bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alcohol consumption and mortality in individuals with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sluik Diewertje , Boeing Heiner , Bergmann Manuela M. , Schütze Madlen , Teucher Birgit , Kaaks Rudolf , Tjønneland Anne , Overvad Kim , Arriola Larraitz , Ardanaz Eva , Bendinelli Benedetta , Agnoli Claudia , Tumino Rosario , Ricceri Fulvio , Mattiello Amalia , Spijkerman Annemieke M. W. , Beulens Joline W. J. , Grobbee Diederick E. , Nilsson Peter M. , Melander Olle , Franks Paul W. , Rolandsson Olov , Riboli Elio , Gallo Valentina , Romaguera Dora , Nöthlings Ute 
Published: December 2011

Studies have suggested that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a reduced risk of CVD and premature mortality in individuals with diabetes mellitus. However, history of alcohol consumption has hardly been taken into account. We investigated the association between current alcohol consumption and mortality in men and women with diabetes mellitus accounting for past alcohol consumption. Within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), a cohort was defined of 4797 participants with a confirmed diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Men and women were assigned to categories of baseline and past alcohol consumption. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % CI for total mortality were estimated with multivariable Cox regression models, using light alcohol consumption (>0–6 g/d) as the reference category. Compared with light alcohol consumption, no relationship was observed between consumption of 6 g/d or more and total mortality. HR for >6–12 g/d was 0·89 (95 % CI 0·61, 1·30) in men and 0·86 (95 % CI 0·46, 1·60) in women. Adjustment for past alcohol consumption did not change the estimates substantially. In individuals who at baseline reported abstaining from alcohol, mortality rates were increased relative to light consumers: HR was 1·52 (95 % CI 0·99, 2·35) in men and 1·81 (95 % CI 1·04, 3·17) in women. The present study in diabetic individuals showed no association between current alcohol consumption >6 g/d and mortality risk compared with light consumption. The increased mortality risk among non-consumers appeared to be affected by their past alcohol consumption rather than their current abstinence.
Consumption of gold kiwifruit reduces severity and duration of selected upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and increases plasma vitamin C concentration in healthy older adults
Authors: Hunter Denise C. , Skinner Margot A. , Wolber Frances M. , Booth Chris L. , Loh Jacelyn M. S. , Wohlers Mark , Stevenson Lesley M. , Kruger Marlena C. 
Published: December 2011

In the elderly, immunosenescence and malnourishment can contribute to increased risk and severity of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). Gold kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis‘Hort16A’) contains nutrients important for immune function and mitigation of symptoms of infection, including vitamins C and E, folate, polyphenols and carotenoids. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether regular consumption of gold kiwifruit reduces symptoms of URTI in older people, and determine the effect it has on plasma antioxidants, and markers of oxidative stress, inflammation and immune function. A total of thirty-two community-dwelling people ( ≥ 65 years) participated in a randomised crossover study, consuming the equivalent of four kiwifruit or two bananas daily for 4 weeks, with treatments separated by a 4-week washout period. Participants completed the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey-21 daily, and blood samples were collected at baseline and at the end of each treatment and washout period. Gold kiwifruit did not significantly reduce the overall incidence of URTI compared with banana, but significantly reduced the severity and duration of head congestion, and the duration of sore throat. Gold kiwifruit significantly increased plasma vitamin C, α-tocopherol and lutein/zeaxanthin concentrations, and erythrocyte folate concentrations, and significantly reduced plasma lipid peroxidation. No changes to innate immune function (natural killer cell activity, phagocytosis) or inflammation markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, homocysteine) were detected. Consumption of gold kiwifruit enhanced the concentrations of several dietary plasma analytes, which may contribute to reduced duration and severity of selected URTI symptoms, offering a novel tool for reducing the burden of URTI in older individuals.
Choline supplementation and measures of choline and betaine status: a randomised, controlled trial in postmenopausal women
Authors: Wallace Julie M. W. , McCormack Jacqueline M. , McNulty Helene , Walsh Paula M. , Robson Paula J. , Bonham Maxine P. , Duffy Maresa E. , Ward Mary , Molloy Anne M. , Scott John M. , Ueland Per M. , Strain J. J. 
