bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lifestyle and genetic determinants of folate and vitamin B12 levels in a general adult population
Authors: Thuesen Betina H. , Husemoen Lise Lotte N. , Ovesen Lars , Jørgensen Torben , Fenger Mogens , Linneberg Allan 
Published: December 2009

Danish legislation regarding food fortification has been very restrictive resulting in few fortified food items on the Danish market. Folate and vitamin B12 deficiency is thought to be common due to inadequate intakes but little is known about the actual prevalence of low serum folate and vitamin B12 in the general population. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the folate and vitamin B12 status of Danish adults and to investigate associations between vitamin status and distinct lifestyle and genetic factors. The study included a random sample of 6784 individuals aged 30–60 years. Information on lifestyle factors was obtained by questionnaires and blood samples were analysed for serum folate and vitamin B12 concentrations and several genetic polymorphisms. The overall prevalence of low serum folate ( < 6·8 nmol/l) was 31·4 %. Low serum folate was more common among men than women and the prevalence was lower with increasing age. Low serum folate was associated with smoking, low alcohol intake, high coffee intake, unhealthy diet, and the TT genotype of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR)-C677T polymorphism. The overall prevalence of low serum vitamin B12 ( < 148 pmol/l) was 4·7 %. Low serum vitamin B12 was significantly associated with female sex, high coffee intake, low folate status, and the TT genotype of the MTHFR-C677T polymorphism. In conclusion, low serum folate was present in almost a third of the adult population in the present study and was associated with several lifestyle factors whereas low serum concentrations of vitamin B12 were less common and only found to be associated with a few lifestyle factors.
Tectonic significance of synextensional ductile shear zones within the Early Miocene Alaçamdağ granites, northwestern Turkey
Authors: ERKÜL FUAT 
Published: December 2009

AbstractSynextensional granitoids may have significant structural features leading to the understanding of the evolution of extended orogenic belts. One of the highly extended regions, the Aegean region, includes a number of metamorphic core complexes and synextensional granitoids that developed following the Alpine collisional events. The Alaçamdağ area in northwestern Turkey is one of the key areas where Miocene granites crop out along the boundary of various tectonic units. Structural data from the Early Miocene Alaçamdağ granites demonstrated two different deformation patterns that may provide insights into the development of granitic intrusions and metamorphic core complexes. (1) Steeply dipping ductile shear zones caused emplacement of syn-tectonic granite stocks; they include kinematic indicators of a sinistral top-to-the-SW displacement. This zone has also juxtaposed the İzmir–Ankara Zone and the Menderes Massif in the west and east, respectively. (2) Gently dipping ductile shear zones have developed within the granitic stocks that intruded the schists of the Menderes Massif on the structurally lower parts. Kinematic data from the foliated granites indicate a top-to-the-NE displacement, which can be correlated with the direction of the hanging-wall movement documented from the Simav and Kazdağ metamorphic core complexes. The gently dipping shear zones indicate the presence of a detachment fault between the Menderes Massif and the structurally overlying İzmir–Ankara Zone. Mesoscopic- to map-scale folds in the shallow-dipping shear zones of the Alaçamdağ area were interpreted to have been caused by coupling between NE–SW stretching and the accompanying NW–SE shortening of ductilely deformed crust during Early Miocene times. One of the NE-trending shear zones fed by granitic magmas was interpreted to form the northeastern part of a sinistral wrench corridor which caused differential stretching between the Cycladic and the Menderes massifs. This crustal-scale wrench corridor, the İzmir–Balıkesir transfer zone, may have controlled the asymmetrical and symmetrical extensions in the orogenic domains. The combination of the retreat of the Aegean subduction zone and the lateral slab segmentation leading to the sinistral oblique-slip tearing within the Eurasian upper plate appears to be a plausible mechanism for the development of such extensive NE-trending shear zones in the Aegean region.
ON ANNIHILATOR IDEALS OF SKEW MONOID RINGS
Authors: ZHONGKUI LIU , XIAOYAN YANG 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA ring R is called a left APP-ring if the left annihilator lR(Ra) is pure as a left ideal of R for every a ∈ R; R is called (left principally) quasi-Baer if the left annihilator of every (principal) left ideal of R is generated by an idempotent. Let R be a ring and M an ordered monoid. Assume that there is a monoid homomorphism φ: M ⟶ Aut(R). We give a necessary and sufficient condition for the skew monoid ring (induced by φ) to be left APP (left principally quasi-Baer, quasi-Baer, respectively).
The history of the discovery of emperor penguin colonies, 1902–2004
Authors: Wienecke Barbara 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTThis article summarises the history of the discovery of emperor penguinAptenodytes forstericolonies. Emperor penguins were probably first seen on James Cook's second voyage (1773–1775) but were not recorded as a separate species until 1844. The first breeding colony of these birds was found in 1902 and a further 32 were sighted over the next century. The total number of colonies is still unknown but today satellite technology is aiding the process of discovery.
