) in the Czech Republic
Authors: Sitko J. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
A survey of 29 species of trematodes found in the Czech Republic in 530 herons of 8 species: Ardea cinerea 436 species examined (21 species of digeneas determined), A. purpurea 2 (4), Egretta alba 34 (7), E. garzetta 2 (3), Nycticorax nycticorax 28 (2), Ixobrychus minutus 19 (0), Botaurus stellaris 8 (5), Ardeola ralloides 1 (3) is presented. The species recorded for the first time in the Central Europe — Clinostomum heluans, Nephrostomum ramosum and Pygorchis affixus which has been brought from the wintering grounds in Africa, Echinochasmus militaris and Saakotrema metatestis brought by juvenile birds from breeding ground in the South Europe. Ophiosoma patagiatum and Posthodiplostomum brevicaudatum found for the first time in the Czech Republic.
Mel-han-cholia as Political Practice in Theresa Hak Kyung Cha's Dictée
Authors: Cho Jennifer 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Drawing from theories of melancholy from David Eng, David Kazanjian, and Anne Anlin Cheng, I use Theresa Hak Kyung Cha's Dictée to reevaluate the accepted linear trajectory of Asian American identity formation in the U.S. In particular, I develop the term mel-han-choly—a hybridized form of melancholy and Korean han (a culturally specific grief)—to show how Cha uses it as a subversive political tool to defer historical closure. Cha's remembrance of the histories of Japanese colonialism in the Korean peninsula and the Korean War defies the expectation that minority populations somehow transcend their grievous pasts in becoming model American citizens. Because Korean history cannot be discussed without implicating the U.S. and calling into question its exceptional values, such recollection might be willfully avoided. I claim that Cha's mel-han-cholic plays generate productive disruptions on two levels. First, it challenges dominant understandings of the U.S. as a liberator of South Korea and the U.S.'s discursive power in narrating its history. Second, mel-han-choly serves a connective, transnational function within the diasporic Korean community. As depicted by the fractured relationship between Cha's narrator and her mother, a sense of shared loss and cultural grief can become the basis around which collective identity might be organized.
Microstructure – deformation relationships in fine grained high manganese TWIP steel – the role of local texture
Authors: Rüsing C. J. , Niendorf T. , Lackmann J. , Frehn A. , Maier H. J. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The local deformation behavior of fine grained high manganese steel featuring the twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP) effect was investigated at different temperatures. A thorough set of mechanical, optical and electron optical experiments was conducted employing a miniature in-situ load frame, confocal laser scanning microscopy, digital image correlation and electron backscatter diffraction. The combination of the techniques used allowed for establishing a solid relationship between local texture, deformation and surface evolution. The results obtained show that on the microscopic scale the deformation is inhomogeneous even in the fine grained TWIP steel featuring the highest strains and the most significant surface evolution observed in regions with a local {111}-texture. Since grain orientation has an effect on both slip and twinning, the degree of heterogeneity of deformation is very similar in the temperature range studied, irrespective of the rate of twin evolution.
Thermal cycling damage evolution of a thermal barrier coating and the influence of substrate creep, interface roughness and pre-oxidation
Authors: Schweda Mario , Beck Tilmann , Singheiser Lorenz 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The influence of roughness profile shape, roughness depth, bond coat creep strength and pre-oxidation on the thermal cycling damage evolution and lifetime of a plasma-sprayed ZrO2 thermal barrier coating system was investigated. A simplified model system was used where FeCrAlY substrates simulated the bond coat. Substrate creep was varied by using the oxide dispersoid strengthened alloy MA956 and the conventional material Fecralloy. Stochastic 3- and periodic 2-dimensional roughness profiles were produced by sand blasting and high speed turning. Damage evolution is significantly influenced by substrate creep with a trend to higher lifetimes for the fast creeping substrate. Pre-oxidation has no influence. Lifetimes of the periodically profiled samples are up to 100 times lower than these of stochastically profiled samples. In the case of periodically profiled samples, the highest lifetime was reached for the highest roughness depth combined with local undercuttings in the roughness profile. For stochastically profiled samples the influence of roughness depth could not be determined due to the wide lifetime scatter.
Influence of creep and cyclic oxidation in thermal barrier coatings
Authors: Seiler Philipp , Bäker Martin , Rösler Joachim 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The lifetime of thermal barrier coating systems is limited by cracks close to the interfaces, causing delamination. To study the failure mechanisms, a simplified model system is analysed which consists of a bond-coat bulk material, a thermally grown oxide, and an yttria-stabilised zirconia topcoat. The stresses in the model system are calculated using a finite element model which covers the simulation of full thermal cycles, creep in all layers, and the anisotropic oxidation during dwelling. Creep in the oxide and the thermal barrier coating is varied with the use of different creep parameter sets. The influence of creep in the bondcoat is analysed by using two different bond-coat materials: fast creeping Fecralloy and slow creeping oxide dispersion strengthened MA956. It is shown that creep in the bondcoat influences the lifetime of the coatings. Furthermore, a fast creeping thermally grown oxide benefits the lifetime of the coating system.
Stress-gradient induced fatigue at ultra high frequencies in sub micron thin metal films
Authors: Eberl Christoph , Courty Diana , Walcker Astrid , Kraft Oliver 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Mechanical fatigue at frequencies in the GHz regime in submicron metal thin films is governed by size and frequency effects. The cyclic load can lead to damage formation also known as acoustomigration and determines the reliability of micro electro mechanical systems and surface acoustic wave devices. The size and frequency effects dramatically change the fatigue behavior compared to bulk material. The resulting damage structure is similar to electromigration experiments where void and extrusion formation lead to failure. Here, a dislocation based mechanism is presented which explains the damage formation. This mechanism is induced by gradients in cyclic shear stress which is induced by the short acoustic wave length at frequencies in the GHz regime. Discrete dislocation dynamic simulations are presented that reflect the dislocation behavior at these ultra high frequencies.
Claiming the New North: Development and Colonialism at the Pine Point Mine, Northwest Territories, Canada
Authors: Sandlos John , Keeling Arn 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
This paper explores the history of economic, social and environmental change associated with the Pine Point lead-zinc mine, a now-abandoned industrial site and town in the Northwest Territories. Recent perspectives in cultural geography and environmental history have sought to rehabilitate mining landscapes from their reputation as places of degradation and exploitation - the so-called 'mining imaginary'. We argue that the landscapes of Pine Point epitomise the failures and contradictions of mega-project resource development in the north. While the mine and planned town built to service it flourished for nearly a quarter century, the larger goals of modernisation, industrial development and Aboriginal assimilation were unrealised. Ultimately, the mine's closure in 1988 resulted in the town's abandonment and the removal of the rail link, leaving behind a legacy of environmental destruction that remains unremediated. At Pine Point, the forces of mega-project development joined with modern mining's technologies of 'mass destruction' to produce a deeply scarred and problematic landscape that failed in its quest to bring modern industrialism to the Canadian sub-Arctic.
Age Affects Responses on the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) by Adults with Minimal Audiometric Loss
Authors: Banh Jessica , Singh Gurjit , Pichora-Fuller M. Kathleen 
Published: January 2012