Published: December 2011

Choline is an essential nutrient and can also be obtained byde novosynthesis via an oestrogen responsive pathway. Choline can be oxidised to the methyl donor betaine, with short-term supplementation reported to lower plasma total homocysteine (tHcy); however, the effects of longer-term choline supplementation are less clear. We investigated the effect of choline supplementation on plasma concentrations of free choline, betaine and tHcy and B-vitamin status in postmenopausal women, a group more susceptible to low choline status. We also assessed whether supplementation altered plasma lipid profiles. In this randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, forty-two healthy postmenopausal women received 1 g choline per d (as choline bitartrate), or an identical placebo supplement with their habitual diet. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline, week 6 and week 12. Administration of choline increased median choline and betaine concentrations in plasma, with significant effects evident after 6 weeks of supplementation (P < 0·001) and remaining significant at 12 weeks (P < 0·001); no effect was observed on folate status or on plasma lipids. Choline supplementation induced a median (25th, 75th percentile) change in plasma tHcy concentration at week 6 of − 0·9 ( − 1·6, 0·2) μmol, a change which, when compared to that observed in the placebo group 0·6 ( − 0·4, 1·9) μmol, approached statistical significance (P = 0·058). Choline supplementation at a dose of 1 g/d significantly increases the circulating concentration of free choline, and can also significantly increase the concentration of the methyl donor, betaine, thereby potentially enhancing the betaine–homocysteine methyltransferase-mediated remethylation of tHcy. This trial was registered athttp://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN82708510.
Numerical studies on terahertz radiation generated from two-color laser pulse interaction with gas targets
Authors: Du H.W. , Chen M. , Sheng Z.M. , Zhang J. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBased upon the Ammosov-Delone-Krainov ionization model, it is shown that two-color laser interaction with neutral gas generates strong ionization currents, which lead to electromagnetic emission at terahertz frequency when the gas density is at proper values. The emission efficiency depends on the difference of the phases between the fundamental and its second harmonic. The intensity ratio between the two pulses also affects the emission strength. An optimum intensity ratio has been found within our parameter region. The above ionization current theory is in agreement with one-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations with field ionization included.
Immortality in the Secret Police Files: The Iraq Memory Foundation and the Baath Party Archive
Authors: Montgomery Bruce P. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractShortly after the 2003 American invasion of Iraq, Kanan Makiya, a long time Iraqi dissident and professor of Middle East studies at Brandeis University, uncovered a major trove of documents belonging to Saddam Hussein's Baath Party and his security forces. The documents proved highly important in reflecting the inner workings of the Baath Party system in his final years in power. Soon after the discovery of the documents, the Iraq Memory Foundation (IMF), a private Washington, D.C.–based group founded by Makiya, took custody of the records, later depositing them with the Hoover Institution at Stanford University to provide a safe haven for them. The deal ignited immediate international controversy and charges of pillage from some Iraqi officials, archival organizations, scholars, and others who also demanded their immediate return to the Iraq National Library and Archive in Baghdad. On the surface, these charges of theft and plunder appear plausible enough, but on examination, a different and complicated narrative emerges in light of the conventions of war, U.S. law, and the Iraqi penal code, as well as the chain of events surrounding their taking and removal by nonstate actors in the Iraqi theatre of war and occupation.
Changing Climate, Changing Culture: Adding the Climate Change Dimension to the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Authors: Kim Hee-Eun 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis article explores the interplay between climate change and cultural heritage, in particular the intangible aspects of cultural heritage, in international legal frameworks, either existing or under development. The prime focus of the current climate change regime of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, leaving certain aspects of cultural heritage rather on the sidelines of debate and policy. However, where climate change combines with generally weak law and policy for culture and traditions, countries vulnerable to climate change may face significant cultural loss in the years to come.In its inventory of present and contemplated legal protection options, this article draws particular attention to policymaking directed at shaping a “rights-based” system in the form of sui generis rights, to complement any existing intellectual property-based protection. If adequately motivated, indigenous people have a key role to play not only in observing change, but also in developing adaptive models to cope.