Scaling stellar jets to the laboratory: The power of simulations
Authors: Stehlé C. , Ciardi A. , Colombier J.-P. , González M. , Lanz T. , Marocchino A. , Kozlova M. , Rus B. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAdvances in laser and Z-pinch technology, coupled with the development of plasma diagnostics, and the availability of high-performance computers, have recently stimulated the growth of high-energy density laboratory astrophysics. In particular, a number of experiments have been designed to study radiative shocks and jets with the aim of shedding new light on physical processes linked to the ejection and accretion of mass by newly born stars. Although general scaling laws are powerful tools to link laboratory experiments with astrophysical plasmas, the phenomena modeled are often too complicated for simple scaling to remain relevant. Nevertheless, the experiments can still give important insights into the physics of astrophysical systems and can be used to provide the basic experimental validation of numerical simulations in regimes of interest to astrophysics. We will illustrate the possible links between laboratory experiments, numerical simulations, and astrophysics in the context of stellar jets. First we will discuss the propagation of stellar jets in a cross-moving interstellar medium and the scaling to Z-pinch produced jets. Our second example focuses on slab-jets produced at the Prague Asterix Laser System laser installation and their practical applications to astrophysics. Finally, we illustrate the limitations of scaling for radiative shocks, which are found at the head of the most rapid stellar jets.
Laser-produced plasma-wall interaction
Authors: Renner O. , Liska R. , Rosmej F.B. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractJets of laser–generated plasma represent a flexible and well-defined model environment for investigation of plasma interactions with solid surfaces (walls). The pilot experiments carried out on the iodine laser system (5–200 J, 0.44 µm, 0.25–0.3 ns, <1×1016 W/cm2) at the PALS Research Centre in Prague are reported. Modification of macroscopic characteristics of the Al plasma jets produced at laser-irradiated double-foil Al/Mg targets is studied by high-resolution, high-dispersion X-ray spectroscopy. The spatially variable, complex satellite structure observed in emission spectra of the Al Lyα group proves a formation of rather cold dense plasma at the laser-exploded Al foil, an occurrence of the hot plasma between both foils and subsequent thermalization, deceleration and trapping of Al ions in the colliding plasma close to the Mg foil surface. The spectra interpretation based on the collisional-radiative code is complemented by 1D and 2D hydrodynamic modeling of the plasma expansion and interaction of counter-propagating Al/Mg plasmas. The obtained results demonstrate a potential of high resolution X-ray diagnostics in investigation of the laser-produced plasma–wall interactions.
Abundance of Panamanian dry-forest birds along gradients of forest cover at multiple scales
Authors: Lasky Jesse R. , Keitt Timothy H. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract:Community structure and species’ abundances may be strongly correlated to patterns of forest cover, although such patterns are poorly known for tropical dry-forest birds, especially for those in Panamanian dry forests. Birds were distance-sampled during point counts in five dry-forest fragments in Panama. Distance from point count to forest edge and forest coverage at three spatial scales (500, 1000 and 2000-m radius) were compared as covariate predictors of the abundance of avian species and guilds. Each covariate was selected in at least two models of species or guild abundance. Abundance patterns were consistent with previously reported habitat associations for only two of seven open-habitat or forest-preferring species that showed forest cover-abundance relationships. Null models best described the abundance of all forest species and the subset of uncommon forest species. Thus many of these species appear insensitive to the forest-cover gradients studied. Total abundance of open-habitat-preferring species increased in dry forests with increasing forest coverage within 500 m, suggesting that the relationship between their abundance and vegetation structure are spatial-scale and habitat dependent. Nectarivores had lower abundance as forest cover within 1000 m increased, supporting previous claims that this group is tolerant of forest edges.
Ungulate biomass across a rainfall gradient: a comparison of data from neotropical and palaeotropical forests and local analyses in Mexico
Authors: Mandujano Salvador , Naranjo Eduardo J. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract:Using a data set from 36 studies, we evaluated variation in ungulate biomass across a rainfall gradient using polynomial models, aiming to: (1) compare neotropical and palaeotropical dry and wet forests as well as African savannas; and (2) evaluate the usefulness of polynomial models to predict ungulate biomass at neotropical sites using data from a dry forest (Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve, CCBR) and a wet forest (Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve, MABR) in Mexico. Our results showed that an overestimation of expected ungulate biomass can be obtained for some tropical forests if data from African savannas are included in the model. This overestimation was particularly high for predicted ungulate biomass in neotropical dry forests. These ecosystems sustain different ungulate biomass values even when rainfall is similar. This was particularly true for some tropical dry forests and savannas. Rainfall predicted the expected ungulate biomass in neotropical ecosystems relative to that of palaeotropical ones under similar precipitation regimes, but did not correctly predict the observed ungulate biomass at local level if data outside the Neotropics are included in the model. This was more evident when we compared observed biomass against predicted biomass in the tropical dry forest of CCBR, while some polynomial models successfully predicted the observed biomass for the tropical wet forest of MABR. Factors such as Pleistocene extinctions and the absence of large, native grazers (i.e. Bovidae) that have kept ungulate richness and standing biomass relatively low in neotropical forests should be accounted for when comparing data sets from different regions.