Background:Age-related declines in auditory and cognitive processing may contribute to the difficulties with listening in noise that are often reported by older adults. Such difficulties are reported even by those who have relatively good audiograms that could be considered “normal”
for their age (ISO 7029-2000 [ISO, 2000]). The Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ; Gatehouse and Noble, 2004) is a questionnaire developed to measure a listener's self-reported ability to hear in a variety of everyday situations, such as those that are challenging for older
adults, and it can provide insights into the possible contributions of auditory and cognitive factors to their listening difficulties. The SSQ has been shown to be a sensitive and reliable questionnaire to detect benefits associated with the use of different hearing technologies and potentially
other forms of intervention. Establishing how age-matched listeners with audiograms “normal” for their age rate the items on the SSQ could enable an extension of its use in audiological assessment and in setting rehabilitative goals.Purpose:The main purpose of this study
was to investigate how younger and older adults who passed audiometric screening and who had thresholds considered to be “normal” for their age responded on the SSQ. It was also of interest to compare these results to those reported previously for older listeners with hearing loss
in an attempt to tease out the relative effects of age and hearing loss.Study Sample:The SSQ was administered to 48 younger (mean age = 19 yr; SD = 1.0) and 48 older (mean age = 70 yr, SD = 4.1) adults with clinically normal audiometric thresholds
below 4 kHz. The younger adults were recruited through an introductory psychology course, and the older adults were volunteers from the local community.Data Collection and Analysis:Both age groups completed the SSQ. The differences between the groups were analyzed. Correlations were
used to compare the pattern of results across items for the two age groups in the present study and to assess the relationship between SSQ scores and objective measures of hearing. Comparisons were also made to published results for older adults with hearing loss.Results:The pattern
of reported difficulty across items was similar for both age groups, but younger adults had significantly higher scores than older adults on 42 of the 46 items. On average, younger adults scored 8.8 (SD = 0.6) out of 10 and older adults scored 7.7 (SD = 1.2) out of 10.
By comparison, scores of 5.5 (SD = 1.9) have been reported for older adults (mean age = 71 yr, SD = 8.1) with moderate hearing loss (Gatehouse and Noble, 2004).Conclusions:By establishing the best scores that could reasonably be expected from younger and
older adults with “normal” hearing thresholds, these results provide clinicians with information that should assist them in setting realistic targets for interventions for adults of different ages.
The Words-in-Noise Test (WIN), List 3: A Practice List
Authors: Wilson Richard H. , Watts Kelly L. 
Published: January 2012