Lifestyle Activities and Memory: Variety May Be the Spice of Life. The Women's Health and Aging Study II
Authors: Carlson Michelle C. , Parisi Jeanine M. , Xia Jin , Xue Qian-Li , Rebok George W. , Bandeen-Roche Karen , Fried Linda P. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis study examined whether participation in a variety of lifestyle activities was comparable to frequent participation in cognitively challenging activities in mitigating impairments in cognitive abilities susceptible to aging in healthy, community-dwelling older women. Frequencies of participation in various lifestyle activities on the Lifestyle Activities Questionnaire (LAQ) were divided according to high (e.g., reading), moderate (e.g., discussing politics), and low (e.g., watching television) cognitive demand. We also considered the utility of participation in a variety of lifestyle activities regardless of cognitive challenge. Immediate and delayed verbal recall, psychomotor speed, and executive function were each measured at baseline and at five successive exams, spanning a 9.5-year interval. Greater variety of participation in activities, regardless of cognitive challenge, was associated with an 8 to 11% reduction in the risk of impairment in verbal memory and global cognitive outcomes. Participation in a variety of lifestyle activities was more predictive than frequency or level of cognitive challenge for significant reductions in risk of incident impairment on measures sensitive to cognitive aging and risk for dementia. Our findings offer new perspectives in promoting a diverse repertoire of activities to mitigate age-related cognitive declines. (JINS, 2012, 18, 286–294)
Combined THEMIS and ground‐based observations of a pair of substorm‐associated electron precipitation events
Authors: Clilverd Mark A. , Rodger Craig J. , Rae I. Jonathan , Brundell James B. , Thomson Neil R. , Cobbett Neil , Verronen Pekka T. , Menk Frederick W. 
Published: December 2011

Using ground‐based subionospheric radio wave propagation data from two very low frequency (VLF) receiver sites, riometer absorption data, and THEMIS satellite observations, we examine in detail energetic electron precipitation (EEP) characteristics associated with two substorm precipitation events that occurred on 28 May 2010. In an advance on the analysis undertaken by Clilverd et al. (2008), we use phase observations of VLF radio wave signals to describe substorm‐driven EEP characteristics more accurately than before. Using a >30 keV electron precipitation flux of 5.6 × 107 el. cm−2 sr−1 s−1 and a spectral gradient consistent with that observed by THEMIS, it was possible to accurately reproduce the peak observed riometer absorption at Macquarie Island (L = 5.4) and the associated NWC radio wave phase change observed at Casey, Antarctica, during the second, larger substorm. The flux levels were near to 80% of the peak fluxes observed in a similar substorm as studied by Clilverd et al. (2008). During the initial stages of the second substorm, a latitude region of 5 < L < 9 was affected by electron precipitation. Both substorms showed expansion of the precipitation region to 4 < L< 12 more than 30 min after the injection. While both substorms occurred at similar local times, with electron precipitation injections into approximately the same geographical region, the second expanded in an eastward longitude more slowly, suggesting the involvement of lower‐energy electron precipitation. Each substorm region expanded westward at a rate slower than that exhibited eastward. This study shows that it is possible to successfully combine these multi‐instrument observations to investigate the characteristics of substorms.
Generation and propagation of baroclinic tides modified by the Kuroshio in the Luzon Strait
Authors: Jan Sen , Chern Ching‐Sheng , Wang Joe , Chiou Ming‐Da 
Published: December 2011

Using a three‐dimensional model with idealized settings, this study evaluated the effect of the Kuroshio on the generation and propagation of semidiurnal M2 and diurnal K1 baroclinic tides (BCTs) in the Luzon Strait (LS). The influences of the varied Kuroshio transport, the location of the Kuroshio, and the separation distance of the two meridional ridges were investigated. The absence of the Kuroshio in the model leads to 30% decreases in the westward baroclinic energy flux (Fbcx) emanating from the west slope of the east ridge compared to the Fbcx with the presence of the Kuroshio. Compared to the Fbcx without the Kuroshio's influence, the westward Fbcx is increased by 20–40% when the Kuroshio is located in either the middle or the west portions of the LS, whereas both the westward and eastward Fbcx are 25–40% decreased as the Kuroshio is moved to the east of the east ridge. The wavelength of the mode 1 M2 BCT is similar to the separation distance of the two ridges, favoring a resonance generation for M2 rather than K1 BCTs. The increase of the Kuroshio transport from 20 to 30 Sv (1 Sv = 106 m3 s−1) enhances the density front but weakens the westward Fbcx owing to the effects of energy advection and lateral friction from the Kuroshio. The influence of the Kuroshio on the westward Fbcx of K1 is opposite of that on M2. The characteristic slope of K1 is closer to the isopycnal slope across the Kuroshio than M2, thereby causing the discrepancy.