Forest fragmentation reduces recruitment of large-seeded tree species in a semi-deciduous tropical forest of southern Mexico
Authors: Melo Felipe P. L. , Martínez-Salas Esteban , Benítez-Malvido Julieta , Ceballos Gerardo 
Published: December 2009

Abstract:This study tested whether the reduction in the number of large-bodied seed dispersers is correlated with shifts in the taxonomic and functional (e.g. dispersal mode and seed size) traits of the seeding communities within small fragments of semi-deciduous forest, southern Mexico. In five fragments (2.3–640 ha) and one continuous forest site we sampled tree and seedling species in 40 (20 × 20 m) and 120 (3 × 3 m) plots respectively, and recorded the incidence (presence/absence) of the disperser fauna (three common large-birds and >500-g mammals). Tree and seedling species were categorized according to dispersal mode, seed size and whether they originated from local (i.e. from dropped) or immigrant (i.e. from actively dispersed) seeds. Fragment size negatively correlated with number of species of medium to large vertebrate seed-dispersers and number of seedlings of large-seeded species, but had no influence on functional traits of the adult-tree community. Between 41% and 61% of all seedlings were considered as immigrants and the proportion of immigrant seedlings of large-seeded tree species was negatively correlated with forest size. The results suggest that biased defaunation in small forest fragments may seriously reduce recruitment of large-seeded tree species (>1.4 cm length) dispersed by vertebrates, negatively affecting successional trajectories of small forest fragments.
Systematics and bird conservation policies: the importance of species limits
Authors: ROJAS-SOTO OCTAVIO R. , NAVARRO-SIGÜENZA ADOLFO G. , ESPINOSA DE LOS MONTEROS ALEJANDRO 
Published: December 2009

SummaryThe taxonomic criteria used as bases for endangered species lists can affect conservation policy decisions. We emphasize that the use of different taxonomic units affects the baselines of such lists. Recent taxonomic reviews for the Mexican avifauna provided the tools for assessing this effect on a highly diverse avifauna which is currently in need of serious conservation actions. Most ornithologists have used a taxonomy based on the biological species concept (BSC) to make decisions on species limits and therefore to set them into endangered species lists. However, the application of the phylogenetic species concept (PSC) as an alternative for delimiting species, results in a different panorama of what should be protected. Our analysis shows that the current official Mexican endangered species list, BSC based, encompasses 371 birds, ranked as 277 species and 94 subspecies. The same list of protected forms changes under the phylogenetic species concept because 47 of them are not recognized as valid species, while another 28 forms merit higher levels of protection. Additionally, under this concept another 11 forms should be candidates for inclusion based on their restricted distribution. We call attention to the fact that the use of one or another species concept affects endangered species lists.
Amygdala activation to masked happy facial expressions
Authors: JURUENA MARIO F. , GIAMPIETRO VINCENT P. , SMITH STEPHEN D. , SURGULADZE SIMON A. , DALTON JEFFREY A. , BENSON PHILIP J. , CLEARE ANTHONY J. , FU CYNTHIA H.Y. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe amygdala has a key role in automatic non-conscious processing of emotions. Highly salient emotional stimuli elicit amygdala activity, and happy faces are among the most rapidly perceived facial expressions. In backward masking paradigms, an image is presented briefly and then masked by another stimulus. However, reports of amygdala responses to masked happy faces have been mixed. In the present study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine amygdala activation to masked happy, sad, and neutral facial expressions. Masked happy faces elicited greater amygdala activation bilaterally as compared to masked sad faces. Our findings indicate that the amygdala is highly responsive to non-consciously perceived happy facial expressions. (JINS, 2010, 16, 383–387.)
Deficits in the automatic activation of religious concepts in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: BUTLER PAUL M. , MCNAMARA PATRICK , DURSO RAYMON 
Published: December 2009

AbstractReligion is central to the lives of billions of people worldwide. To probe processing dynamics of religious cognition and its potential brain correlates, we used a novel priming procedure to assess the integrity of religious and control semantic networks in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and controls. Priming for control, but not religious, concepts was intact in PD patients. Patients with left-onset (right-forebrain disease) evidenced severe impairment activating religious concepts. We next modeled the priming performance with modified cable equations. These analyses suggested that deficient performance of PD patients on activation of religious concepts was due to a change in the time constants governing gain and rate of decay of activation in these semantic networks. These modeling results are consistent with dopaminergic dysfunction in right-sided striatal-prefrontal networks. We conclude that right striatal-prefrontal dopaminergic networks support activation of complex religious concepts but not equally complex and related control concepts. (JINS, 2010,16, 252–261.)