Background:The Words-in-Noise Test (WIN) was developed as an instrument to quantify the ability of listeners to understand monosyllabic words in background noise using multitalker babble (Wilson, 2003). The 50% point, which is calculated with the Spearman-Kärber equation
(Finney, 1952), is used as the evaluative metric with the WIN materials. Initially, the WIN was designed as a 70-word instrument that presented ten unique words at each of seven signal-to-noise ratios from 24 to 0 dB in 4 dB decrements. Subsequently, the 70-word list was parsed into two 35-word
lists that achieved equivalent recognition performances (Wilson and Burks, 2005). This report involves the development of a third list (WIN List 3) that was developed to serve as a practice list to familiarize the participant with listening to words presented in background babble.Purpose:To
determine—on young listeners with normal hearing and on older listeners with sensorineural hearing loss—the psychometric properties of the WIN List 3 materials.Research Design:A quasi-experimental, repeated-measures design was used.Study Sample:Twenty-four young adult
listeners (M = 21.6 yr) with normal pure-tone thresholds (≤20 dB HL at 250 to 8000 Hz) and 24 older listeners (M = 65.9 yr) with sensorineural hearing loss participated.Data Collection and Analysis:The level of the babble was fixed at 80 dB SPL with
the level of the words varied from 104 to 80 dB SPL in 4 dB decrements.Results:For listeners with normal hearing, the 50% points for Lists 1 and 2 were similar (4.3 and 5.1 dB S/N, respectively), both of which were lower than the 50% point for List 3 (7.4 dB S/N). A similar relation
was observed with the listeners with hearing loss, 50% points for Lists 1 and 2 of 12.2 and 12.4 dB S/N, respectively, compared to 15.8 dB S/N for List 3. The differences between Lists 1 and 2 and List 3 were significant. The relations among the psychometric functions and the relations among
the individual data both reflected these differences.Conclusions:The significant ∼3 dB difference between performances on WIN Lists 1 and 2 and on WIN List 3 by the listeners with normal hearing and the listeners with hearing loss dictates caution with the use of List 3. The use
of WIN List 3 should be reserved for ancillary purposes in which equivalent recognition performances are not required, for example, as a practice list or a stand alone measure.
Les enjeux politiques dans la colonie du Niger (1944-1960)
Authors: Djibo Mamoudou 
Published: January 2012