Photogeologic analysis of impact melt‐rich lithologies in Kepler crater that could be sampled by future missions
Authors: Öhman Teemu , Kring David A. 
Published: December 2011

Kepler is a 31 km diameter Copernican age complex impact crater located on the nearside maria of the Moon. We used Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter imagery and topographic data in combination with Kaguya terrain camera and other image data sets to construct a new geomorphologic sketch map of the Kepler crater, with a focus on impact melt‐rich lithologies. Most of the interior melt rocks are preserved in smooth and hummocky floor materials. Smaller volumes of impact melt were deposited in rim veneer, interior and exterior ponds, and lobe‐like overlapping flows on the upper crater wall. Based on shadow lengths, typical flows of melt‐rich material on crater walls and the western rim flank are ∼1–5 m thick, and have yield strengths of ∼1–10 kPa. The melt rock distribution is notably asymmetric, with interior and exterior melt‐rich deposits concentrated north and west of the crater center. This melt distribution and the similarly asymmetric ray distribution imply a slightly less than 45° impact trajectory from the southeast. The exposed wall of Kepler displays distinct layering, with individual layers having typical thicknesses of ∼3–5 m. These are interpreted as flows of Procellarum mare basalts in the impact target. From the point of view of exploration, numerous fractures and pits in the melt‐rich floor materials not only enable detailed studies of melt‐related processes of impact crater formation, but also provide potential shelters for longer duration manned lunar missions.
454 Pyrosequencing reveals bacterial diversity of activated sludge from 14 sewage treatment plants
Authors: Zhang Tong , Shao Ming-Fei , Ye Lin 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Activated sludge (AS) contains highly complex microbial communities. In this study, PCR-based 454 pyrosequencing was applied to investigate the bacterial communities of AS samples from 14 sewage treatment plants of Asia (mainland China, Hong Kong, and Singapore), and North America (Canada and the United States). A total of 259 K effective sequences of 16S rRNA gene V4 region were obtained from these AS samples. These sequences revealed huge amount of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in AS, that is, 1183–3567 OTUs in a sludge sample, at 3% cutoff level and sequencing depth of 16 489 sequences. Clear geographical differences among the AS samples from Asia and North America were revealed by (1) cluster analyses based on abundances of OTUs or the genus/family/order assigned by Ribosomal Database Project (RDP) and (2) the principal coordinate analyses based on OTUs abundances, RDP taxa abundances and UniFrac of OTUs and their distances. In addition to certain unique bacterial populations in each AS sample, some genera were dominant, and core populations shared by multiple samples, including two commonly reported genera of Zoogloea and Dechloromonas, three genera not frequently reported (i.e., Prosthecobacter, Caldilinea and Tricoccus) and three genera not well described so far (i.e., Gp4 and Gp6 in Acidobacteria and Subdivision3 genera incertae sedis of Verrucomicrobia). Pyrosequencing analyses of multiple AS samples in this study also revealed the minority populations that are hard to be explored by traditional molecular methods and showed that a large proportion of sequences could not be assigned to taxonomic affiliations even at the phylum/class levels.