AN INTEGRAL EQUATION FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE FIRST EXIT TIME OF A REFLECTED BROWNIAN MOTION
Authors: DE-LA-PEÑA VICTOR , HERNÁNDEZ-DEL-VALLE GERARDO , PACHECO-GONZÁLEZ CARLOS G. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractReflected Brownian motion is used in areas such as physiology, electrochemistry and nuclear magnetic resonance. We study the first-passage-time problem of this process which is relevant in applications; specifically, we find a Volterra integral equation for the distribution of the first time that a reflected Brownian motion reaches a nondecreasing barrier. Additionally, we note how a numerical procedure can be used to solve the integral equation.
ANALYSIS OF BLOCK-SOR ITERATION FOR THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL LAPLACIAN
Authors: ZHENG WENJUN , ZHAO ZHIQIN 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe successive over-relaxation (SOR) iteration method for solving linear systems of equations depends upon a relaxation parameter. A well-known theory for determining this parameter was given by Young for consistently ordered matrices. In this paper, for the three-dimensional Laplacian, we introduce several compact difference schemes and analyse the block-SOR method for the resulting linear systems. Their optimum relaxation parameters are given for the first time. Analysis shows that the value of the optimum relaxation parameter of block-SOR iteration is very sensitive for compact stencils when solving the three-dimensional Laplacian. This paper provides a theoretical solution for determining the optimum relaxation parameter in real applications.
REFLECTED BACKWARD STOCHASTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS DRIVEN BY A LÉVY PROCESS
Authors: REN YONG , FAN XILIANG 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn this paper, we deal with a class of reflected backward stochastic differential equations (RBSDEs) corresponding to the subdifferential operator of a lower semi-continuous convex function, driven by Teugels martingales associated with a Lévy process. We show the existence and uniqueness of the solution for RBSDEs by means of the penalization method. As an application, we give a probabilistic interpretation for the solutions of a class of partial differential-integral inclusions.
Prepregnancy risk factors for placental abruption
Authors: TIKKANEN MINNA , NUUTILA MIKA , HIILESMAA VILHO , PAAVONEN JORMA , YLIKORKALA OLAVI 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground. To define the prepregnancy risk factors for placental abruption. Methods. One hundred and ninety‐eight women with placental abruption and 396 control women without placental abruption were retrospectively identified among 46,742 women who delivered at a tertiary referral university hospital between 1997 and 2001. Relevant historical and clinical variables were compared between the groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to identify independent risk factors. Results. The overall incidence of placental abruption was 0.42%. Placental abruption recurred in 8.8% of the cases. The independent risk factors were smoking (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1, 2.7), uterine malformation (OR 8.1; 1.7, 40), previous cesarean section (OR 1.7; 1.1, 2.8), and history of placental abruption (OR 4.5; 1.1, 18). Conclusions. Although univariate analysis identified many risk factors, only smoking, uterine malformation, previous cesarean section, and history of placental abruption remained significant after multivariate analysis, increasing the risk of placental abruption in subsequent pregnancy. It may be possible to approximate the risk for placental abruption based on these simple prepregnancy risk factors.
Fear of childbirth before, during, and after childbirth
Authors: ALEHAGEN SIW , WIJMA BARBRO , WIJMA KLAAS 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground. Only scanty research exists about the relationship between women's expectations during pregnancy and their experiences as reported during the actual process of labor and afterwards. The aims of the present study were: 1. to investigate the associations between fear of childbirth during pregnancy and postpartum and fear and pain during early active labor (phase 1: cervix dilatation 3–5 cm), and 2. to explore possible differences regarding fear of childbirth during pregnancy and postpartum between women who did or did not receive epidural analgesia during labor. Methods. Fear of childbirth was measured in 47 nulliparous women during gestation weeks 37–39 by means of the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W‐DEQ version A). During early active labor we measured women's fear (Delivery Fear Scale) and their experiences of pain (a pain intensity scale). Finally, fear after childbirth (W‐DEQ version B) was measured two hours, two days, and five weeks after delivery. Results. A positive correlation appeared between fear of childbirth during pregnancy, postpartum, and early active labor. There were no differences in fear of childbirth during late pregnancy between women who received epidural analgesia and those who did not. Postpartum fear was higher in the women who had received epidural analgesia. Conclusions. Pregnant women who fear childbirth are prone to report fear during the actual labor and postpartum. The administration of epidural analgesia is not a sufficient response to women's fear during the process of labor.