Résumé Comme toutes les anciennes colonies françaises d’Afrique noire, le Niger est entré dans l’ère de la politique moderne au lendemain de la seconde guerre mondiale. Son évolution est intimement liée au débat politique de l’ensemble colonial français. Il a cependant la particularité d’avoir été le seul territoire d’outre-mer à avoir inauguré l’autonomie interne conférée par la loi de réforme institutionnelle dite loi-cadre (ou loi Gaston Defferre) avec une majorité parlementaire et gouvernementale MSA ; de même, il est le seul à avoir échoué dans son choix pour l’« indépendance immédiate » ; il est enfin le premier territoire français où les enjeux politiques de la Ve République française naissante ont conduit à un coup d’État politique, à travers l’« opération Colombani », du nom du gouverneur chargé de faire changer le cours des choses à Niamey. Ce coup d’État politique a entraîné la mise en place d’une équipe plus acquise aux objectifs politiques de Paris et à qui l’indépendance, refusée en 1958, sera octroyée le 3 août 1960.
« L'art de couper les oignons pour qu'un bébé advienne »
Authors: Dugravier Franck 
Published: January 2012

Lorsque les pédiatres interviennent auprès des familles, les oignons sont coupés, les bébés sont nés, les questions qui surgissent ne sont plus celles que se posaient les parents auparavant. Leur tâche est de participer, dans la mesure de la demande qui leur est faite, à la continuité qui s’instaure, clé de la « familiarité » qui peu à peu bouleversera la notion de filiation. Il s’agira moins de la question de l’origine que d’une « liaison entre des choses qui naissent les unes des autres. »
Transmission de vie, trace d'existence à l'adolescence
Authors: Ayoun Patrick 
Published: January 2012

Il est devenu banal et évident de tenir compte de la vie périnatale pour comprendre les troubles graves de la subjectivation à l’adolescence. Mais de quelle façon ? Ce texte tente de répondre à cette question en évoquant une situation clinique et en discutant quelques concepts théoriques : théorie de la séduction généralisée, violence de l’interprétation, clinique de l’hypothèse.
Kangxi/Engke Amuγulang, un empereur mongol ? Sur quelques légendes mongoles et chinoises
Authors: Charleux Isabelle 
Published: January 2012

Cet article étudie la perception que les Mongols ont de Kangxi (Mong. Engke Amuγulang r. 1662-1722), deuxième empereur de la dynastie mandchoue des Qing, à travers des histoires et des représentations visuelles. Loin de le présenter en despote étranger opprimant son peuple, les Mongols le considéraient comme un souverain parfaitement légitime, voire même, comme un empereur mongol. Bien que la plupart de ces légendes, collectées par des ethnographes et des folkloristes dans la deuxième moitié du xxe siècle, ne puissent généralement pas être datées, cet article tente de comprendre d’où viennent ces histoires, comment et dans quel milieu elles ont circulé, et quelle est la responsabilité du pouvoir impérial dans la transmission d’images positives de Kangxi. La comparaison avec des histoires semblables qui circulaient en Chine, et en particulier sur la montagne bouddhique du Wutaishan, permettra de montrer dans quelle mesure les Mongols les ont reprises, transformées, amalgamées et prolongées.
Le chamanisme aujourd’hui : constructions et déconstructions d’une illusion scientifique
Authors: Rydving Håkan 
Published: January 2012

Les mots « chamane » et « chamanisme » s’emploient couramment comme concepts, mais ils sont utilisés de multiples façons, souvent dans un sens si général qu’ils ne définissent rien de précis. D’après l’auteur, la question est de savoir si « chamane » et « chamanisme » sont véritablement utiles comme concepts comparatifs. Il conclut que le temps est venu d’abandonner ces termes, à l’exception des contextes où ils sont utilisés comme auto-désignation.