Genomic insights to SAR86, an abundant and uncultivated marine bacterial lineage
Authors: Dupont Chris L , Rusch Douglas B , Yooseph Shibu , Lombardo Mary-Jane , Alexander Richter R , Valas Ruben , Novotny Mark , Yee-Greenbaum Joyclyn , Selengut Jeremy D , Haft Dan H , Halpern Aaron L , Lasken Roger S , Nealson Kenneth , Friedman Robert , Craig Venter J 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Bacteria in the 16S rRNA clade SAR86 are among the most abundant uncultivated constituents of microbial assemblages in the surface ocean for which little genomic information is currently available. Bioinformatic techniques were used to assemble two nearly complete genomes from marine metagenomes and single-cell sequencing provided two more partial genomes. Recruitment of metagenomic data shows that these SAR86 genomes substantially increase our knowledge of non-photosynthetic bacteria in the surface ocean. Phylogenomic analyses establish SAR86 as a basal and divergent lineage of γ-proteobacteria, and the individual genomes display a temperature-dependent distribution. Modestly sized at 1.25–1.7 Mbp, the SAR86 genomes lack several pathways for amino-acid and vitamin synthesis as well as sulfate reduction, trends commonly observed in other abundant marine microbes. SAR86 appears to be an aerobic chemoheterotroph with the potential for proteorhodopsin-based ATP generation, though the apparent lack of a retinal biosynthesis pathway may require it to scavenge exogenously-derived pigments to utilize proteorhodopsin. The genomes contain an expanded capacity for the degradation of lipids and carbohydrates acquired using a wealth of tonB-dependent outer membrane receptors. Like the abundant planktonic marine bacterial clade SAR11, SAR86 exhibits metabolic streamlining, but also a distinct carbon compound specialization, possibly avoiding competition.
Distinct and complex bacterial profiles in human periodontitis and health revealed by 16S pyrosequencing
Authors: Griffen Ann L , Beall Clifford J , Campbell James H , Firestone Noah D , Kumar Purnima S , Yang Zamin K , Podar Mircea , Leys Eugene J 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Periodontitis has a polymicrobial etiology within the framework of a complex microbial ecosystem. With advances in sequencing technologies, comprehensive studies to elucidate bacterial community differences have recently become possible. We used 454 sequencing of 16S rRNA genes to compare subgingival bacterial communities from 29 periodontally healthy controls and 29 subjects with chronic periodontitis. Amplicons from both the V1-2 and V4 regions of the 16S gene were sequenced, yielding 1 393 579 sequences. They were identified by BLAST against a curated oral 16S database, and mapped to 16 phyla, 106 genera, and 596 species. 81% of sequences could be mapped to cultivated species. Differences between health- and periodontitis-associated bacterial communities were observed at all phylogenetic levels, and UniFrac and principal coordinates analysis showed distinct community profiles in health and disease. Community diversity was higher in disease, and 123 species were identified that were significantly more abundant in disease, and 53 in health. Spirochaetes, Synergistetes and Bacteroidetes were more abundant in disease, whereas the Proteobacteria were found at higher levels in healthy controls. Within the phylum Firmicutes, the class Bacilli was health-associated, whereas the Clostridia, Negativicutes and Erysipelotrichia were associated with disease. These results implicate a number of taxa that will be targets for future research. Some, such as Filifactor alocis and many Spirochetes were represented by a large fraction of sequences as compared with previously identified targets. Elucidation of these differences in community composition provides a basis for further understanding the pathogenesis of periodontitis.
Akute Hemiparese und ipsilaterales Horner-Syndrom – Eindeutige Indikation zur intravenösen Thrombolyse?
Authors: Ludwig K. , Sitzer M. , Berger F. 
Published: December 2011

ZusammenfassungDie Symptomtrias „akute Hemiparese, ipsilaterales Horner-Syndrom (v. a. Miosis und Ptosis) und Nackenschmerzen“ gilt als typisches Syndrom eines spinalen Infarktes bei akutem Verschluss einer Vertebralarterie (Opalski-Syndrom). Gleichermaßen kann ein spontanes zervikales epidurales Hämatom mit unilateraler Kompression des zervikalen Myelons (Brown-Séquard-Syndrom) zu dieser Symptomtrias führen. Die akuten Therapieoptionen sind divergent (rekanalisierende Therapie vs. operative Entlastung). Eine korrekte Diagnosestellung kann in der Akutphase schwierig sein, insbesondere wenn klinisch die Hemiparese im Vordergrund steht. Der vorgestellte Fall soll auf diese wichtige Differenzialdiagnose aufmerksam machen und Orientierungshilfen im Akutmanagement geben.